KOSSDA Korea Social Science Data Archive

Overview

KOSSDA (Korea Social Science Data Archive) is South Korea's primary social science data archive, currently housed within the College of Social Sciences at Seoul National University (SNU). Founded in 2003 and formally developed as a data archive in 2006, KOSSDA acquires, preserves, and disseminates Korean social science data and related research materials to the academic and research community.

History and Founding

KOSSDA began in 2003 as an organization attached to the Korean Social Science Library, supported by the Lee Inpyo Foundation, initially providing digitized survey data. By 2006, it was developed into a full data archive combining datasets with related literature. In 2007, it launched an online service and an online statistical analysis system. An English-language website was opened in November 2008 for international Korean Studies researchers. In 2015, KOSSDA transferred to Seoul National University's Asia Center, and in April 2022 it moved again to the College of Social Sciences at SNU, where it operates as an independent research institute.

Collections and Holdings

KOSSDA maintains approximately 3,610 datasets spanning politics, economics, sociology, psychology, cultural studies, and other social sciences. The collection includes around 3,400 quantitative datasets—notably the Korean General Social Survey (KGSS) and the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study—and approximately 210 qualitative data materials in text, audio, video, and image formats covering local communities, political and social movements, poverty, and other social research themes. An online statistical analysis service (previously NESSTAR) supports direct data exploration.

Access and Usage

Registered users may access KOSSDA's datasets through its website. Online statistical analysis is available, and a K-Poll service launched in 2013 offers public opinion survey results displayed graphically. KOSSDA also conducts educational programs on methodology and data analysis.