Similar but Different Worlds: A Korean Perspective on the Japanese Academic Profession

Abstract

This chapter overviews similarities and differences between Japanese academics and Korean academics. According to the Changing Academic Profession data and author’s observations, the author found that both Japanese and Korean scholars are similar, yet they are quite different at the same time. This chapter discusses that similarities and differences are related to the historical development of the higher education in the two countries. Korean academics are more akin to those in US higher education while Japanese scholars still hold to strong German traditions. With the similar roots but different adaptations, academics in both countries have similarities and differences. Finally, the author argued that Korean academics have shifted more rapidly toward a teaching- focused approach than Japanese academics. However, in term of research, Korean academics are still lagging behind their Japanese colleagues because Japanese academics have well established research hubs, develop their own research topics, and are networking widely both regionally and globally.