¡Ø Promoting the scientific and cultural development of Baduk

The study of Baduk can upgrade it from being just a game to being an element of high culture. In Baduk as a game, the central interest is winning, and the study of techniques needed to win. To win or to lose is the only focus, so other questions, such as the history or social function of Baduk, are not asked at all.
"The whole point in the game of Baduk is to win, and nothing else." The technical approach based on this kind of thinking results in trapping Baduk within the boundaries of a game and diminishing its wider possibilities.
In reality, we are experiencing the limitations Baduk is facing as an art form. In the cultural approach, Baduk is viewed as a cultural phenomenon, not just as a game, and therefore various phenomena associated with Baduk are viewed from a wider perspective.
As a result, various attributes of Baduk can be studied; not only techniques of play, but Baduk theory, cultural events, Baduk education and Baduk history can all be developed.
In short, the birth of academic Baduk raises the cultural status of Baduk. Despite its status as a great Baduk nation, Korea does not have a cultural history of Baduk to compare to those of Japan and China.
What else does Korea have to show in the international world of Baduk, apart from its strength in play? We have a weak cultural infrastructure due to the fast growth of Baduk in Korea, and one of the primary tasks of academic Baduk will be to help to overcome this limitation. In addition to their academic studies, it is expected that Baduk majors will engage in activities which aim to develop the Baduk community not only within Korea, but internationally.

-- by Jung Soo-hyun 9dan, Professor of Department of Baduk