They both mean endeavoring to find out more about a subject, but are different in their purpose and methods.
- 조사하다: investigate. Involves ordinary activities of surveying, gathering, verifying, and collating facts.
- 연구하다: research deeply. Investigate and study to expand knowledge or utility, employing technical methods.
* 정부는 이 회사의 세무 관계 부정을 조사했다.
=> The government investigated this company's tax related infractions.
* 줄기 세포의 실용화를 위한 많은 연구가 진행되고 있다.
=> Numerous researches are being conducted for practical application of stem cells.
* 환경 변화를 연구하는 과학자들은 북극 빙하의 상태를 조사한다.
=> Scientists researching environmental changes survey the glaciers of the North Pole.