From Korea's First Nuclear Fusion to Daedongyeojido: 'National Important Materials'

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] Four items?the country's first nuclear fusion plasma generator 'SNUT-79', the first domestically produced aircraft 'Buhwal', Daedongyeojijeondo, and Dongguk Paldo Jido?have been registered as National Important Science and Technology Data. The National Science Museum announced on the 29th that this decision was made and registration certificates were awarded.

The National Important Science and Technology Data registration system is a program that registers materials with high historical and educational value related to science and technology, which need to be preserved and managed for future generations. After 12 items were first registered last December, this is the second implementation.

The nuclear fusion plasma generator SNUT-79 at the National Fusion Research Institute (NFRI) is Korea's first nuclear fusion research device. It was developed starting in 1979 by the late Professor Jeong Ki-hyung of Seoul National University and his students, and completed in 1983. This technology contributed to nurturing the key developers of the currently operating superconducting fusion research device 'KSTAR'.

The first domestically produced aircraft 'Buhwal', housed at the Air Force Academy Air Force Museum, is the first aircraft designed, manufactured, and actually flown by Korean hands. During the Korean War, it was built in 1953 for the purpose of flight design and manufacturing practice by maintenance education instructors and assistants, and to verify the possibility of domestic production of light aircraft. Existing engines, propellers, and landing gear were used, while the fuselage, wings, and other airframe components were independently designed. After disappearing for decades, the fuselage and some parts were found and restored in 2004 at a technical high school in Daegu.

Daedongyeojijeondo, held by the National Science Museum, is a reduced version made based on Kim Jeong-ho's Daedongyeojido. Measuring 65.2 cm in width and 111 cm in height, it was produced as a single woodblock print from four wooden blocks. It features road networks, distance markings, and tidal influence zones, and is evaluated to have been highly useful as a map for the general public.

Dongguk Paldo Jido, also held by the National Science Museum, is a colored manuscript based on the Dongguk map by the late Joseon geographer Jeong Sang-gi. It reflects Jeong Sang-gi's method of constructing the Baeklicheok scale (where flat areas are represented as 100 ri per cheok, and mountainous regions with severe curves are represented as 120?130 ri per cheok). It is characterized by improved accuracy considering Korea's mountainous geographical features.

Korea's First Domestic Aircraft 'Revival' (Photo by Air Force Academy Air Force Museum)

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