This is a pretty big investment in Antarctica that the ROK government is making:
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Cho Seung-hwan speaks during a press briefing at Sejong Government Complex, Monday. Yonhap
The government will build an inland research station in Antarctica by 2030, as part of a long-term plan to elevate the country’s standing in the global science and research community, the oceans ministry said Tuesday. About 277.4 billion won ($205 million) will be spent by 2027 to construct the 15,000-ton Araon 2, the latest model of the icebreaker research vessel Araon built in 2009.
The chief priority of the first comprehensive policy assistance package is to secure greater power and influence in the global science and technology hegemonic war, marked by fierce competition over the past few decades.
South Korean Oceans Minister Kim Young-choon (C) attends a ceremony at the King Sejong Station on King George Island, near the northern part of the Antarctic, on Jan. 23, 2018, to bury a time capsule to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the country’s first polar research institute in the continent, in this photo released by the maritime ministry. Members of the King Sejong Station sealed their personal belongings, equipment and photos in the time capsule, which will be opened 70 years later to mark the base’s centennial. (Yonhap)
South Korean fishing boat Sun Star is seen surrounded by thick ice in the Antarctic sea on Dec. 19, 2015 in this photo provided by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. (Yonhap)
