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South Korea and the Polar Regions
last update: Jan 18, 2011 03:33 PM
South Korea’s polar research history began in 1987 with the Polar Research Center of Ocean Research Institute which was set up as part of an Antarctic station construction program.
Since then, it expanded from a mere Polar Research Laboratory to a Polar Research Institute, a subsidiary research unit of the Korea Ocean Research Institute. The Korea Polar Research Institute is now a real international polar research institute operating the King Sejong Station in Antarctic and the Dasan Station in the Arctic.
It is actively participating in several relevant international organisations such as the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties (ATCP), the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), and became recognised internationally by publishing research achievements in prominent international journals.
Antarctica is the only place on earth which helps us secure national interests through scientific research while the Arctic is special in light of the fact that the region requires development through joint research with neighboring countries.
In the 21st century, scientific research related with global climate change are expected to draw significant attentions and the Polar Regions will play a critical role in the research on global climate change.
Expanding research activities on a continuous basis in these earth’s last undeveloped and non-polluted regions would be the only way to secure national interests for the country. In order to enhance research activities in Polar Regions, among others, it is necessary that sufficient infrastructures for supporting such activities are built up. Starting with ARAON (Icebreaker), which was completed on Nov. 2, 2010, we have a lot of tasks to complete building up of Jang Bogo station in the Antarctic and reconstruction of the Dasan station in the Arctic in order to build up such infrastructures for polar research.
The Korea Polar Research Institute will make its utmost effort to serve the public interests by becoming the only polar research institute in Korea through building up of the infrastructure, and increasing and globalisation of research activities.
Mission
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To undertake a world-class programme of scientific research, survey and long term observations addressing key issues of global or fundamental importance that require access to the Arctic/Antarctic or related regions
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To sustain for the Korea an active and influential regional presence and a leadership role in the polar affairs
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To maintain an integrated, well-managed national capability to support the overall national science strategy, to exploit research outcomes, and to raise public awareness worldwide
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To assist in the discharge of the Korean international responsibilities under the Antarctic Treaty System and with the administration of the KORDI
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To provide reliable and independent advice to the Korean government and other stakeholders, contributing to the effectiveness of Korean public services and policy
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To provide reliable and independent advice to the Korean government and other stakeholders, contributing to the effectiveness of Korean public services and policy
Source:
Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute (KORDI)
