Aspiring scientists from abroad who have developed a deep interest in Korea boarded a KIOST research vessel to experience deep-seabed exploration firsthand, choosing Korea over other countries.
The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (President: Hyi-Seung Lee) announced that it conducted the “ISA Training Program for Developing Countries” for six international trainees over three weeks, from March 18 to April 7, at its headquarters in Busan, in collaboration with the International Seabed Authority.
The ISA is an international organization established in 1994 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and is responsible for regulating deep-seabed activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Korea acceded to UNCLOS in 1996.
Since 2017, KIOST and ISA have jointly operated this training program to strengthen the capabilities of young scientists from developing countries, producing approximately 40 trainees to date.
Participants are able to select their preferred host country―such as China, Japan, or France―for the training program, and all selected Korea this year, motivated by a desire to experience the country’s advanced technology and culture firsthand.
The trainees boarded KIOST’s research vessel, the RV Onnuri, where they operated deep-sea exploration equipment and gained hands-on experience in oceanographic survey processes. They also enhanced their understanding of deep-sea mineral resources through practical analysis training.
In addition to research activities, the trainees visited leading Korean companies such as Hyundai Motor Company and POSCO, gaining insight into Korea’s economic development and advanced technological capabilities.
Hyi-Seung Lee, President of KIOST, stated, “We hope that young scientists from developing countries will build their capacity in deep-sea mineral exploration in Korea and contribute to the advancement of marine science in their home countries. As all trainees have expressed interest in pursuing graduate studies at KIOST, we expect our relationship with them to continue in the future.”
The trainees selected for this year’s ISA program are from Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya, Brazil, Ecuador, and Bangladesh, with all training and accommodation expenses fully covered.
Avery Inyangala (25) from Kenya remarked, “What stood out most was the opportunity to directly operate deep-sea exploration equipment and experience the full analysis process. I will be sure to share the valuable knowledge I gained at KIOST with junior scientists in my home country.”
Meanwhile, KIOST has achieved significant outcomes in deep-sea research, including exploring marine mineral resources in international waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans and discovering new hydrothermal vents.
