This article intends to introduce and evaluate the history of Southeast Asian studies in Korea. It has progressed so fast in the past 20 years. The past analyses of Southeast Asian Studies in Korea have revolved around two main focuses: the research performance and the two-generation dichotomy. However, this study contends that the research history survey should focus not only on research performance, but also on individual scholars and research institutions. Moreover, this research proposes three-generation concept. Crucially, there are duties of the emerging third generation of Southeast Asian studies in Korea. Despite the fast growth of two decades, the Southeast Asian studies is still the clear minority in Korean academia. In addition, it strives for resources to maintain their research institution. Therefore the third generation should arm itself with ability of "international relations (IR) area specialist" and attitude of "organic intellectual".