At his parliamentary confirmation hearing, Chun Jae-soo, the nominee for South Korea’s Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, unveiled plans to transform Busan into a strategic maritime hub.
This move aligns with the country’s ambitions to capitalize on the emerging Arctic shipping routes and reinforce its maritime leadership amid climate change and global trade shifts.
Ministry Relocation to Busan: A Bold First Step
Chun reaffirmed the relocation of the Oceans Ministry’s headquarters from Sejong to Busan by the end of the year, a key agenda of President Lee Jae-myung’s administration. The relocation aims to decentralize Seoul-centric development and stimulate regional economic growth by anchoring maritime governance and institutions in the port city.
He emphasized that this strategic shift would not only bolster Busan’s role but also attract major shipping companies, including HMM, South Korea’s largest shipping line, which the government also plans to relocate.
Arctic Shipping and Global Maritime Leadership
Highlighting the potential of Arctic shipping routes—which offer shorter trade paths between Asia and Europe—Chun stated his commitment to establishing a “strategic hub” in Busan. He also announced plans to bid for the UN Ocean Conference, positioning South Korea as a leader in the future of Arctic maritime logistics.
Eco-Friendly and Technological Advancements in Maritime Sector
Chun also outlined his broader maritime vision in response to climate change, promising reforms to ensure a sustainable fisheries industry. This includes introducing a total allowable catch management system and promoting smart aquaculture technologies to boost productivity.
Further, he pledged to strengthen Korea’s port competitiveness and pursue advanced technologies, especially in eco-friendly and autonomous vessel development, to establish South Korea as a maritime powerhouse in the green economy.
Chun Jae-soo’s roadmap reflects South Korea’s strategic pivot toward regional decentralization, climate-resilient maritime policies, and global leadership in Arctic trade routes. If confirmed, his tenure could mark a significant transformation in the nation’s maritime landscape—anchored in Busan’s rise as a global logistics and innovation hub.
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Source: THE HAWK
