- MOF to open applications for high school participants to the Arctic Research Experience Group (Dasan Juniors) from April 3 (Mon) through 27 (Thurs) -

  The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Minister CHO Seung Hwan) has launched the Arctic Research Experience Group (21C Dasan Juniors) Program by recruiting high school students nationwide from April 3rd (Monday) through April 27th (Thursday). The selected candidates will be able to take part in arctic research activities during their summer vacation at the Dasan Arctic Science Station.

  The Arctic Research Experience Group will be taking its participants to Korea’s Arctic Science Station, the Dasan Station (latitude: 79 degrees north) located in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, for a three-night, four-day trip at the end of July until early August this year. During their stay, students will observe diverse climate change phenomena, such as the melting of glaciers on land and in the Arctic sea, and engage in research activities, including collecting Arctic plants and studying the ecology of Arctic animals. They will also have the opportunity to visit nearby international stations and engage in discussions with scientists from around the world.

  The program will select a total of three individuals, and high school students or teenagers of equivalent ages from Korea with an interest in the Arctic can apply. Applicants can fill out their online applications via the Korea Polar Research Institute website (www.kopri.re.kr). The selection process will involve three stages, including document review, a polar science quiz trivia, and an in-depth interview.

  The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has been operating the Arctic Research Experience Group Program since 2005, offering opportunities for Korean teenagers to experience the Arctic and to inspire them to become future Arctic scientists. The program was paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19 but resumed last year. To date, a total of 100 teenagers have visited and experienced Arctic research activities through this program.