Myeonghak Award Winners Selected in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province

Professor Seo Myeongseok in Education and Academic Research, Artist Lee Gwangbok in Culture and the Arts, and Professor Kim Haksu in Social Service

The Myeonghak Scholarship Foundation, based in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, held a steering committee meeting on November 10 and selected and announced the winners of the 7th Myeonghak Awards. <Photo>

The Myeonghak Scholarship Foundation selects and honors individuals each year for their contributions in three fields: education and academic research, culture and the arts, and social service.

The steering committee meeting was attended by Choi Seokwon, chairman of the Myeonghak Scholarship Foundation and former president of Kongju National University; Yun Yonghyeok and Lee Myeongu, honorary professors at Kongju National University; Lee Chanhee, a professor at Kongju National University; Park Jonggu, director at The Asia Business Daily; and Lee Seongho, secretary-general.

Seo Myeongseok, a professor at Kongju National University, was selected in the education and academic research category; Western-style painter Lee Gwangbok in the culture and arts category; and Kim Haksu, an honorary professor at Kongju National University, in the social service category.

Professor Seo Myeongseok, the winner in the education and academic research category, <Photo> was recognized for his outstanding contributions to developing data processing systems for the Cheollian 1 and 2 satellites, advancing the use of meteorological satellite data, and improving the reliability of information on future regional climate change.

In particular, while holding key positions including vice president of the Korean Meteorological Society, he contributed significantly to the development of meteorology in Korea by helping the society grow in membership, surpassing 3,000 members; improving its performance; and training future scholars.

He currently contributes to expanding exchanges with the international community through activities including serving as co-chair of the LAC of the Asia-Pacific Geosciences Society.

Lee Gwangbok, the winner in the culture and arts category, <Photo> is regarded as a master of Byzantine art and Western painting who has greatly helped raise the profile of Gongju's culture and arts and advance local art through exchanges between Eastern and Western art.

In particular, his work and training of younger artists based in Gongju have helped foster a sense of cultural pride among residents. Most recently, in 2026, he also contributed significantly to promoting culture and the arts and enhancing Korea's standing abroad by showcasing his outstanding artistic ability in a solo exhibition in Athens, Greece.

Lee Gwangbok continues to present a distinctive and sophisticated body of work, including a series based on the apple motif and large-scale installation art, from his studio in Gongju.

Kim Haksu, an honorary professor at Kongju National University, was selected in the social service category. <Photo> A physical education major, he served as secretary-general of the Gongju Sports Council for 19 years. While serving as dean of student affairs at Kongju National University, he also helped enhance the university's standing by arranging scholarships for students and organizing overseas volunteer activities.

In particular, he has consistently volunteered with the Korean Red Cross RCY since his school days and became a special member. He also helped establish a blood donation center at Kongju National University. Concerned about the poor conditions faced by the volunteer group at the Gongju branch of the Korean Red Cross, he pursued the establishment of a 4-billion-won volunteer center with the city of Gongju; the project is now nearing completion. He currently serves as executive vice president of the Chungnam Red Cross.

The awards ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on December 4 in the main auditorium of MG Baekje Saemaeul Geumgo.

Founded in 1976 with his personal funds by the late Im Myeonghan, the Myeonghak Scholarship Foundation has earned a reputation as one of the leading scholarship foundations in the central region of Korea. For more than 50 years, it has awarded scholarships totaling more than 200 million won each year to around 200 students.

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