Lack of Control Tower and Experts... South Korea's Challenges [Arctic, The New Route of Hegemony] ⑧

South Korea's Challenges in Pioneering the Arctic Shipping Route
Need for Establishing a Control Tower, Nurturing Talent, and Discussing Logistics Policy
Cooperation with Russia and Other Arctic Nations Must Be Expanded

South Korea has continued its Arctic-related research for 16 consecutive years, including the Arctic expeditions of the icebreaking research vessel Araon, and has operated the Dasan Arctic Research Station in Svalbard, Norway, for 23 years. However, it is assessed as lagging behind Japan and China in pioneering the Arctic sea route. Experts advise that, in order to seize opportunities in the Arctic, which has emerged as a new route of hegemony, it is necessary to establish an inter-ministerial cooperation system, foster technical personnel, and maintain close relationships with Arctic nations.

The establishment of a control tower for pioneering the Arctic sea route is considered an essential task, as evidenced by its inclusion in all five bills previously proposed in the National Assembly. This is because the Arctic sea route is a complex agenda that intersects various fields such as shipping, diplomacy, resources, and science and technology, making it difficult for a single ministry to respond effectively.

If an inter-ministerial cooperation system is established, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries can support the utilization of shipping logistics and the connection of port infrastructure, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy can foster the shipbuilding industry, and the Ministry of Science and ICT can support polar research, route safety technology, and digital infrastructure development, allowing for a systematic division of roles. Kim Eomji, Head of the Polar Strategy Research Division at the Korea Maritime Institute, stated, "It is necessary to establish an inter-ministerial cooperation system to ensure policy consistency, maximize synergies in domestic and international cooperation, and strategically link technology, diplomacy, and industrial policy."

Experts emphasized that, while strengthening domestic technological capabilities such as the development of icebreaking research vessels and ultra-small satellites, it is also essential to actively foster specialized personnel for polar navigation.

In the meantime, the construction of domestic icebreakers has been delayed, as it failed to pass the preliminary feasibility study three times and shipbuilding industry bids have repeatedly failed. Jin Kyung, Director of Policy Cooperation at the Korea Polar Research Institute, said, "International cooperation is essential for marine exploration based on the operation of icebreakers in extreme environments," adding, "South Korea has successfully conducted joint research with Canada, the United States, Norway, and Greenland (Denmark) over a long period." She further emphasized, "We must continue to strengthen our network through cooperation with Arctic nations and indigenous communities, as well as by operating fellowships for Arctic researchers."

Another issue to consider is what kind of cargo could be transported if the Arctic sea route passes through South Korea. Even if there is a hub port, if only cargo unattractive to the European market is loaded, the number of port calls will inevitably decrease. Hong Sungwon, professor at Youngsan University and Director of the Arctic Logistics Research Center, said, "It is worth noting that the Istanbul Bridge, the first container cargo ship to sail from China to Europe via the Arctic sea route in 20 days, carried cargo that was sensitive to temperature and required fast delivery." The cargo transported by the Istanbul Bridge was lithium-ion batteries and solar-related products.

Professor Hong stated, "We must start by identifying what kind of cargo should be loaded," adding, "By examining which types of cargo are suitable for two-way transportation between Europe and Asia, we can also assess economic feasibility."

Restoring relations with Russia is also considered an unavoidable task. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, South Korea has continued economic and diplomatic sanctions against Russia since 2022. Kim Taeyu, Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University, argued in his book "The Last Opportunity for the Republic of Korea Has Come" that "Japan and China have complementary economic relationships with Russia, but due to inherent limitations, they inevitably become adversaries in terms of security," adding, "In this situation, Russia needs a partner who is not a security threat, and South Korea is the optimal cooperation partner with such conditions."

However, experts point out that it will not be easy to improve relations with Russia through independent efforts alone, as the United States and the European Union are strengthening sanctions against Russia. As a result, the opinion that cooperation with the seven Arctic nations is essential is gaining traction. Since the Arctic sea route is a project that can have ripple effects throughout the entire Arctic region, it is necessary to gain support by building consensus with each country.

Jung Jihoon, Secretary General of the Korea Arctic Research Consortium, stated, "Progress in Arctic projects is only possible to the extent that partner countries in the Arctic agree," adding, "It is necessary to maintain friendly relations with Arctic nations. Even considering the current sanctions situation after the war in Ukraine, it is now time for our government to begin explaining to Arctic countries the reasons and plans for utilizing the Arctic sea route."

Arctic nations are also quietly hoping to attract foreign investment, which is being pursued with the goal of pioneering the Arctic route. Aaja Chemnitz, a member of the Danish Parliament from Greenland's political party, said in an interview with The Asia Business Daily, "Greenland is currently preparing protocols for investment screening," adding, "We welcome business and investment from not only the United States and the EU but also Asia." She continued, "We want investment in various infrastructure facilities such as ports and airports, and the more concrete the plans, the better."