One December day in Juche 92 (2003), an official in the construction sector visited Kim Chaek University of Technology to discuss the problem concerning the amount of work for dam construction at the Samsu Power Station. According to the calculations of the initial design drawn up by a unit at that time, the workload amounted to over 10 million cubic meters, which meant huge amounts of manpower, equipment, materials and time consumption.

The lecturers and researchers of the university fell into deep thought as they listened to the official.

At that time, a man rose and told them about his views.

“If we think out of the existing concept, we are able to solve this problem.”

He was Jang Ui Jun, head of a department of the Faculty of Earth Science and Technology. He took charge of the core task of the research team and was absorbed in the project. In the course of this, he was awarded a doctorate in 2004 for introducing a new designing method by relying on a 3D program to halve the initial workload, thereby scientifically guaranteeing the stability of the dam.

For over four decades he has played a key and leading role in calculating the structure and evaluating the stability of the dams of big and small hydroelectric power stations, including the Anbyon Youth Power Station, Wonsan Youth Power Station, Samsu Power Station, Wonsan Army-People Power Station, Huichon Power Station and Paektusan Hero Youth Power Station.

Whenever each design is completed and giant hydraulic structures mushroom in different parts of the country, Jang is reminded of a ginkgo tree in his birthplace, Kumya County, South Hamgyong Province. He regards it as his creed to ensure the stability of the dams of the power stations even after 100 or 1 000 years, just like the 2 000-year-old ginkgo tree in his hometown.

In the meantime, he has also carried out dozens of research projects of national significance, including the Assessment of Geological Engineering and Development and Utilization of Natural Energies.

Moreover, he has brought huge profits to the state by carrying on his scientific research into consolidating the power bases of the country and saving electric power including the introduction of geothermal cooling-and-heating system into the Tudan Duck Farm, Ryugyong Health Complex, People’s Open-Air Ice Rink, Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace and several others.

Jang won the February 16 Science and Technology Prize in 2009 and 2016.

He was an educator before being a researcher. With profound knowledge of not only geological engineering, his major field, but also of various other engineering sectors, he has given lectures, enjoying great reputation among his students. He has also trained several PhDs and other academic degree and title holders.

He has written more than 10 textbooks and reference books, including Rock Soil Mechanics and Analysis of Dam Structure by ABAQUS , and presented his research findings, conducive to the development of science and education of the country, at sci-tech festivals on over 10 occasions. His findings have been highly appreciated.

In July Juche 110 (2021) he was awarded the title of candidate academician.