The Republic of Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) has announced that it will host the "2013 East Sea Rim International Marine Forum" at its East Sea Research Institute in Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do, from June 11 to 12.

Organized by the East Sea Research Institute, under the sponsorship of the Gyeongsanbuk-do Provincial Government and the Uljin County Office, the forum will be attended by about 200 domestic and foreign experts in various fields of marine science.

During the forum, participants will present papers and hold discussions on various issues related to the East Sea Rim area. Topics will cover four categories: ocean circulation and climate change, ocean acidification and the ecosystem, coastal erosion, and marine observation networks. The participants will also share knowledge of various current issues in the East Sea Rim area and seek solutions to these issues through presentations and discussions.

KIOST President Kang Jung-keuk said, "Called a 'microcosm of the oceans,' the East Sea is a testing ground for the study of the world's oceans and therefore, bears a scientific, cultural and political significance."

He hopes the upcoming forum will contribute to forming a domestic and international consensus on many pressing issues in the East Sea Rim area and in various disciplines related to marine science, including marine environment, climate change and coastal management.