The Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) has a lengthy history, with the Great Britain and Ireland organization established in August 1824 to further "the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia." Many regional branches around Asia have nearly as long a history, including RAS Korea, which dates back to 1900. But new RAS branches are still forming, with the branch for the country of Georgia, located at the crossroads or Asia and Europe, founded just in 2023.

Earlier this month, RAS Georgia Vice President Tamar Latsabidze visited Korea, during which she met with RAS Korea President Denny Park and former RAS Korea leader Rev. Steven L. Shields. The two sides sought to build ties among regional RAS branches.

"Ms. Latsabidze envisions a vibrant network of RAS branches collaborating on educational and cultural exchanges, historical research and other scholarly initiatives," Shields told The Korea Times. "RAS Korea wholeheartedly shares this vision and is excited to build a relationship with RAS Georgia — and, in time, strengthen connections with other RAS branches across Asia."

He pointed out that historically, RAS Korea was the only branch in a country that had never been a British colony. "With the founding of RAS Georgia, there are now two," he said. "Situated at opposite ends of Asia — Georgia in the west, Korea in the east — both nations share deep historical legacies, having long served as cultural crossroads."

The two sides identified commonalities between Korea and Georgia. These include the two countries' unique alphabets, long literary traditions and iconic female monarchs — Queen Seondeok of Silla and King Tamar of Georgia — who led in eras dominated by patriarchal norms and are now revered as national icons.

"These commonalities create a strong foundation for mutual enrichment," Shields said. "Denny and Tamar are now working on a memorandum of understanding to formalize collaboration between RAS Korea and RAS Georgia. This agreement will outline areas of cooperation, including reciprocal membership, publication exchanges and educational programs.

"RAS Korea looks forward to deepening this friendship and advancing our shared mission of exploring and promoting Asian history, culture and scholarship," Shields said.

RAS Georgia is affiliated with the Art Palace of Georgia in Tbilisi. Latsabidze is one of three founders, along with RAS Georgia President Giorgi Kalandia and Irakli Zambakhidze. In contrast to many other RAS branches, which were established by British officials and primarily served expatriate communities, RAS Georgia was founded and is operated by Georgians themselves.

Latsabidze, a global banking professional, has long championed Georgia’s cultural heritage — particularly its historic illuminated manuscripts — during her years working at HSBC in London. Her active involvement with the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland there laid the foundation for her current efforts to connect RAS branches worldwide.