Dr. Chung-Myun Lee

Dr. Chung-Myun Lee passed away on Nov 8, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 96. He was born on Feb 23, 1925 in Korea. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be held at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary at 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 on Nov 15, 2021, at 2 pm.

Dr. Lee attended the Seoul National University in Korea and obtained a PhD in Geography from the University of Michigan. His research interests included aerial photography, land use, and Asian studies, among others. Dr. Lee taught at the Kyung-Hee University in Korea and University of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur before coming to the U.S. In 1970, he came to California State University at Fresno through invitation from his Michigan classmates and in 1972 he joined the Department of Geography at the University of Utah, where he taught for 31 years. After retiring in 2002, he continued his research, especially on Arirang, the Korean folksong that represents the soul of the Korean people, publishing several books on the subject. Throughout his long academic career, he was loved by his students and inspired many. He was also a leader among the Korean community, serving as the first president of the Korean American Society of Utah. As a scholar, leader, and loving family member, he will be greatly missed.