King Sejong Station
The King Sejong Station is a permanent South Korean research station located in Antarctica. Named after King Sejong the Great of Joseon, a 15th-century Korean monarch renowned for his scientific advancements, the base is a vital hub for South Korea's polar research program. It is currently overseen by station chief scientist In-Young Ahn.[1][2]
King Sejong Station | |
|---|---|
King Sejong Station Location of King Sejong Station in Antarctica | |
| Coordinates: 62°13′22″S 58°47′18″W / 62.222803°S 58.788256°W | |
| Established | 17 February 1988 |
| Named for | Sejong the Great |
| Elevation | 10 m (30 ft) |
| Population (2017) | |
| • Summer | 68 |
| • Winter | 22 |
| Website | Korea Polar Research Institute |
Location and Establishment
The station is situated on Barton Peninsula, on the western side of King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, which lie off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was established on February 17, 1988, making it a long-standing presence on the continent. The station is operated by the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) and provides a base for year-round scientific research.
Scientific Research
King Sejong Station is a center for a wide range of scientific disciplines, with a focus on understanding the unique Antarctic environment and its role in global systems. Key research areas include:
- Earth sciences: Studies in geology and geophysics, including seismology and geodesy, to understand the structure and movements of the Earth's crust.
- Atmospheric sciences: Monitoring the atmosphere for data on ozone depletion, climate change, and solar phenomena.
- Life sciences: Research on the biodiversity of polar organisms, their adaptation to extreme conditions, and the impact of environmental change on their ecosystems.
- Oceanography and Glaciology: Investigating the surrounding marine environment, sea ice dynamics, and the behavior of glaciers.
Facilities and Operations
The station is a modern, self-contained facility designed to support both summer and winter crews. It has a number of buildings including laboratories, living quarters, a powerhouse, and a greenhouse where researchers have successfully grown fruits and vegetables. The station's operations rely on logistical support from its own research vessel, the R/V Araon, and international collaboration for air transport, particularly from nearby bases like Chile's Eduardo Frei Base.
- ↑ "Antarctica - Southern Exposure - Foreign Correspondent - ABC". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2016-06-03.
- ↑ "Annual Report" (PDF). eng.kopri.re.kr. Korea Polar Research Institute. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.