Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology

The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) with its headquarters in Busan, South Korea, has driven development of the marine sciences and technology of Korea for almost 50 years since its establishment in 1973. Formerly known as the Korean Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI), it started functioning with the new name of Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology from July 1, 2012.[1]

History

Founded as the Korean Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) in 1973, it was originally located at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST).[2]

In 2014, the KIOST unveiled a six-legged robot that can walk the ocean floor. The robot is 2.4x2.4x1.3 meters in dimension. It weighs 650 kilos and contains 30 motors.[3] In January 2017, after North Korea led nuclear tests at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, the KIOST published a study showing how radioactive materials from those tests probably travelled to the tip of Russia and Northern Japan.[4] In July 2017, the KIOST partnered with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to further the Research Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction.[5] In July 2018, when a South Korean company claimed to have found the wreck of a Russian warship (the Dmitrii Donskoi) that hypothetically contained more than $130 billion in gold, the KIOST told the media it knew about the ship's location since 2003.[6]

Mission

The main functions of KIOST are:

  1. To perform basic and applied research to promote the efficient use of coastal and ocean resources
  2. To undertake comprehensive surveys and studies of Korea's seas and open oceans
  3. To conduct scientific research in polar and tropical regions, especially in Antarctica and the south Pacific
  4. To develop technologies related to the coastal and harbor engineering, ships and ocean engineering, and maritime safety
  5. To support and cooperate with other government agencies, universities and private industries towards the development of marine resources and the protection of the ocean environment.
  6. To coordinate and participate in the international cooperation concerning oceanographic research projects

The KIOST also undertakes fundamental research in Antarctica. The main areas of interest are geological and geophysical science, the life sciences, and climate science. The institute owns the RV Onnuri, which is used to supply the year-round Antarctic station the King Sejong Station (62.13'S; 58°45'W).

Partnerships

KIOST has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and bilateral agreements with national research institutes in China, Micronesia, United States, United Kingdom and Peru. Tertiary educational partners include the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Rutgers University[7] and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the University of Virginia in the United States.[8] Partner organizations include Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans and Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia.[9]

References
  1. "KIOST". KIOST.
  2. "Functions & History". kiost.ac.kr.
  3. Kieron Monks, Giant six-legged robot crab to walk the ocean floor, Cnn.com, 1 April 2014
  4. Sofia Lotto Persio, North Korea soldiers are being treated for radiation exposure after nuclear test: report, Newsweek.com, 11 January 2017
  5. New RAMA partnership between PMEL and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Pmel.noaa.gov, 6 July 2017
  6. Josh Smith, 'Treasure ship' claim raises eyebrows in South Korea, Reuters.com, 19 July 2018
  7. "Challenger Glider Mission — Academic Partners". Rutgers University.
  8. "About — International Partners: Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST)". Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
  9. "About PEMSEA — Non-country partners: KIOST". PEMSEA.

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