Pukyong National University Opens New Horizons in 'Marine Humanities'

Korea Research Foundation HK+ Project 7-Year Comprehensive Evaluation Rated 'Excellent'

National Pukyong University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has been recognized for opening a new horizon in the humanities called "Maritime Humanities" through its seven-year operation of the "Humanities Korea Plus (HK+) Project."

National Pukyong University received the highest excellence rating in the recent "2024 Humanities Korea Plus Support Project Final Evaluation" conducted by the National Research Foundation of Korea, acknowledging its unique research achievements that connect academia and society.

Since being selected for the HK+ project in 2017 under the leadership of the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (Director Kim Chang-kyung), National Pukyong University has conducted the "Study on the Dynamics of Northeast Asian Maritime Areas and Humanities Networks" for seven years until 2024. The project was funded with 9 billion KRW, an unusually large amount for a humanities research project.

This project was noted in the evaluation for expanding academic horizons through a multilayered approach encompassing both local and global perspectives centered on the theme of "Maritime Humanities." By securing HK research personnel and building infrastructure, the project published over 200 papers in international journals and released more than 50 books, translations, and series, thereby gaining recognition for its research outcomes.

Additionally, the project was highly praised for socially spreading awareness of Maritime Humanities through various programs such as annual international academic conferences establishing a Northeast Asian maritime network, joint series with media outlets on the theme of Maritime Humanities, lectures and forums utilizing historical sites in the Busan area, explorations, exhibitions, and contests.

The university also strengthened the program’s substance by actively utilizing related infrastructure such as advanced training and research vessels. In particular, the "Humanistic Reflection and Practice Mediated by Maritime Areas" proposed by the institute was evaluated as an innovative vision that goes beyond the existing framework of regional studies.

Kim Chang-kyung, Director of the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, stated, "Our research is the result of efforts to go beyond the existing frameworks of humanities theory and present new perspectives by weaving stories directly connected to the lives of the people," emphasizing, "We will continue to explore the potential of humanistic values connected through maritime areas."

Based on this achievement, the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences at National Pukyong University plans to challenge the follow-up Humanities Korea 3.0 support project this year. They aim to establish a research plan to further advance the humanities field, accelerate the fusion of scholarship and practice, and embark on original research presenting the future of Maritime Humanities.

Activity scene of the Humanities Korea Plus (HK+) Project Group at Pukyong National University. Provided by Pukyong National University

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.