Interview with Professor of Samarkand State University Yun Myung Chul

     Yun Myung-chul, professor at Dongguk University of South Korea, historian and poet, professor at Samarkand State University, has published more than 160 articles, 60 books and 10 collections of poems over 40 years of scientific and academic activity. From the 2022-2023 academic year, he has been working at the Department of Archeology of the Faculty of History of SamSU.

   - How was your visit to Samarkand State University? Why did you choose SamSU?

     - Fifteen years ago I became interested in the history of Central Asia. I knew the city of Samarkand as the ancient center of these regions. This is the main reason why I came to Samarkand. Samarkand State University is one of the leading universities in the country. I would like to name three reasons why I came here:

     First, study aspects related to our history and culture. The Korean and Uzbek peoples have been in close contact with each other for about two thousand years. Around the sixth century AD, there were trade relations between the Sogdian states and the Kogurs. Such ancient ties between the two peoples are clearly reflected in their national and applied art, folk art. Information about this is also in Chinese sources. As a historian, studying the history of those times, it is impossible not to visit such an ancient city as Samarkand. In my opinion, every historian who studies history should definitely come to Samarkand.

    Secondly, we know the history of the regions through which the Great Silk Road passed only from Chinese sources. As a historian, I had to study the true history of the past and the culture of Central Asia. Therefore, when studying information about the history of these regions, I aim to deeply study not only Chinese sources, but also the sources of the peoples of Central Asia.

     Thirdly, the relations of cooperation between Korea and Uzbekistan, which began in historical times, continue today. Friendly relations between these two countries must continue in the future.

     At the moment, in addition to teaching students at the Department of Archeology of Samarkand State University, I help to improve scientific relations between professors and teachers of SamSU and scientists of Dongguk University.

     In February, I gave a lecture on behalf of Samarkand State University at Yale University in the United States of America. At one of these lectures, the scientist asked why I chose Uzbekistan. He asked if there were any inconveniences in living there. To this question, I said: “Uzbekistan is one of the best countries to live in. The Uzbek people are very noble, hospitable and tolerant people. Uzbek families can be the most beautiful example of true love and respect for the family. I went to Samarkand not to work. “I went there in search of a new model of human civilization and to study the possibilities in detail,” I replied.

   - Why did you choose the field of history?

     - I believe that history is important for every person in the process of living in the world. I have been interested in history since childhood. Although my specialty is the history of East Asia, I also conduct research on this topic due to my great interest in the history of Eurasia. To do this, I want to travel the world and study our ancient history.

  - What is the difference between Dongguk University and SamSU education system?

      - There is no big difference between the education system of Korea and Uzbekistan. However, there are certain differences in the educational processes of Dongguk and Samarkand State Universities. SamSU students are more diligent and ambitious than Korean students. I consider the future of Uzbekistan to be promising in this respect.

     - Today, Samarkand State University is working to become one of the 1000 best universities in the world. What do you think should be paid more attention to?

      - First of all, it is necessary to increase the scientific potential of the teaching staff. To do this, it is important to take a sample from international experience and establish cooperation with prestigious higher education institutions in the world. It is necessary to interest students in scientific activities, attract more teachers and students from abroad, send young researchers and students for internships.

    - What advice and recommendations would you give to young researchers who want to continue their research abroad?

      - There are many different programs and projects for students who want to continue their studies and research in Korean universities. Of course, if there are worthy candidates, fully reimbursed grants will also be allocated. The first thing that is required of candidates is knowledge of the language, then university grades and academic performance. The benefits are even greater if the student knows Korean.

    - Your plans for the future...

      -As a historian, to learn more about Korea and related history, present it to the world and, as I said above, find a new model of human civilization. I can say that I was fascinated by the hospitality, humanity and kindness of the Uzbek people. What I saw and learned here, I reflected in several of my poems. Samarkand has taken a deep place in my heart with its ancient history, friendly people and beautiful appearance...

Interview with Iroda Bekmurodova,
employee of the information service of
Samarkand State University.