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Recognition for the Ennoblement of the Human Sprit in Academics, The Arts, and Human Welfare

The Samsung Ho-Am Prize

Lee Gun Hee

The Samsung Ho-Am Prize was established in 1990 by Kun-Hee Lee, the late Chairman of Samsung, with a vision to create a new corporate culture that continues the noble spirit of public service espoused by Byung-chull Lee, founder of Samsung.
The Prize 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.

Award Categories

  • Physics and Mathematics

    Science  Medal

    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

    Science  Medal

    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

    Engineering  Medal

    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

    Medicine  Medal

    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 Arts  Medal

    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

    Community Service  Medal

    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

    Special Field Medal

    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 Samsung Ho-Am Prize categories.

Diploma and Medal

Diploma Medal

Recipients of the Samsung 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

Chronology 2000~2023
2023
June

The 33rd Samsung Ho-Am Prize Award Ceremony

2021
April

Change of the Prize Name

The Prize name was renamed as
"Samsung Ho-Am Prize"

2020
August
  • Revision of Award Categories
  • Prize for Science was expanded into two categories - "Physics and Mathematics" and "Chemistry and Life Sciences"

June
  • 30th Anniversary of Ho-Am Prize
2010
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

2005
June
The Prize Amount was raised from 100 mil. won to 200 mil. won
2002
August

"Centennial Exhibition of the Nobel Prize - Cultures of Creativity" - jointly presented by Ho-Am Foundation and Nobel Museum

2000
June

10th Anniversary of Ho-Am Prize

Commemorative Forum and Music Concert

Chronology 1997~1990
1997
June

The Ho-Am Foundation was founded

1996
May

Revision of Award Categories

Transfer of Mass Communication to Samsung Press Foundation, establishment of Special Prize

1994
July

Ho-Am Prize Committee was launched

1993
May

Revision of Award Categories

Science, Engineering, Medicine, Mass Communication, The Arts, Community Service

1991
March

1st Presentation of the Ho-Am Prize

Science & Technology, Medicine, Mass Communication, Community Service

1990
January
The establishment of the Ho-Am Prize was announced by Samsung Welfare Foundation

The Samsung Ho-Am Prize Committee

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

ChairmanHwang Sik KimChairman
The Ho-Am Foundation

Details

MemberByoung Yoon KimEmeritus Professor
KAIST

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Professor Kimoon Kim

MemberKimoon KimProfessor
POSTECH

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MemberDeog-Kyoon JeongProfessor Emeritus
Seoul National University

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MemberYung Jue BangProfessor Emeritus
Seoul National University

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MemberMyeong Kyo Jeong
(Kwari Jeong)
Emeritus Professor
Yonsei University

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MemberGil-Sung Park Emeritus Professor
Korea University

Details