10th Anniversary Ceremony Held for Ulleungdo-Dokdo Marine Research Base

Vision Declaration: "In the Era of Climate Crisis, Illuminating Ulleungdo and Dokdo through Marine Science... The Future and Value of the Islands"

The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (President Lee Heeseung, KIOST) held the ‘10th Anniversary Ceremony of the Ulleungdo-Dokdo Ocean Research Base’ at 4 p.m. on the 20th at a special outdoor stage in Hyeonpo Port, Buk-myeon, Ulleung-gun, together with local residents.

Ulleungdo-Dokdo Marine Research Base,

The event was attended by Nam Hankwon, Mayor of Ulleung-gun, Kim Namil, President of Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization, Kim Bongsu, President of the Institute for the Promotion of Science and Technology Industrialization, Jung Daegyo, Chairman of KIOST, Lee Heeseung, President of KIOST, Kim Yunbae, Director of the Ulleungdo-Dokdo Ocean Research Base, as well as officials from related marine and fisheries organizations, fishing village cooperatives, haenyeo (female divers), and about 300 local residents.

The Ulleungdo-Dokdo Ocean Research Base serves as an advanced outpost for research on Ulleungdo and Dokdo, continuously monitoring the marine ecosystem and environmental changes around Ulleungdo and Dokdo. It plays a crucial role in providing scientific data for establishing strategies to preserve and manage habitats of key marine species and fishery resources.

In addition, utilizing the ‘Dokdonuriho’, a research vessel dedicated to Ulleungdo and Dokdo that began operation in 2022, the base is conducting research to observe the distribution of marine life and changes in the marine environment in the surrounding waters.

Dokdonuriho

At this anniversary ceremony, marking the 10th year since the base’s establishment, a vision for future development was proclaimed: ‘In the era of climate crisis, illuminating the ancient future and value of Ulleungdo and Dokdo through marine science.’ Various side events were also organized for local residents, including an open house for the ‘Dokdonuriho’ research vessel.

In recognition of their contributions to the revitalization of Dokdo research and the establishment and development of the base, plaques of appreciation were awarded to Choi Suil and Kim Byungsu, former mayors of Ulleung-gun; Kim Haesu, president of the National Chae-nakgi Practitioners Ulleung Fishermen’s Association; Min Wonki, principal researcher at KIOST’s East Sea Research Institute; the late Choi Haegwan, resident of Ulleung-gun; and the late Han Sangbok, president of Hansudang Institute of Natural Environment.

Kim Yunbae, Director of the Ulleungdo-Dokdo Ocean Research Base, who has been leading the revitalization of research and territorial education on Ulleungdo and Dokdo since the base’s establishment, said, “Going forward, we will work hard to ensure that local fishermen can work more comfortably and to further enhance the value of Ulleungdo and Dokdo’s marine and fisheries resources in response to rapidly changing marine environments and the aging fishing population.”

Ulleungdo Dokdo Marine Ecology Center.

Lee Heeseung, President of KIOST, stated, “Ulleungdo and Dokdo, our territories, have great historical and natural scientific value and are deeply meaningful to our people. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Ulleungdo-Dokdo Ocean Research Base, we will continue related research to restore marine biodiversity and ensure the healthy conservation of the marine ecosystem around Ulleungdo and Dokdo, in preparation for the global issue of climate change.”

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