Current Members
Lab Director
Dr. Eungul Lee (이은걸)
Professor of Climatology
Email: eungul.lee@khu.ac.kr
Education
Ph.D. (2003-07) Department of Geography, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, U.S.A
M.S. (1996-98) Department of Geography, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
B.S. (1992-96) Department of Geography, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
Professional Experience
2025- Professor, Dept. Climate-Social Science Convergence, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
2019- Associate Professor/ Professor, Dept. Geography, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
2020-2023 Adjunct Professor, Dept. Geology & Geography, West Virginia University, U.S.A
2012-2019 Assistant Professor/ Associate Professor, Dept. Geology & Geography, West Virginia University, U.S.A
2010-2011 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dept. Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lehigh University, PA, U.S.A
2008-2010 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE), University of Wisconsin-Madison
2003-2007 Graduate Research Assistant, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), University of Colorado-Boulder
1998-2001 Army Officer, 5th Corps Artillery Brigade, Republic of Korea Army
I am a climatologist with training in monsoon climate and land and atmosphere interaction studies, particularly in the monsoon climate regions over South and East Asia and West Africa. I joined the geography department at Kyung Hee University in 2019 after the geography faculty at West Virginia University during 2012-2019. I have completed postdoctoral research at Lehigh University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I earned Ph.D. in the Department of Geography at the University of Colorado-Boulder. My deep interest in climatology started from the climatology laboratory in the Department of Geography at Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea where I got B.S and M.S.
Ph.D. Course
Ahyeong Im (임아영)
E-mail: ggp05442@khu.ac.kr
Research Keywords:
Land-Atmosphere Interactions, Climate Impacts
Education
Ph.D. Candidate, Climate-Social Science Convergence, Kyung Hee University (2024-Current)
M.S., Geography, Kyung Hee University (2022-2024)
Thesis: Detecting land cover and land use transitions and the associated temperature changes in the East Asian monsoon region
B.S., Geography, Kyung Hee University (2017-2022)
Articles
Han, C., Im, A., and Lee, E. (2026), Identification of atmospheric patterns and processes affecting springtime PM10 interannual variability in South Korea. Journal of Climate Change Research, 17(2), 363-383.
Im, A., Kim, S., Choi, H., He, Y., and Lee, E. (2026), Changes in Environmental and Economic Benefits Caused by Land Use Policies in China: A Case Study of the Grain for Green Program. Journal of the Korean Geographical Society, 61(1), 1-21.
Choi, H. J., Park, J., Lee, E., Kim, D.-Y., Seo, J., Kim, S., & Im, A. (2025). Who Benefits from Costa Rica’s Climate Change Response Policies?. Journal of International Area Studies, 29(1). [in Korean]
Yum, N., Kim, Y., Im, A., & Lee, E. (2024). Spatiotemporal Patterns and Climatological Processes of Large Spring Wildfire in Yeongdong, Gangwon-do, Korea. Journal of the Korean Geographical Society, 59(3). [in Korean]
Im, A., Lee, E., & He, Y. (2024). Detecting land cover and land use transitions and the associated temperature changes in the East Asian monsoon region. The Geographical Journal, e12590.
Lee, E., Im, A.*, Oh, J., Song, M., Choi, Y., & Choi, D. (2022). Improved seasonal definition and projected future seasons in South Korea. Meteorological Applications, 29(6), e2110. * Co-first author
Awards
Excellent Paper Award, The Korean Geographical Society (Jun 2025)
Excellent Poster Award, Annual Meeting of the Korean Society of Climate Change Research (Jun 2025)
Excellent Presentation Award, Annual Meeting of the Association of Korean Geographers (May 2024)
Excellent Thesis Award in Natural Sciences, Kyung Hee University (Feb 2024)
Excellent Poster Award, Annual Meeting of the Korean Society of Climate Change Research (Jun 2023)
Excellent Award in Student-Customized Course Support Program, Kyung Hee University (Jan 2022)
Excellent Award in Climate Change Analysis Contest, Korea Meteorological Administration (Sep 2021)
Scholarships
NRF Doctoral Student Research Support Grant, National Research Foundation of Korea, Sep 2025-Aug 2027.
