Publication of a Booklet Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Liberation
The Korean Academy of Engineering has announced the publication of the book “80 Selections of Industrial Technology Heritage for the 80th Anniversary of Liberation,” which compiles records of Korea’s technological innovations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of liberation.
The Academy formed a selection committee for the 80 choices of industrial technology and conducted in-depth discussions across seven specialized divisions, including electrical and electronics, machinery, construction environment, chemical biology, materials resources, computing, and biomedical. The selections were comprehensively considered based on their contribution to societal development, improvement of quality of life, and historical symbolism enhancing national prestige.
Highlights include the development of Korea’s first vacuum tube radio “A-501” during the reconstruction era of the 1950s and 60s, the operation of Samcheok Cement Plant, production of nylon stretch yarn, completion of the Gyeongbu Expressway, and the development of cabbage varieties. Key selections from the 1970s and 80s include the first operation of the Pohang Steelworks blast furnace, the opening of Seoul Subway Line 1, the development of the Pony car, DRAM semiconductor development, and the creation of the Hantaan virus vaccine.
From the 1990s to 2000s, achievements like the world’s first CDMA commercialization, the software development of “Hangul Word Processor,” the opening of Incheon International Airport, Korea’s ascension to the world leader in shipbuilding and marine plant construction, and the popularization of CMOS image sensors were recognized. The period from 2010 to 2020 featured advancements such as the development of high bandwidth memory (HBM), the Korean space launch vehicle Nuri, and the sovereign language model in AI and space-related technologies.
Yoon Ee-joon, President of the Korean Academy of Engineering, stated, “The history of Korea’s technological challenges, creating something from nothing, is encapsulated in the 80 selections. It is significant to pass down to future generations the fact that the determination of engineering professionals and the aspirations of the people made the impossible possible in times of crisis.” He further noted, “These 80 selections will instill pride in future generations and serve as a milestone for Korea to continue leading the world in new challenges like AI, carbon neutrality, and space exploration.”