★ Group name : K-Resilience R&D Salon

★ Leader : JeeEun Karin Nam, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at the Graduate School of Education, Kyung Hee University

★ Schedule(Regular Meeting)

Every 3rd Sunday of the month, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a warm dinner together (5 sessions in total, starting this June).

*The exact timeline can be flexibly adjusted and refined based on the members' academic and research schedules.

★ Meeting Location(Regular Meeting)

Seoul (A comfortable seminar room)

*The specific location will be decided together, taking into account everyone’s affiliated universities or institutions for maximum convenience.

1. What is the purpose of this Group?

Harmonizing Psychological Well-being and Professional Excellence in Korea

Are you navigating the fast-paced world of Korean R&D, but sometimes find yourself overwhelmed by unique institutional dynamics, cultural differences, or a lingering sense of isolation? You don’t have to walk this path alone. We invite you to a 6-month journey designed to transform what often feels like an "isolated struggle" into a "shared journey of growth."

Supported by KIRD, our salon is a curated, 6-month networking and peer-coaching community.

Our ultimate blueprint is to help international researchers overcome psychological barriers, rebuild self-efficacy, and firmly establish themselves as core innovators in the Korean R&D ecosystem. Here, we offer a strictly "non-judgmental" and "confidential" safe haven where you can openly share your challenges, build lasting professional friendships, and design a sustainable, long-term career in Korea.

2. Who is the group leader?

My name is JeeEun Karin Nam, and I will be your facilitator and cultural bridge.

My Journey: Born in Korea but raised in Europe and the US from the age of nine, I grew up as a Cross-Cultural Kid (CCK). After earning my B.A. in Psychology from Wellesley College, I returned home alone, wishing to make a meaningful, positive impact on my motherland. I completed my M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Counseling at Seoul National University. Today, I am an Associate Professor and Head Professor of Counseling Psychology at Kyung Hee University, where I also direct the Campus Psychological Counseling Center. At home, I am the proud mother of two elementary school children.

Expertise & Calling: Having navigated the complexities of two distinct cultures myself, my research naturally focuses on multicultural adaptation and Resilience. Having previously managed counseling services for international students at Seoul National University, and currently expanding multicultural counseling services at Kyung Hee University, I understand the subtle systemic and emotional hurdles you face. I am dedicated to using my clinical background to guide you smoothly through the unique codes of Korean research culture.

3. Who would you like to be part of this group with?

We are looking for international researchers who want to thrive, not just survive, in Korea.

-Target Audience: International professors, post-doctoral researchers (Post-docs), and graduate students currently working or studying at Korean universities, government-funded research institutes, or national/public labs.

-Ideal Member Profiles:

1. The Growth-Seeker: Researchers with a strong drive for academic achievement but facing challenges navigating vertical hierarchies, lab communication, or career pathing. If you believe that enhancing mental well-being directly boosts high-impact research, this is for you.

2. The Empowerer: Researchers who are already thriving but are passionate about uplifting their international colleagues by sharing practical tips, encouragement, and support.

4. What aspects can I discuss and develop by participating?

By joining the K-Resilience R&D Salon, you will enter a dynamic, hands-on growth experience that goes far beyond traditional, passive networking.

Decode Korean Research Culture: We will directly address the "unwritten codes" of Korean academia—such as vertical or informal organizational structures—equipping you with practical communication and leadership strategies to navigate your institution smoothly.

Build Your Psychological Toolkit: This salon offers a rare space to prioritize your mental well-being alongside academic success. Drawing from evidence-based clinical principles, I will lead a specialized DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Skills Workshop focused on stress management. You will gain practical tools to manage heavy research stress, combat burnout, and effectively cope with cultural microaggressions or isolation.

Map Your Long-Term Future: You won’t just discuss struggles; you will actively shape your career. Through structured peer-coaching and exclusive mentoring from senior international faculty who have successfully walked this path, you will design your own concrete "5-year Career Roadmap" in Korea.

You will walk away from this 6-month journey not just with a clearer vision for your future, but with a lifelong, sustainable network of global collaborators.

5. Tentative Schedule

※ The schedule is subject to change.