Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Ijae Research center (Director Han Mun-jong) will hold an academic conference to highlight the cultural heritage value of 'Ijae Nango' and to gather scholarly evidence to support its designation as a Treasure.

Ijae Research center will host an academic conference on October 23 in the Education Room of the Gochang Confucian Cultural Experience Center under the theme 'The Cultural Heritage Value of "Ijae Nango" and the Scholarly Standing of Hwang Yun-seok.' Hosted by Gochang County and organized by the JBNU Ijae Research center, the conference is intended to examine the scholarly world of 'Ijae Nango' and its author Hwang Yun-seok from multiple perspectives and to publicize its value to the local community and the public.

'Ijae Nango' is the diary of Ijae Hwang Yun-seok, recorded from 1738 to 1791. It contains detailed entries across various fields, including history, linguistics, mathematics, astronomy, geography, and science and technology. Based on the breadth and depth of these records, the conference will assess the work's cultural heritage value and concretize the scholarly discussions necessary to pursue its designation as a Treasure.

The conference will proceed in two sessions and will include a total of five presentations followed by a plenary discussion. In Session 1, speakers will examine Hwang Yun-seok's scholarly standing through 'Ijae Nango' and illuminate its value as a diary source for cultural heritage.

In Session 2, participants will review the current state of research and future tasks, and will examine the category, contents, and textual authenticity of 'Ijae Nango' as a candidate for Treasure designation. A comprehensive discussion involving presenters and commentators will then synthesize the issues raised in each presentation and discuss directions for follow-up research.

This conference is a continuation of research activities that have steadily uncovered and publicized the value of 'Ijae Nango.' Since 2007, the JBNU Ijae Research center, supported by Jeollabuk-do and Gochang County, has held an annual academic conference on 'Ijae Nango' and has carried out translation and documentation projects.

Through the conference, the Ijae Research center plans to share accumulated research outcomes and broaden the research base on Hwang Yun-seok and 'Ijae Nango.' It also expects to reaffirm the work's national value across multiple academic fields and further strengthen the scholarly foundation for pursuing its designation as a Treasure.