VANK, an acronym for Voluntary Agency Network of Korea, is an Internet-based South Korean organization consisting of 100,000 South Korean members and 30,000 international members.
Activities
Examples of campaigns they have conducted include spreading the story of the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo, and about Jikji, the world's oldest extant book printed using movable metal type. VANK publishes reading materials, postcards, maps, and videos. VANK's self-built online database and published books with information about Korea are acknowledged by overseas universities as recommended learning resources about Korea. As a way to exchange cultures and connect with foreigners, VANK also conducts surveys about foreigners' opinion of Korea, such as a notable survey about what aspects of Korea interest foreigners the most. VANK disputes certain terms and information regarding Korea's geographic names or about Korean history. The head of the Voluntary Agency Network of Korea said the organization has corrected hundreds of mistaken statements by foreign governments about South Korea. VANK also raises awareness for Japanese war crimes.
Donation
VANK is an independent non-governmental and private organisation. According to VANK, they do not receive money from any organisation or corporation, and are run by donations. It receives donations from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of South Korea. VANK has received monetary support from the South Korean government; however, the amount has been decreased in recent years, from 80 million won in 2006 to 30 million won in 2008.
Reception
An About.com spokesman, relating his company's decision to use the name "East Sea" to refer to the body of water otherwise known as the Sea of Japan, stated that they chose to use the name "not necessarily because it agreed with the South Korean geography activists but because the e-mail bombardment was annoying." It was reported in the Asia Times Online that they received as many as 20 e-mails per day regarding this issue from VANK.
