Arctic Academy Opens... Young People from Around the World Gather in Busan

International Educational Exchange Program Hosted by KMI
Participants from Seven Arctic Countries Join the Academy

The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), led by President Cho Jeonghee, launched the '2025 Arctic Academy' in Busan on July 7.

This international educational exchange event, now in its 11th year, focuses on topics such as Arctic policy, economy, and culture.

The Korea Maritime Institute is holding the opening ceremony of the '2025 Arctic Academy' and taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Korea Maritime Institute

This year's Academy runs for six days, from July 7 to July 12. The schedule includes lectures and cultural exchanges in Busan (July 7-9), a field trip to a maritime and fisheries site (July 10), a visit to the Korea Polar Research Institute (July 11), and a homecoming day and graduation ceremony in Seoul (July 12).

The Arctic Academy is a program hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and jointly organized by KMI and the University of the Arctic (UArctic). University and graduate students from Arctic countries and Korea study and discuss Arctic-related agendas together.

To date, the Academy has produced 355 graduates. This year, the competition rate for international participants exceeded 10 to 1. Fifteen participants from seven Arctic countries were selected and are taking part in the entire program.

The opening ceremony on July 7 was attended both online and offline by Cho Jeonghee, President of KMI; Shin Hyeongcheol, Director of the Korea Polar Research Institute; Lars Kullerud, President of UArctic; Anne Kari Hansen Ovind, Norwegian Ambassador to Korea; and Jari J?rviaho, Finnish Ambassador to Korea. Kenneth Høe, Chair of the Arctic Council, also participated as an online lecturer, drawing attention.

This year's program features lectures and discussions on a wide range of topics, including Arctic policy and norms, economic and indigenous policies, scientific cooperation, and tourism. In particular, cultural exchange activities such as a Taekwondo experience, in collaboration with the Taekwondo Missionary Department at Kosin University, are also included.

The lineup of lecturers includes experts from the Arctic Council, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and Nord University. Participants have the opportunity to interact with Arctic experts from various countries and broaden their international perspectives.

Cho Jeonghee stated, "At a time when young people are paying attention to the growing geopolitical and economic value of Arctic issues, the significance of this Academy is very great," adding, "KMI will continue to faithfully serve as a platform for cooperation between Arctic and non-Arctic regions."