Busan: The oceans ministry is actively working to transform South Korea's southeastern region into a global maritime hub in anticipation of the potential expansion of Arctic shipping routes, Minister Hwang Jong-woo announced during a recent Cabinet meeting. The meeting reviewed the progress made by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries during the first year of President Lee Jae Myung's administration.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry relocated to the southeastern port city of Busan from Sejong in December. This move is part of the government's strategy to develop Busan and its surrounding areas into a global maritime center. As part of this initiative, SK Shipping Co. and H-Line Shipping Co. have moved their headquarters to Busan, with HMM Co., the largest shipping firm in South Korea, also planning to relocate there.

Minister Hwang also highlighted the scheduled opening of an international maritime court in Busan in 2028. He suggested that the establishment of a state-run corporation for regional investment could further enhance Busan's role as a maritime capital, equipped with comprehensive administrative, judicial, corporate, and financial infrastructure, thus contributing to South Korea's economic growth.

In addition, Minister Hwang reported that South Korea's seafood exports achieved a record high last year, largely due to the increasing global demand for dried seaweed products. The country's seafood exports totaled US$3.33 billion in 2025, marking a 9.7 percent increase from the previous year. The ministry has set a target of $4.2 billion in seafood exports for the current year.

South Korea's influence in international maritime organizations has grown, Hwang noted, and the country is set to host the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2028.