Ho-Am Prize

Lee Gun Hee image

The Ho-Am Prize was established in 1990 by Kun-Hee Lee, the Chairman of Samsung, with a vision to create a new corporate culture that continues the noble spirit of public service espoused by the late Chairman Byung-chull Lee, founder of Samsung.
The Prize, named after the late Chairman's pen name, is presented each year to individuals who have contributed to academics, the arts, and social development, or who have furthered the welfare of humanity through distinguished accomplishments in their respective professional fields.

Physics and Mathematics

The Prize for Physics and Mathematics includes such fields as astrophysics, theoretical physics, solid state physics, optics, mathematics and integrated sciences. The prize is presented to people of Korean heritage whose original research efforts contribute to these basic fields.
Chemistry and Life Sciences

The Prize for Chemistry and Life Sciences includes such fields as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, life sciences and integrated sciences. The prize is presented to people of Korean heritage who made significant progress in these basic fields.
Engineering

The Prize for Engineering covers the entire field of basic engineering and applied technology, and is presented to people of Korean heritage whose accomplishments have contributed to the development of industry for greater prosperity for humanity.
Medicine

The Prize for Medicine includes the clinical and research areas of medicine, physiology, and pharmacology. The Prize is awarded to people of Korean heritage who have made distinctive contributions to the efforts of humankind to conquer the disease.
The Arts

The Prize for The Arts encompasses broad areas of arts activities including literature, music, painting, design, dance and theater. The Prize is awarded to people of Korean heritage who have contributed to the enrichment of culture and arts for humankind.
Community Service

The Prize for Community Service is awarded to individuals or organizations, regardless of nationality, that have promoted the welfare of Korean society through dedicated philanthropic activities and selfless efforts for the betterment of our community.
Special Field

The Special Prize is awarded in case of necessity to individuals and organizations, regardless of nationality, that have made outstanding contributions to Korean or international society in the areas outside of the six Ho-Am Prize categories.

Diploma image Medal image

Recipients of the Ho-Am Prize are each presented with Diploma, a pure gold medal (187.5g) and a cash prize of KRW 300million (approx. 275,000 USD)

Chronology 2010~2020
	June 30th Anniversary of Ho-Am Prize August Revision of Award Categories Prize for Science was expanded into two categories - "Physics and Mathematics" and "Chemistry and Life Sciences"
	June 20th Anniversary of Ho-Am Prize The Ho-Am Special Prize was presented to the Nobel Foundation
	Feburary Centenary of Ho-Am Byung-chull Lee's birth The Prize Amount was raised to 300mil. won
	June The Prize Amount was raised from 100 mil. won to 200 mil. won
	August "Centennial Exhibition of the Nobel Prize - Cultures of Creativity" - jointly presented by Ho-Am Foundation and Nobel Museum
	June 10th Anniversary of Ho-Am Prize Commemorative Forum and Music Concert

Chronology 1997~1990
	June The Ho-Am Foundation was founded
	May Revision of Award Categories Transfer of Mass Communication to Samsung Press Foundation, establishment of Special Prize
	July Ho-Am Prize Committee was launched
	May Revision of Award Categories Science, Engineering, Medicine, Mass Communication, The Arts, Community Service
	March 1st Presentation of the Ho-Am Prize Science & Technology, Medicine, Mass Communication, Community Service
	January The establishment of the Ho-Am Prize was announced by Samsung Welfare Foundation

The Ho-Am Prize Committee was established in 1994 with the aim to promote professionalism and impartiality in the administration of the Ho-Am Prize and to help set its future directions. The Ho-Am Prize Committee is responsible for the overall management of award procedures, including the nomination and selection of laureates, and the organization of award presentations.