Researchers from our institute (Director: Prof. Choi Woo-ik) took part as moderator, presenters, and discussants in the Arctic research seminar titled “Opportunities and People,” held as the final session of the Arctic Cooperation Week on December 12 at BEXCO in Busan.

The seminar, co-hosted by our institute, the Polar Research Center, and the Korea–Sakha Friendship Association, featured Prof. Choi Woo-ik as moderator. Prof. Ra Seung-do delivered a presentation titled “The Drama of Conquest: Contemporary Russian Cinema and Visual Images of the Arctic,” followed by a discussion by Prof. Kim Hye-jin. In addition, Prof. Kim Seon-rae served as a discussant for a presentation on the Northern Sea Route by researcher Jeong Hyeok of the Polar Research Center.

Earlier in the day, Prof. Choi also participated in the morning session, “2025 Arctic Cooperation Week: Korea Arctic Research Consortium Seminar.” Organized by the Korea Arctic Research Consortium (KoARC), the seminar addressed the theme “Discussing the Arctic Today: Arctic Trends Highlighted in the 2025 Polar Issues Report.” Prof. Choi presented on “Enhancing the Quality of Life of Arctic Residents as a Top Priority of Russia’s Arctic Policy Toward 2035 and Exploring Korea–Russia Cooperation.”

Founded in 2015, the Korea Arctic Research Consortium aims to identify innovative interdisciplinary Arctic research agendas and establish systematic support mechanisms. It seeks to enhance collaboration among Arctic researchers, create new opportunities, and strengthen Korea’s research, industrial activities, and policy development in the Arctic region. The consortium comprises approximately 40 leading domestic research institutions, including the Korea Polar Research Institute, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, the Korea Maritime Institute, as well as our institute and the Polar Research Center.