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“The sea is the future of South Korea”—31st Ocean Day in Busan
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Date
2026.06.02.
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Hit
135
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File
“The sea is the future of South Korea”—31st Ocean Day in Busan
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Hwang Jong-woo) announced that it would be holding the 31st Ocean Day commemorative ceremony under the theme "From Busan to the World, From the Sea to the Future" at Korea Maritime and Ocean University in Yeongdo-gu, Busan on Wednesday, May 27.
Ocean Day (every May 31) was designated as a national commemorative day in 1996 to raise public awareness of the value and importance of the sea and to enhance the pride of those in the marine and fisheries sectors. This year marks the 31st iteration.
The ceremony is the first Ocean Day event held since MOF relocated to Busan, and it will take place there to commemorate the Ministry's era in Busan. In particular, since it is held at Korea Maritime and Ocean University—a leading institution for fostering marine talent in the country—it is expected to be an opportunity to share Korea's future vision for the seas with young talents who will lead the maritime industry.
About 400 people will attend the ceremony including the MOF Minister Hwang Jong-woo, Navy and Coast Guard officials, representatives of marine and fisheries industries and organizations, heads of marine-related public institutions, Korea Maritime University students, and marine and fisheries workers.
A report to the public—themed “Directions for Fostering the Southern Maritime Capital Region to Empower Youth and Local Communities”—will be presented at the ceremony, and an awards ceremony to present orders, medals, and commendations* to meritorious individuals who have contributed to the development of the marine and fisheries sector will be held. This year’s highest honor—the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit—will be awarded to KCTC Co., Ltd. Chairman Shin Tae-beom for contributing to the establishment of foundation for Korea’s shipping and shipbuilding industries by introducing planned shipbuilding and participating in ship construction, and for working to strengthen national logistics competitiveness.
*5 out of a total of 39 government awards (3 Orders, 1 Medal, 1 Presidential Commendation) were presented on-site at the ceremony.
In addition, the Korea Shipping Association, Ocean Together Foundation, HMM, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, and Mokpo National Maritime University will sign an MOU to foster future shipping talent through industry-academe cooperation. The shipping industry plans to contribute KRW 10 billion to strengthen maritime education capabilities by providing KRW 5 billion each to two universities and to cultivate future maritime talent through field-oriented industry-academe cooperation projects.
The signing ceremony will be followed by celebratory performances by the 2026 Sea Song Contest-winning team, Korea Maritime and Ocean University choir Melos, and male vocal ensemble Happy Ensemble composed of professors from the Busan region, adding to the significance of Ocean Day for future generations.
“I hope Ocean Day serves as an opportunity for all citizens to reflect once again on the value and importance of the ocean. We will continue to provide all-out policy support so that future generations can find new growth possibilities in the sea,” Minister of MOF Hwang Jong-woo said at the event.
- Holding the 31st Ocean Day Commemoration Ceremony at the Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan on May 27
- Presenting a future vision for Korea's maritime sector and directions for fostering young maritime talent
- Presenting a future vision for Korea's maritime sector and directions for fostering young maritime talent
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Hwang Jong-woo) announced that it would be holding the 31st Ocean Day commemorative ceremony under the theme "From Busan to the World, From the Sea to the Future" at Korea Maritime and Ocean University in Yeongdo-gu, Busan on Wednesday, May 27.
Ocean Day (every May 31) was designated as a national commemorative day in 1996 to raise public awareness of the value and importance of the sea and to enhance the pride of those in the marine and fisheries sectors. This year marks the 31st iteration.
The ceremony is the first Ocean Day event held since MOF relocated to Busan, and it will take place there to commemorate the Ministry's era in Busan. In particular, since it is held at Korea Maritime and Ocean University—a leading institution for fostering marine talent in the country—it is expected to be an opportunity to share Korea's future vision for the seas with young talents who will lead the maritime industry.
About 400 people will attend the ceremony including the MOF Minister Hwang Jong-woo, Navy and Coast Guard officials, representatives of marine and fisheries industries and organizations, heads of marine-related public institutions, Korea Maritime University students, and marine and fisheries workers.
A report to the public—themed “Directions for Fostering the Southern Maritime Capital Region to Empower Youth and Local Communities”—will be presented at the ceremony, and an awards ceremony to present orders, medals, and commendations* to meritorious individuals who have contributed to the development of the marine and fisheries sector will be held. This year’s highest honor—the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit—will be awarded to KCTC Co., Ltd. Chairman Shin Tae-beom for contributing to the establishment of foundation for Korea’s shipping and shipbuilding industries by introducing planned shipbuilding and participating in ship construction, and for working to strengthen national logistics competitiveness.
*5 out of a total of 39 government awards (3 Orders, 1 Medal, 1 Presidential Commendation) were presented on-site at the ceremony.
In addition, the Korea Shipping Association, Ocean Together Foundation, HMM, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, and Mokpo National Maritime University will sign an MOU to foster future shipping talent through industry-academe cooperation. The shipping industry plans to contribute KRW 10 billion to strengthen maritime education capabilities by providing KRW 5 billion each to two universities and to cultivate future maritime talent through field-oriented industry-academe cooperation projects.
The signing ceremony will be followed by celebratory performances by the 2026 Sea Song Contest-winning team, Korea Maritime and Ocean University choir Melos, and male vocal ensemble Happy Ensemble composed of professors from the Busan region, adding to the significance of Ocean Day for future generations.
“I hope Ocean Day serves as an opportunity for all citizens to reflect once again on the value and importance of the ocean. We will continue to provide all-out policy support so that future generations can find new growth possibilities in the sea,” Minister of MOF Hwang Jong-woo said at the event.
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