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Nam Pyong-gil

Pioneer of Modern Korean Mathematics

Nam Pyong-gil (1820–1869) was a Korean mathematician of the late Joseon Dynasty who played a pivotal role in bridging traditional East Asian mathematics with modern approaches influenced by the West. Born into a scholarly family, Nam mastered classical Korean and Chinese mathematical texts, such as the Jiuzhang Suanshu, but also engaged with new ideas entering East Asia through translations of Western works.

He authored several influential books, including Sanhak Jeongui (“Correct Principles of Mathematics”), which systematized arithmetic, algebra, and geometry in a clear, logical manner. Nam focused on both practical and theoretical mathematics—covering land measurement, astronomical calculations, and proportions. His reformist approach attempted to modernize education by introducing rational explanations and deductive reasoning rather than rote methods.

Nam was especially concerned with algebraic structures and numerical methods. He explored solutions to quadratic equations of the form \ and provided simplified algorithms for root extraction and higher powers. He also promoted positional number systems, bringing clarity to arithmetic operations and advancing beyond older counting-rod methods. His efforts aligned Korea more closely with global mathematics while still preserving elements of East Asian traditions.

Although he lived during a time of political upheaval and isolation, Nam’s work laid intellectual foundations for the modernization of mathematics in Korea. His writings became reference texts for later reformers and helped ensure that Korean mathematics would transition into the modern scientific age. He is remembered today as a key figure who bridged classical scholarship with emerging global science.