Welcome to the 18th Korea, China, Japan Joint Conference on Geography!
This conference, where East Asian geographers gather to share knowledge and broaden their intellectual horizons, marks its 18th anniversary this year.
Although our three nations have long experienced nature, cities, regions, and societies in distinct ways, our shared passion for geographical inquiry has always been the driving force that brings us together. In today’s world, where every facet of life is being reorganized by digital forces, the traditional meanings of mountains, rivers, cities, and human spaces are calling for new and profound questions.
The Great Digital Transformation—symbolized by AI, satellite observations, sensor networks, and platform technologies—is fundamentally reshaping democracy, urban governance, climate and disaster management systems, mobility, daily life, and the very structure of education and knowledge. At the forefront of these shifts, geography is tasked with a role broader and deeper than ever before.
The geographical tradition of connecting humans with the environment, technology with space, and the local with the global is now merging with the new language of the digital era, evolving into practical wisdom that will shape the spaces of the future.
This conference will serve as a vital platform to discuss the new insights and roles geography can offer amidst these trends. Centered on plenary sessions such as GeoAI and Spatial Data Science, Digital Governance, and the Digital Transformation of Climate and Disaster Management, special and general sessions will cover the full spectrum of geography—including Physical and Human Geography, GIScience, Geography Education, and Historical Geography. This will be a comprehensive opportunity to discuss the present and future of East Asian geography, ranging from natural environments and urban issues to population, migration, settlement systems, and the flows of industry, innovation, culture, and history.
The 18th Conference, held at Asia Center of Seoul National University Asia Center, is more than just an academic exchange; it is a precious occasion to reaffirm the solidarity and friendship of the East Asian geographical community. We hope that the narratives of researchers, who have shared their experiences and knowledge to map out the geography of tomorrow despite numerous changes, will continue to unfold here. Furthermore, the Young Geographer Program is specially designed to support the challenges and growth of the next generation, bringing new vitality to our field.
In addition, the Seoul Digital Transformation Tour will provide a unique opportunity to experience East Asian spaces through the “geographer’s lens” by visiting the actual sites of Seoul’s digital evolution.
To navigate this rapidly changing era together, we must meet once again. The moments we spend listening to each other’s research, asking questions, and opening new perspectives are what collectively build the future of geography.
We look forward to welcoming you to Seoul in November 2026, amidst the beauty of autumn. We sincerely hope to write a new chapter in the narrative of the East Asian geographical community together with you.
Sincerely,
Organizing Committee of the 18th Korea, China, Japan Joint Conference on Geography