Noted Korean Maritime History Scholar Arrives at ODU

One of Asia’s leading maritime historians — from one of the world’s top shipbuilding nations — will spend Fall Term 2023 at Old Dominion University as guest scholar.

S. June Kim, professor at the Korea Maritime and Ocean University in Busan, recently arrived in Norfolk.

ODU’s chair of History, Ingo Heidbrink, said Kim will conduct historical research during his stay and give a public lecture.

“We are excited to have Dr. Kim with us as he is a most renowned scholar in the field of maritime history and economics,” Heidbrink said. “His visit will provide us with the opportunity to learn in depth about maritime history at the other side of the globe.”

A master mariner who earned his doctorate in history from Korea University in Seoul, Kim has published 30 books including “The Age of European Exploration” and “The Origin of Maritime English.” He’s also translated nine books into Korean, including J.H. Parry’s “Establishment of European Hegemony.”

His visit to ODU is well timed in two respects.

The 2023 ODU Annual Campus Theme, Blue Connections, encourages the university community to highlight the importance of oceans and waterways to the region’s culture and economy through defense, shipping, tourism, and renewable energy.

Secondly, the 9^th annual International Congress of Maritime History will take place in Busan next year. Kim will serve as local organizer for the conference.

Heidbrink is currently president of the International Maritime History Association — the organization behind the congress. He will give the 2024 keynote lecture.

“We are hoping that this will not be just a one-term visit but the beginning of a cooperation in which next year’s conference in Busan will be the next step to be followed by many others,” Heidbrink said.

At ODU this fall, Kim is eager to connect with students interested in the forces that shaped our seafaring world.

“I look forward to understanding the new perspective of the young generation on history, more specifically maritime history, and giving my special learning and knowledge to them,” Kim wrote.