Professor Seo-Hyun Park of Sungshin Women’s University Publishes Solo Paper in Prestigious Technology History Journal
Sungshin Women’s University has proudly announced that Professor Seo-Hyun Park of its Department of Creative Convergence has achieved a significant academic milestone by publishing a sole-authored paper in the October 2025 issue of the internationally acclaimed journal, Technology and Culture. Established in 1959, Technology and Culture is widely regarded as the most influential academic journal in the field of history of technology, with very few papers focusing on Korean case studies having been featured previously.
Professor Park’s research paper, titled “Behind the Artificial Mountain: The Consequences of the Choice of Raw Materials for South Korea’s Soyang Dam, 1967–72,” presents an in-depth investigation into the material aspects of construction resources used for the Soyang Dam project in South Korea. The study meticulously traces every phase of the raw materials’ lifecycle—from planning, extraction, transportation, and processing to the eventual erasure of environmental traces after project completion—offering an extensive analysis of how such large-scale infrastructure projects impact both society and the environment.
A distinct highlight of Professor Park’s research is her innovative use of the concept of “raw material activities,” a perspective previously underemphasized in technology history studies. By focusing on the material dimension of infrastructure, her work sheds new light on the interplay between technological development and socio-environmental transformations. This approach contributes to a deeper understanding of how infrastructure projects do not merely represent engineering feats but are entangled in complex ecological and social dynamics.
The university shared this accomplishment as a testament to Professor Park’s scholarly expertise and commitment to advancing global academic discourse in the history of technology. Her contribution not only elevates Korean case studies on the international stage but also encourages more comprehensive and interdisciplinary analyses in the field.
Sungshin Women’s University continues to support cutting-edge research through its Creative Convergence Department, fostering an environment where innovative ideas and cross-disciplinary perspectives flourish.
For further details, inquiries can be directed to the university’s communication office.
This article was reported by Sohyun Park for Veritas Alpha, November 6, 2025.
