현신규 玄信圭
Forest tree breeder and 2nd Administrator of the Rural Development Administration
| Life | 1911 ~ 1986 |
| Era | 대한민국 |
| Clan | 연주 현씨 |
Life & career
Hyeon Sin-gyu (1911-1986), born in Anju, South Pyongan, was a forest scientist of the Yeonju Hyeon clan. A 1936 Kyushu Imperial University forestry graduate, he took a doctorate there in 1949, reportedly the first Korean in forestry, and in 1960 founded the Korean Forestry Society.
After studying in the US in 1951 he founded a forest tree breeding institute at Seoul National University. From 1955 he developed the pest- and cold-resistant pitch-loblolly pine, spread Italian poplar varieties suited to Korea, and created the silver poplar hybrid.
He was 2nd Administrator of the Rural Development Administration (1963-1965) and later a professor. His honors include the 3.1 Culture Prize (1964) and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa (1982). His work fed the 1970s reforestation program.
A Pioneer of Korean Forestry
After studying in Japan he led Korean forestry research after liberation and founded the Korean Forestry Society in 1960.
Breeding Trees
The pitch-loblolly pine was reportedly reported to the US Senate as a miracle pine of Korea, and the silver poplar was used on slopes.
Administration and Honors
He bridged research and administration as head of the RDA. The source gives 1951 and 1952 for his return, which needs checking.
Grave
His grave was not confirmed.