Il-gwon Kim

Il-gwon Kim, author of Retracing the Ancient Korean Sky and Its Myths, boasts a somewhat unusual but well-rounded résumé: after studying biology at Seoul National University for his bachelor’s degree, he opted for a graduate career in religious studies at the same institution. It was during his years as a graduate student that a number of experiences conspired to spark his interest in astronomy, including his visit to the harbor city of Pohang in 1994, where he saw a rock engraved with the constellation Cassiopeia, and some of the courses he took in related disciplines. Kim has ushered in an important phase in Korean archeoastronomy through his multidisciplinary approach and publications that integrate astronomy, archaeology, history, and folklore. He is still pursuing his passion for the subject as professor of folk studies at the Academy of Korean Studies, and has been sharing his findings with the general public through guest lectures at museums and appearances on broadcast programs.