KHYSS Doctoral Research Fellowship, Kyung Hee University (Brain Korea 21 Program), Mar 2025-Feb 2026.
Hello😊 I have completed the Ph.D. coursework at the Department of Climate-Social Science Convergence at Kyung Hee University. I am currently working as a research assistant in the ICP (Integrated Climate Process) laboratory. My research focuses on the impacts of human-induced land cover and land use changes on the climate at regional as well as global scales. It is differentiated in that it examines the impacts of climate change geographically, considering specific regions and their unique challenges. My research will not only provide insight into possible changes to climate due to land cover and land use changes but will also yield practical information for implementing LCLU policies while considering the geographical characteristics of the region.
Minjoo Kim (김민주)
E-mail: jginni12@khu.ac.kr
Research Keywords:
Thunderstorm Dynamics, Lightning, Arctic Climate
Education
M.S., Geography, Kyung Hee University (2022-2024)
Thesis: Potential Biophysical Processes Associated with Increasing Lightning Strikes in the Arctic Region
B.S., Geography, Kyung Hee University (2017-2022)
Articles
Yoon, H., Kim, M., and Lee, E. (2026), Impacts of Winter ENSO on Droughts in Western Central Asia: The Role of Southerly Moisture Transport from the Arabian Sea. Journal of Climate Research, 21(2), 73-93.
Kim, M., & Lee, E. (2025). Potential biophysical processes associated with increasing lightning strikes in the Arctic region. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 156(10), 555.
Kim, Y., Kim, M., & Lee, E. (2025). Land–atmosphere interactions amplify wildfires in southeastern Australia. Earth Interactions, 29, e240005.
Kim, M., and Lee, E. (2024), Spatio-temporal Variability of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall Associated with the Southern Indian Ocean Dipole. Journal of Climate Research, 19(4), 167-180.
Kim, S., Lee, S., Kim, M., Lee, C., & Kang, J. Y. (2024). Vulnerability Assessment for Pediatric Healthcare Services Using Agent-based Modeling: A Case Study of Four Districts in Southwest Seoul. Journal of the Korean Geographical Society, 59(2), 196-209.
Awards
Kim, M., & Lee, E. Spatio-temporal patterns and biophysical processes associated with increasing lightning stroke in the Arctic region. Oral Presentation, 2023 Annual Conference of the Korean Geographical Society. Chuncheon, South Korea (Jun 2023).
Scholarships
Kim, M. & Lee, E. BK21 FOUR Khreative U+ KHYSS Research Fellowship: Regional Variability and Climatic Controls of Lightning-Fire Nexus in Arctic-Boreal Regions (Mar 2026-Feb 2027).
Kim, M. & Kim, M. BK21 FOUR Khreative U+ SDGs RA/GCR Research Project: High-Resolution Climate Data Downscaling for Urban Extreme Climate Events Adaptation (Sep 2025–Aug 2026).
Im, A., Kim, M., & Lee, E. BK21 FOUR Khreative U+ SDGs RA/GCR Research Project: Improved Climate Modeling by Utilizing Remotely-Sensed Land Cover Data (Mar 2024-Feb 2025).
Hello! I joined the ICP lab to study the impacts of climate change, with a particular interest in extreme climate and weather events. My current research focuses on lightning activity and its impact in the Arctic-Boreal region.
M.S. Course
Hyungjoon Yoon (윤형준)
E-mail: hjyoon9216@khu.ac.kr
Research Keywords:
Extreme Climate, Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction, ENSO
Education
B.S., Oceanography, Pukyong National University (2017-2019)
Articles
Yoon, H., Kim, M., and Lee, E. (2026), Impacts of Winter ENSO on Droughts in Western Central Asia: The Role of Southerly Moisture Transport from the Arabian Sea. Journal of Climate Research, 21(2), 73-93.
