Associate Professor Hoang Van Khoan. (Photo: daidoanket.vn)

Born in 1935, Hoang Van Khoan began his career teaching literature, history, and geography at Nghi Xuan junior secondary school in Ha Tinh and at Ha Tinh Teachers’ Training College. In 1962, he was sent to Russia to study archeology at Kharkiv National University. In 1967, Khoan returned to Vietnam to work at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hanoi.

One of Vietnam’s most prestigious archeologists, Associate Professor Khoan was in the vanguard of research into metal and alloy structures in archeology. He discovered metal casting techniques and ancient bronze alloys in many localities in Vietnam. 

“The world is full of mysteries for us to explore. I have spent my whole life studying, exploring the world, and enriching my knowledge,” said Associate Professor Khoan.

Khoan has a passion for ancient coins, architecture, and sculpture. He has done research in these fields since 1970 and published two books: one on ancient coins used in Vietnam, China, Japan, and France and one on Vietnam’s traditional fine arts and architecture. 

“Associate Professor Hoang Van Khoan has made a great contribution to research, teaching, and preserving archeological artifacts at local museums. He has traveled from north to south collecting and researching Vietnam’s ancient coins,” said Associate Professor Dang Hong Son, Deputy Head of the Faculty of History of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Khoan’s book “Co Loa - the center of the Red River civilization convergence" describes ancient Co Loa citadel’s role in building and defending the Au Lac nation of King An Duong Vuong thousands of years ago. 

Associate Professor Khoan has given more than 1,000 valuable archeological artifacts and documents to the Vietnam Center for Heritage of Scientists and Scholars.