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The Republic of Korea on the 6th International Arctic Forum, The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue (IAF, Murmansk (Russia), March 26-27, 2025) expressed its interest in using the forum as an expert platform for the development of High North resources and developing a multilateral approach to the development of transport infrastructure between Europe and Asia. For Seoul, when evaluating the profitability of maritime routes, especially the Northern Sea Route (NSR), the issues related to expanding its presence in the Arctic are particularly relevant, as a traditional route through the Suez Canal.
According to the speakers from South Korea, NSR can significantly reduce logistics costs, especially when transporting containers from South Korean ports to Europe. This point is not only the interest of Seoul, but also the interest of other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including China and India.
The forum paid special attention to technical and scientific support for Arctic transportation. The Republic of Korea is facing problems with icebreaker escorts. The only South Korean icebreaker, “Araon”, built in 2009, is outdated and does not meet modern technical and other requirements.
The new “Araon-2” icebreaker is built with improved technical characteristics and will be able to overcome ice one and a half meters thick. At the same time, Chinese companies are also actively promoting their own development, including for Korean market.
Another area of discussion is Russia’s suspension of shipbuilding orders in the Republic of Korea. This has caused concerns from companies such as Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Ltd., previously built natural gas transports for Russia. In the near future, South Korea can expand its cooperation with China and Turkey in hull construction and component construction.
In the diplomatic process between the United States, Russia and South Korea, Seoul is exploring the possibility of continuing dialogue with Moscow on Arctic issues. The priority remains to collect information on cargo flows along the NSR, the status of the icebreaker fleet, and international supply prospects, including environmental issues (weather conditions, climate changes and adaptation, pollution etc.).
On March 28th the delegation of the Republic of Korea visited Atomflot. The members of the delegation included Ambassador Lee Do-hoon, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Moscow other staff and South Korean business representatives. The purpose of the South Korea in IAF-2025 is to formulate a sustainable agenda for the development of transportation infrastructure, participate in Arctic environmental and energy projects, and develop information interaction. The joint Russian – South-Korean round table is expected to be held in the third quarter of this year.
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