Treasure Hunting (Hangul: 보물찾기; RR: Bomulchatgi) is a Manhwa series by Kang Gyung-Hyo. The series has sold more than 13 million copies worldwide.
The series introduced South Korean readers to different countries around the world, their history, geography and culture, through the eponymous treasure hunt for a lost, hidden or stolen artifact that is culturally or historically significant to the particular country.
It also mentioned any historical ties between South Korea and the country being visited. In translations for different countries, this introduction is changed accordingly for the target readers.
The primary character of the series is the young but precocious Pang-Yi who accompanied his uncle, the Professor Gu-Bon, on various foreign trips for archaeology or historical studies. They encounter a clue to some legendary lost, and the hunt would take them across the country, bringing them to sights and experiences significant to the country.
Pang-Yi's rival was the high IQ Do To-ri, though they were willing to work together sometimes.
Ji Pang-Yi : A precocious boy with amazing knowledge of history, power of observation and deduction. Thanks to his uncle, the renowned Professor Gu-Bon, Pang-Yi was able to visit numerous historically or archaeologically important sites and fell into adventures recovering lost historically treasures. A running joke in the earlier series had him matched with a pretty girl from each country visited.
Professor Ji Gu-Bon : Famous professor of antiquities who was often invited overseas for conferences or expert advice. He is portrayed as a fat gourmand with a brilliant mind. Once, he lost a lot of weight and was shown to be quite handsome when thin.
Yi Eun-Ju : Man-crazy Research Assistant to Professor Gu-Bon.
Do To-ri : 180 IQ rival to Pang-Yi, but without his luck with girls. Dotori's mentor is his father, Dr. Dotoran.
Dr. Do To-ran : Academic rival to Professor Gu-Bon. While Prof Gu-Bon was mainly based in Korea, Dr. Dotoran worked extensively for long periods overseas and appeared more cosmopolitan.
Do Re-mi : Do To-ri's younger sister. Less competitive than her brother and friendlier towards Pang-Yi.
Dr. Bong Pal-yi : main villain of the series, he used his handsome looks to fool many females into helping him steal treasures.
