Gwangyang: South Korea's only icebreaker, Araon, is set to embark on its 17th Arctic mission this week, as it departs from the southwestern port of Gwangyang on Saturday. The mission aims to conduct research and gather crucial data for the future operation of Arctic shipping routes, according to a statement by the Korea Polar Research Institute.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Araon will undertake an 83-day expedition, navigating through significant Arctic regions such as the Bering Sea, East Siberian Sea, Chukchi Sea, and the Central Arctic Ocean. The mission's objectives include investigating climate change, studying the seabed environment, and collecting data to support the potential development of Arctic shipping operations.

This expedition marks the inaugural mission under a collaborative project between the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Polar Research Institute. The project focuses on developing integrated forecasting technologies using field observations to facilitate future northern shipping route operations.

South Korea has set its sights on establishing a regular shipping route connecting the country with Europe via the Arctic region by 2030. This goal is part of a broader government initiative to transform South Korea's southeastern region into a global maritime hub.