Geochang-gun, Section Chief Gwak Chil-sik Becomes First Public Official to Earn a Doctorate in Agricultural Science

Gwak Chil-sik, head of the Environment Division in Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam, has recently become a hot topic for being the first public official in Geochang-gun to earn a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science from Gyeongsang National University.

Officer Gwak received his doctoral degree from the Graduate School of Forest Resources at Gyeongsang National University with a dissertation titled "A Study on the Phytosociological Vegetation Type Classification and Flora of the Bigaesan Area in Geochang-gun."

Gyeongnam Geochang-gun Gwak Chil-sik, Head of the Environment Department.

He earned his master's degree from the Graduate School of Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology in 2018 and achieved the significant accomplishment of obtaining his Ph.D. after 3 years and 6 months of pursuing the doctoral program at Gyeongsang National University.

Appointed as a public official in Geochang-gun in 1992, Officer Gwak demonstrated outstanding ability and creativity in various tasks, producing many achievements, and maintained a strong passion for learning by studying diligently alongside his work.

Additionally, he was promoted to the rank of officer in January and appointed as the head of the Environment Division. Previously, during his two years in charge of managing Healing Land, he played a crucial role in establishing the anti-aging Healing Land as a premier forest tourism destination for healing and relaxation, attracting over 350,000 tourists last year.

Officer Gwak said, “Being able to pursue my studies while working was possible thanks to the consideration of my colleagues,” and added, “I want to dedicate myself to the residents based on the expertise I have gained through my studies and always be a public official who embraces challenges during the remainder of my public service career.”