Prof. Choi Woo-ik’s book, “Nenets, the Star of the Arctic: Tundra, Reindeer, and the Land of Oil” (HUFS Knowledge and Publishing Content Institute, 2012), has been translated into Chinese and published through the Arctic Research Center of Liaoning University in China.

The Nenets Autonomous Okrug, located in Russia’s Arctic region, has emerged in the 21st century as one of the country’s major oil-producing areas. Historically, it was a region where the indigenous Nenets people lived in harmony with the tundra environment, herding reindeer. In recent years, however, the area has undergone rapid transformation as large-scale oil companies have moved in. It has also become a focal point for a range of global issues, including climate change, the development of Arctic shipping routes, and environmental pollution.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, covering its natural environment as well as its history, politics, economy, society, culture, and relations with Korea, while also presenting an integrated outlook on the region’s future.

The Chinese translation and publication of this work reflects growing interest in Arctic issues within China and signals the expanding scope of international academic cooperation in this field. It is expected that this development will further strengthen Arctic research collaboration between Korea and China.