Gyeongbuk Province Establishes "Northern Sea Route Task Force" to Actively Respond to New Administration's Key Agenda

On September 15, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government announced that it has established the "Northern Sea Route Task Force" to actively respond to the development of the Northern Sea Route, which has become one of the hottest issues in the maritime and fisheries sector and is a key national agenda for the new administration.

The Northern Sea Route is a shipping route that passes through the Arctic Ocean along the northern coast of Russia to reach Europe. Compared to the traditional route that passes through the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, it can reduce the travel distance to about two-thirds, making it an economically attractive route by saving distance, time, and costs.

Gyeongbuk Provincial Government East Office

The newly established "Northern Sea Route Task Force" is organized directly under the Head of the East Coast Region Headquarters at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government East Office. It will focus on developing policies for the Northern Sea Route at the provincial level, supporting the development of Yeongilman Port as a northern logistics hub, and fostering professional talent to secure essential personnel for polar and port-related fields.

In addition, the task force plans to actively respond to the government's Northern Sea Route policy formulation, build a network of relevant experts, organize seminars to promote engagement, and take the lead in identifying strategic tasks in preparation for the upcoming special law on the Northern Sea Route.

Gyeongbuk Province has been proactively preparing for the upcoming era of Northern Sea Route exploration. The province included support for the expansion of Yeongilman Port in the new administration's seven major regional pledges for Gyeongbuk. It has also worked to ensure that the government budget for 2026 reflects 111.2 billion won for the second phase of the southern breakwater construction at Yeongilman Port, 28.5 billion won for the construction of the Yeongilman Port highway crossing section, and 13.2 billion won for the construction of a small vessel pier at Yeongilman Port.

Political circles, including local National Assembly members, are also supporting the designation of Yeongilman Port as a regional hub port for the Northern Sea Route by introducing bills related to the special law on the Northern Sea Route. On September 11, Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheolwoo requested active attention to ensure the successful development of Yeongilman Port as a hub for the Northern Sea Route at the People Power Party-Gyeongsangbuk-do Budget Policy Council held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building.

Choi Youngsook, Head of the East Coast Region Headquarters at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government, stated, "The Northern Sea Route is gaining attention as a key strategic route for the global logistics industry in response to climate change. With the establishment of the 'Northern Sea Route Task Force,' Gyeongbuk will take the lead in port development centered on Yeongilman Port and seize this opportunity to make a significant leap forward in the steel and energy industries."