National Naju Cultural Heritage Research Institute Hosts Academic Conference on Current Status and Issues in Mahan History Research

The National Naju Cultural Heritage Research Institute (Director Yoo Eun-sik) of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage under the Cultural Heritage Administration will hold an academic conference on the theme of “Current Status and Issues in Mahan History Research” from October 18 to 19 at the main conference hall of the National Naju Cultural Heritage Research Institute (Naju City Jeollanam-do).

This conference is part of joint academic research aimed at revitalizing Mahan history studies and is co-hosted by the National Naju Cultural Heritage Research Institute and the National Naju Museum. It is co-organized by the Korean Ancient History Society and the Korean Archaeological Society. The conference will feature nine presentations and discussions focused on the current status issues and future tasks related to Mahan history research.

On the first day October 18 the event will begin with a keynote speech on “The Importance of Mahan History” by Lim Young-jin from the Mahan Research Institute followed by presentations on “Issues Concerning the Origins and Identity of Mahan” by Park Dae-jae (Korea University) and “The Development of Discussions on the Location and Influence of Mahan” by Jeon Jin-guk (Kangwon National University). Additionally there will be discussions on the latest research status and future challenges related to Mahan in the Seoul/Gyeonggi Region (Park Jung-guk Hanshin University) the Hoseo Region (Jang Deok-won Seowon Cultural Heritage Research Institute) and the Jeonbuk Region (Kim Eun-jung Korean Cultural Heritage Research Institute).

On the second day October 19 presentations will include “The Establishment and Development of Mahan in the Yeongsan River Basin” by Oh Dong-sun (National Buyeo Cultural Heritage Research Institute) which will analyze Baekje’s governance strategy through the changing styles and distribution of jar burials discovered in the Yeongsan River Basin. Additionally Kim Young-shim (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies) will present on the “Current Status and Issues in 3rd-Century Mahan Society Research from an External Relations Perspective” focusing on two major historical events (the Battle of Giryeong and relations with the Western Jin Dynasty). Finally Kim Ki-seop (Baekje Culture Research Institute Gongju National University) will discuss the “Current Status and Issues in Research on the Period of Baekje’s Annexation of Mahan” reviewing various academic debates from the Joseon Dynasty to the 21st century.

Following the presentations a panel discussion led by Professor Kwon Oh-young from Seoul National University will address the challenges in bridging the perspectives of the archaeological and ancient history communities regarding Mahan history and culture as well as strategies to further promote Mahan research.

The academic conference is open to the public and anyone can attend by registering on-site on the day of the event. For more details inquiries can be made via phone (☎061-339-1122). The discussions from the conference will be compiled and published in an academic series by the end of the year.

The National Naju Cultural Heritage Research Institute hopes that this conference will reaffirm the importance and significance of Mahan history research and lead to more active studies in the field. The institute will continue to work closely with academic and professional communities to ensure ongoing investigation and research into Mahan history and culture.

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