[Science World] Why a Third Antarctic Research Station Is Needed

[Asia Economy] Currently, South Korea operates two scientific research stations in Antarctica. One is the “King George Island” station located in the South Shetland Islands near the Antarctic Peninsula, called the “Sejong Science Station.” Since its establishment in 1988, it has served as a forward base for Antarctic exploration. However, because it is situated on a nearby “island” rather than the Antarctic continent (mainland), there have been limitations in conducting full-scale research on the Antarctic environment.

In response to these concerns, the construction of a mainland Antarctic station, known as the “Jang Bogo Science Station,” was promoted. Completed in February 2014, this made South Korea the 10th country in the world to operate two or more permanent stations in Antarctica.

Nonetheless, some regrets remain. The Jang Bogo Science Station was built on the coast of Terra Nova Bay in the Ross Sea. Being located by the sea meant that transporting construction materials was easier, and supply and operation were more convenient. However, there have been ongoing criticisms that it is insufficient for conducting in-depth exploration and research in the Antarctic interior, i.e., the deep Antarctic region. Without a station on the coast, transporting materials and then building a station in the Antarctic interior is practically impossible due to temperatures plunging dozens of degrees below zero. This means that without the Jang Bogo Station, constructing an inland Antarctic station would also be impossible.

On the 22nd, the government announced plans to build a second inland Antarctic research station by 2030. Currently, only the United States, Russia, Japan, the joint French-Italian station, and China have research stations in the Antarctic interior, so this will be the world’s sixth such station. Additionally, a new 15,000-ton class icebreaking research vessel will be newly constructed, which will undoubtedly further invigorate South Korea’s polar research.

As human technology advances, Antarctica, once trapped by severe weather, is gradually opening its doors. It is clear that how actively Antarctica is researched now will determine future national interests. We hope that this inland station construction will lead to more active investment and research in Antarctica.

Jeon Seung-min, Science and Technology Writer