[Column] Toward Unwavering Maritime Sovereignty and a Safe, Clean Sea

The word "opportunity" originates from the Latin word "portus," meaning "harbor." This etymology implies that true opportunities arise not by staying safely within the harbor, but by facing the rough waves and winds outside at sea. The turbulent and perilous ocean always carries risks, but it is also the starting point for opening new paths.

Today, we are facing unprecedented uncertainty at sea. Geopolitical tensions surrounding the waters of the Korean Peninsula persist, and the frequency of large-scale marine disasters caused by abnormal weather is increasing. In addition, the opening of the Arctic route is reshaping global supply chains. We are now encountering various uncertainties at sea.

Marine disasters are no longer limited to certain periods or types as in the past; they can now occur at any time across coastal and offshore areas, fishing vessels, leisure craft, and passenger ships. These risks are becoming increasingly complex. Amid these changes, the Korea Coast Guard is committed to making the lives and safety of the people its top priority, striving to realize "unwavering maritime sovereignty and a safe and clean sea for all."

In response to illegal foreign fishing vessels that threaten the livelihoods of fishermen, we will strengthen penalties by increasing security deposits and respond more firmly through special crackdowns. For large-scale marine drug crimes, we will conduct intensive crackdowns using advanced equipment such as underwater drones, and reinforce surveillance of major smuggling routes to fundamentally block cross-border crimes.

To ensure that citizens can enjoy the sea with peace of mind, we will build a trusted maritime safety network that people can truly feel. We will deploy coastal patrol drones to monitor high-risk areas, expand control zones to enhance meticulous safety management, and increase the number of special rescue teams equipped with professional rescuers to respond swiftly to complex marine disasters.

Additionally, to manage our seas more precisely and comprehensively, we will establish a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) system and utilize advanced surveillance assets such as satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles to ensure thorough management of maritime areas.

The upcoming year of 2026 marks a new starting line for the Korea Coast Guard. All 13,000 members of the Coast Guard will carry out their duties with unwavering determination to protect the lives and safety of the people until the very end.

Furthermore, we pledge to always listen to voices from the field so that they can be reflected in policy, and to communicate continuously with the public to create a safer sea together. As guardians of the nation's seas, we ask for your warm interest and support for the Korea Coast Guard's ambitious challenges ahead.

Jang Insik, Acting Commissioner General of the Korea Coast Guard