Climate change is causing more severe extreme weather events, such as typhoons, heavy rains, and droughts. Through research on extreme climates like intense rainfall, tropical cyclones, El Niño and La Niña, and the interactions between the atmosphere, ocean and land surface, I would like to accurately predict changes in the climate system. Additionally, I want to study the damage to the ecosystem, including humans, that occurs during this process. My goal is to become a geoclimatologist to help humanity.
Changok Han (한창옥)
E-mail: rondo27@khu.ac.kr
Research Keywords:
Climate Change, Fine Dust
Education
B.S., Geography, Kyung Hee University (2018-2024)
Articles
Han, C., Im, A., and Lee, E. (2026), Identification of atmospheric patterns and processes affecting springtime PM10 interannual variability in South Korea. Journal of Climate Change Research, 17(2), 363-383.
Hi! I’ve been studying geography for 6 years, and now I’m working on my master’s degree in climatology with Professor Lee. My major subject is extreme climate disasters and polar regions’ weather. The reason I joined the ICP lab is to figure out solutions to humanity’s biggest challenge, climate change. One of the most memorable line from the movie Interstellar is “We will find a way. We always have.” I will keep this quote close to my heart as I continue my study.
Jinyoung Kim (김진영)
E-mail: kjy4010@khu.ac.kr
Research Keywords:
Extreme Precipitation, Climate Variability
Education
B.A., Geography Education, Chungbuk National University (2016-2022)
I joined the ICP Lab to investigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable regions, with a particular focus on extreme precipitation and its associated atmospheric drivers. I am interested in this topic because it has a major impact on people’s lives. This is especially true in Southern Africa, one of the regions most affected by climate change. My research explores how large-scale atmospheric circulation variability drives extreme precipitation events across Africa. Moving forward, I aim to deepen this research by integrating attribution analysis with climate modeling to further unravel the underlying processes across the region.
Minseok Kim (김민석)
E-mail: at6824@khu.ac.kr
Research Keywords:
Compound Climate Events, Climate Attribution, Tropical Climate, Teleconnections
Education
B.S., Geography, Kyung Hee University (Specialized Track in Climate and Environment, 2019–2025)
Articles
Kim, M., and Lee, E. (2022), Validation and Comparison of Climate Reanalysis Data in the East Asian Monsoon Region, Atmosphere, 13(10), 1589.
Scholarships
Kim, M. & Kim, M. BK21 FOUR Khreative U+ SDGs RA/GCR Research Project: High-Resolution Climate Data Downscaling for Urban Extreme Climate Events Adaptation (2025.09–2026.08)
I am drawn to understanding how large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns propagate remote climate signals through teleconnections, and how these signals interact with local land-atmosphere processes and anthropogenic factors to produce compound extremes. I seek to bridge the gap between large-scale dynamics and regional climate impacts.
Undergraduate
Hyeonae Kim (김현애)
E-mail: hyunae4497@khu.ac.kr
Research Keywords:
Climate Change Adaptation, Climate Vulnerability
Education
B.A. & B.S., International Studies & Geography, Kyung Hee University (2022–Present)
Internship
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Department of Strategy, Results, and Global Initiatives
Hello! My academic background in international studies and geography has led me to develop a strong interest in understanding climate change from both environmental and socio-spatial perspectives. In particular, I am interested in analyzing how climate change affects different regions and identifying climate-vulnerable areas using climate and environmental data. Through my work in the ICP Lab, I hope to contribute to research that provides data-driven insights for climate adaptation and environmental policy.
Yeewon Kim (김예원)
E-mail: yeewon2583@khu.ac.kr
Research Keywords:
Land-Atmosphere Interactions, Extreme Climate
Education
B.S. & B.E., Geography & Environmental Engineering, Kyung Hee University (2024–Present)
Hello! I am interested in land-atmosphere interactions and extreme climate events. In particular, I would like to investigate how changes in land cover and soil moisture influence the atmosphere through exchanges of heat and moisture, and how these processes are connected to extreme climate events such as heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall. As a member of the ICP Lab, I hope to explore the various processes linking the land surface and the atmosphere and deepen our understanding of extreme climate events.