Professor Baekidong, Hanyang University Emeritus, Awarded Sambul Academic Prize

'Human Evolution and Paleolithic Culture in Asia' Covers Asian Human History
"Written from the Perspective of Asian Archaeologists... Deepening Understanding of Humanity"

Baek Gi-dong, the new director of the National Museum of Korea
[Photo by National Museum of Korea]

The Sambul Academic Award Steering Committee announced on the 2nd that Professor Emeritus Bae Gi-dong of Hanyang University has been selected as this year's recipient of the Sambul Academic Award.

He is an expert in Paleolithic archaeology who has served as the director of the Hanyang University Museum, director of the Jeongok Prehistoric Museum, chairman of the National Museum Cultural Foundation, and director of the National Museum of Korea. In his book published last year, "Human Evolution and Paleolithic Culture in Asia," he systematically addressed the evolution of archaic humans who lived in the Asian region and the stone tool cultures they left behind. He pointed out that since the roots of archaeology lie in the West, prehistoric archaeology in Asia has also relied on Western traditions, and emphasized that it is now time for Asians to independently examine the Paleolithic cultures of the Asian region.

The committee evaluated, "The book, which covers over one million years of human history across the entire Asian region, remains unique in the archaeological communities of Korea, China, and Japan," and added, "It is even more meaningful as it was written from the perspective of an Asian archaeologist rather than a Western viewpoint." Furthermore, they stated, "'Human Evolution and Paleolithic Culture in Asia' is the culmination of the author's more than 40 years of academic life," and "It is expected to deepen the understanding of humanity through insights into the universality and diversity of human evolution."

The Sambul Academic Award honors the late Kim Won-yong (1922?1993), a leading figure in Korean archaeology, and is awarded to scholars who have contributed to the advancement of archaeology. The award ceremony will be held on the 4th at the Korea Archaeology National Conference at the Jeonbuk National University International Convention Center.

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