In 1999, Sungkyunkwan University launched a sizeable research and education complex devoted to the study of various issues relating to the past and the future of East Asia. Since its foundation, one of the Academy's aims was to create a system which combines research and education. Research units, postgraduate courses, three specializing institutes which are the major features of the AEAS, are all designed to carry out the dual task of research and education. Under such systems, the AEAS encourages its researchers and participating outside researchers to choose topics which are based on interdisciplinary multi-regional subjects without its academic activities being confined to the scopes demarcated by conventional institutions. In addition, the AEAS is running a special reference collection suitable for its complicated and diverse research areas for the convenience of researchers and students.