East Sea International Symposium Held in Pohang... Exploring Northern Sea Route Development and East Sea Rim Strategies

Domestic and International Experts Discuss Need for Arctic Route Development and Pan-East Sea Expansion Strategy

Mayor Lee: "We Will Do Our Best to Develop Pohang as a Pan-East Sea Economic Hub and Build Infrastructure"

Pohang City held the 12th Pan-East Sea International Symposium on the 25th in the main conference room at City Hall, under the theme "A Rapidly Changing World, Expansion of the Pan-East Sea: Breaking the Ice and Opening the Arctic."

On the 25th, Pohang City held the 12th East Sea International Symposium at the city hall's main conference room under the theme "Rapidly Changing World, Expansion of the East Sea: Breaking the Ice and Opening the Arctic."

The symposium, hosted by the Yeongnam Ilbo and the Kyung Hee University Institute of International Regional Studies, was attended by Mayor Lee Kangdeok, City Council Chairman Kim Ilman, and domestic and international experts.

This symposium was organized to present new growth strategies for Pohang to develop as a central city in the Pan-East Sea region amid rapidly changing international circumstances, and to discuss the necessity and cooperation methods for expansion strategies through the development of Arctic routes.

Shin Hyungcheol, Director of the Korea Polar Research Institute, delivered the keynote lecture, explaining the positive expected effects of Arctic sea ice melting, such as shortened shipping routes and expanded fishing zones. He emphasized the need for active investment in Arctic development and the opening of new routes.

Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenland Representative to China, introduced changes in Greenland's marine ecosystem under the theme of Greenland and the Arctic, and stressed the importance of international discussions on conservation and joint development of the Arctic.

Li Mindong, Professor at Ocean University of China, explained China's Arctic policy that has been pursued since 2007, and emphasized that Korea and China should establish governance for joint interests such as resource development and work together on Arctic development.

Kim Kitae, Professor at Youngsan University, discussed the economic utilization of the East Sea and Arctic routes, including Russia's use of Arctic sea routes, imports and exports of iron ore and pulp, and the introduction of Samcheok LNG. Seo Hyeongyo, Director of the Polar Research Cooperation Center, proposed ways for Pohang City to participate in the Arctic economy, such as activities in the Arctic Economic Council and cooperation with the Arctic Local Government Forum.

Following the keynote presentations, a discussion session was held, chaired by Bae Gyuseong, Professor at Paichai University. Panelists included Kim Junghoon, Director of the Korea-Siberia Center; Kim Minsu, Director at Korea Maritime Institute; Choi Soobeom, Deputy Director of the Incheon National University Northern Logistics Education and Human Resources Development Project Group; and Kim Jinhong, former Deputy Director of the Pohang Branch of the Bank of Korea. They shared strategies for pioneering and developing the Arctic route by leveraging the geographical advantages of Yeongilman Port in Pohang.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "With climate change, it is expected that the era of the Arctic route will fully open by 2030. We will do our utmost to establish Yeongilman Port, the frontline base of the Arctic route, as a logistics hub port and to foster Pohang as the hub city of the Pan-East Sea economic zone by building the necessary infrastructure."