KMI Holds "Arctic Academy" Completion Ceremony, Bringing Together Global Young Arctic Experts

31 University and Graduate Students from Korea and Seven Arctic Countries Complete the Program
Participation by the Chair of the Arctic Council and Ambassadors of Arctic States to Korea

The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), led by President Cho Jeonghee, has concluded the international education exchange program "2025 Arctic Academy," which was hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organized with the University of the Arctic (UArctic).

Launched in 2015, the Arctic Academy celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. To date, it has produced 386 graduates and has established itself as a leading program for nurturing young experts from both Arctic and non-Arctic regions.

This year's academy was held over six days from July 7 to 12 in Busan, Incheon, and Seoul. A total of 31 university and graduate students from Korea and abroad participated, including 15 students from seven Arctic countries. All participants completed the entire program and received certificates of completion.

This event was especially significant as it revived the original intent of international in-person exchange by inviting overseas participants to Korea for the first time in five years since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The curriculum combined theoretical lectures with field experiences, allowing participants to engage in lectures and discussions on a wide range of topics, including Arctic policy and science, indigenous issues, marine environment, shipping and shipbuilding industries, the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA), and the blue economy.

In addition, a Taekwondo experience was provided in collaboration with the Department of Taekwondo Mission Studies at Kosin University, creating an opportunity for cultural exchange. Participants also experienced Korea's maritime logistics and polar science capabilities firsthand through tours of Busan New Port and North Port, as well as a visit to the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) in Incheon.

Experts from leading Arctic institutions, including Kenneth Høegh, Chair of the Arctic Council, as well as the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) and Nord University, participated as lecturers, facilitating in-depth discussions on Arctic issues from an international perspective.

Cho Jeonghee, President of the Korea Maritime Institute, stated, "It was a meaningful occasion where young people of various nationalities gathered to discuss and reflect on global issues such as the Arctic route, climate change, and the sustainable use of the oceans." She added, "KMI will continue to strengthen international cooperation as a global Arctic platform that brings together industry, academia, research, and government."

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