South Korea's Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) has sent its research icebreaker Araon on the country's 17th Arctic expedition. This year, the focus is on collecting scientific data to support the future development of shipping routes in the Arctic, as Seoul prepares to take advantage of new northern sea lanes.
The 7,500-ton Araon left Incheon on Friday for a three-month journey. During this expedition, researchers will study the climate, oceans, and ecosystems in the Arctic, while also observing sea ice and navigation conditions that affect commercial shipping, according to KOPRI.
KOPRI stated that researchers will gather data from waters near Alaska and the Chukchi and Beaufort seas. They will use autonomous observation equipment and conduct studies on changing sea ice, marine ecosystems, and the effects of climate change. The expedition also aims to improve understanding of Arctic environments as shipping increases during longer ice-free seasons.
“This expedition is significant as it helps document the Arctic, which is at the forefront of climate change, while also preparing for the era of Arctic shipping routes,” said KOPRI President Shin Hyeong-cheol.
“I hope the data collected by the Araon will provide a solid foundation to enhance Korea’s Arctic scientific capabilities and their practical use.”
This voyage comes at a time when South Korea is aligning its polar research with broader economic and maritime goals. The government is planning to send its first trial container ship from South Korea to Europe through the Arctic later this summer. This is part of a larger strategy to see if the Northern Sea Route could eventually reduce shipping times between Northeast Asia and European markets during certain seasons.
Seoul recognizes the importance of developing scientific knowledge to support future navigation, even though Arctic routes are still limited by unpredictable ice conditions, inadequate infrastructure, high insurance costs, and geopolitical tensions.
South Korea is also preparing its competitive shipbuilding industry to meet the growing demand for ice-class vessels as Arctic activities increase. In April, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries secured a contract worth $348.9 million to build Sweden’s next-generation icebreaker, marking the first overseas order for an icebreaker won by a South Korean shipbuilder. The vessel is expected to be delivered in 2029.
Domestically, South Korea is moving forward with the construction of its next-generation heavy icebreaking research vessel. Hanwha Ocean was awarded the contract in 2025, with the new ship expected to begin service around 2030. This will significantly enhance the country’s polar research capabilities beyond those of the Araon, which has been in service since 2009. This project is part of Seoul’s long-term plan to strengthen Arctic science while supporting future shipping, resource extraction, and industrial opportunities in the polar regions.
The political leadership of South Korea aims to combine scientific research, advanced shipbuilding skills, and maritime logistics into a broader strategy to position itself as a key player in the emerging Arctic shipping economy.