There Is a Future Space Under the Sea... Ulsan City Launches 'Ulsan Underwater City Development'

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Announces Call for Participation in the '2022 Seafloor Space Creation and Utilization Technology Development Project'

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime University, Ulju-gun, Seosaeng-my

Ulsan City Hall.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] A project to develop an ‘underwater city’ in Ulsan has been launched.

The Ulsan City government, together with several related organizations, has decided to participate in the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ related project contest in 2022 to promote the ‘Ulsan Underwater City Construction’ project.

On the 16th at 11 a.m., Ulsan City will sign a ‘Business Agreement for Technology Development for Creating and Utilizing Underwater Space’ at the city hall situation room with six public institutions, universities, and organizations including Ulju-gun, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Seosaeng-myeon Fishermen’s Association Council, and Ulju-gun Fishing Vessel Fishery Association.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to announce the ‘Technology Development Project for Creating and Utilizing Underwater Space’ early next year.

The total project cost is 46.7 billion KRW. The technical goal is ‘50m depth, 5-person stay,’ and the demonstration goal is ‘30m depth, 3-person stay,’ with technology development taking place from 2022 to 2026.

According to the agreement, the six public institutions, universities, and organizations will cooperate in △ developing core technologies for underwater space design and construction △ developing core technologies for underwater space operation and maintenance △ installing and demonstrating underwater space structure testbeds △ joint use of infrastructure and personnel exchange, development of marine science culture and educational content △ commercialization of technology development for creating and utilizing underwater space and linking testbed regional industries.

The ‘Technology Development Project for Creating and Utilizing Underwater Space’ mainly involves design and construction technology for underwater habitation, operation and maintenance technology, and installation and verification of underwater space structure testbeds.

The Ulsan coastal area is evaluated as having excellent site conditions for underwater space testbed demonstration, including disaster, ground, and water quality safety. It has the advantage of being a world-class shipbuilding and marine plant hub city capable of developing new marine technologies and mutual cooperation.

Previously, Ulsan City signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with 16 institutions including the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology and Korea Maritime and Ocean University. It has engaged in the development of the underwater city by conducting the ‘Feasibility Study on Future Underwater Space Construction’ and holding a ‘Symposium for Creating Future Marine Research Facilities.’

A total of 28 institutions, including companies in construction, heavy industry, and information and communication technology sectors, Ulsan City and Ulju-gun, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Ship and Offshore Plant Research Institute, and Ulsan Research Institute, have submitted letters of intent to participate, planning to jointly promote the project through public-private-academic-research collaboration.

Additionally, fishermen’s organizations such as the Seosaeng-myeon Fishermen’s Association Council and Ulju-gun Fishing Vessel Fishery Association have also submitted applications, showing that residents hope to attract the project.

An official from Ulsan City said, “Through technology development toward the underwater city, we expect to create an eco-friendly high value-added new industry and create a fishing village space where marine culture and future livelihoods can be enjoyed.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.