Welcome to the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology!

The ocean, which accounts for approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface area, has been regarded as an ultimate challenge for ambitious explorers and a symbol of abundance since antiquity. While humanity is threatened by ever-greater problems such as energy shortages, depletion of land resources, climate change, the ocean plays a much more tangible role as a means of solving the diversified conundrums we face at this moment.

Since the establishment in October 1973, KIOST has been a leading Korean R&D institution in the field of ocean science and technology. Based on the research products from the past fifty years, KIOST is expanding the scope of research further and deeper in the ocean, striving to address common agendas of the humankind by discovering ocean-based growth momentums.

Nowadays, terms such as “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” “AI,” “climate change,” and “marine pollution” are no longer used exclusively by scientists. Moreover, generative AI, most notably via ChatGPT, has already infiltrated our research environment and daily routines.

In response, KIOST will unceasingly delve into our studies and seek to innovate as a forerunner in the advancement of ocean science and technology in Korea. We will also be expanding the realm of marine research by pursuing one-of-a-kind research topics as a pacesetter, and incorporating AI, big data, IoT, NT, and BT into ocean science and technology.

To fulfill the mission assigned to KIOST, we will strive to establish and implement a national maritime policy by applying ocean science and technology, firmly securing the presence of Korea among other competitors around the globe.

The KIOST family kindly ask for your continued interest and support so that we can continue to guide the progress of marine science and technology and play a key role in strengthening the national maritime capability of Korea.

Dr. Lee, Hyi Seung
President