Korea Maritime University is actively promoting international cooperation research on the Arctic route and citizen participation in marine education. Following a recent event in Dalian, China, where research findings on the Arctic route were shared, the university is set to conduct marine healing education in Busan and host a citizen engagement festival with marine cluster organizations at the end of this month.
The Dongsam Innovation District Marine Cluster Council will hold the '3rd Marine Cluster Festival' from October 30 to November 1 at Amir Park in Yeongdo, Busan. This year's festival, themed 'Connecting the Sea, Opening the Future: Meeting the Marine Capital in Yeongdo,' will coincide with the Yeongdo Bridge Festival. The council includes 17 organizations, such as Korea Maritime University, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, the Korea Maritime Institute, the National Maritime Museum, and the Busan City and Yeongdo District Office.
The opening ceremony on October 30 at 2 p.m. will feature a puzzle performance symbolizing cooperation among participating organizations. A walkthrough exhibition space will showcase research achievements and key facilities through photos and videos.
Korea Maritime University, the Busan Port Fire Station, and the Korea Shipbuilding and Marine Equipment Research Institute will operate separate promotional booths and conduct a series of experiential events for attendees.
On October 31, citizens will have the opportunity to visit marine institutions directly. Activities include yacht rides at Korea Maritime University, a tour of the marine research equipment exhibition at the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, and exhibitions and training at the National Maritime Museum and the Marine Environment Education Center. The programs will require online pre-registration on the participating institutions' websites, with spots filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting at 2 p.m. that day, Amir Park will host busking, fusion traditional music performances, and a seafood magic concert, along with family-friendly activities such as face painting and tarot card readings.
Ryu Dong-geun, president of the Dongsam Innovation District Marine Cluster Council, expressed hope that citizens visiting Yeongdo will closely observe and experience the role and achievements of the marine cluster, envisioning the future of the sea together.
The International Ocean Issues Research Institute at Korea Maritime University held a special lecture on 'Marine Humanities and Arctic Route Research' on October 10 in Dalian, China, for local consulate officials and expatriates. The event, co-hosted by the institute, Dalian Maritime University, KOTRA, and the Dalian Consulate, discussed the potential for marine cooperation between Busan and Dalian in the Arctic route era and ways to enhance exchanges between port cities.
Jung Mun-soo, director of the International Ocean Issues Research Institute, explained the relationship between marine culture and humanities, discussing the connection between the sea, humanity, and civilization from a humanistic perspective. He also introduced key aspects of the institute's ongoing project, 'Foundational Research for Establishing Arctic Route 3.0.'
Professor Lee Chang-hee from the Department of Navigation Convergence presented on a 'Korea-China Cooperation-Based Eco-Friendly Arctic Navigation Digital Platform.' Students Kim Hae-won and Choi Ye-won from the Department of Maritime Law proposed directions for the development of Korea Maritime University in the Arctic route era, while researcher Lim Ha-ram shared insights from his experience at the Svalbard International Summer School and discussed Korea-Russia cooperation in the Arctic Route 3.0 era.
Kitack Lim, honorary secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization, also attended and engaged in a Q&A session regarding international maritime issues based on his experiences during his tenure. Other researchers, including Professors Choi Jin-cheol, Choi Jeong-hwan, and Noh Jong-jin, along with Chair Professor Kim Gang-sik, former researcher Ahn Soo-hyun, and Son Yong-gu, head of the Arctic Research Center, participated in the discussions.
Local expatriates also inquired about university admissions. The institute provided information on admissions and educational and research fields at Korea Maritime University, fostering exchanges with the expatriate community.
Choi Jeong-hwan, who joined Korea Maritime University as a full-time faculty member in September, played a bridging role in preparing the event. He has a notable history as the first foreigner appointed as an associate professor at Dalian Maritime University’s College of Law.
In Busan, citizen health and cultural education utilizing marine resources is also underway. The Anchor Project Team at Korea Maritime University held an opening ceremony for the '2026 Marine Healing Citizen Academy' on October 10, with over 40 citizens from Busan participating.
Co-organized with the International Ocean Issues Research Institute and the Korea-Germany Cultural Exchange Association, the academy will run four sessions every Saturday until October 31.
Themed 'Sensing the Sea, Healing Myself,' the program includes activities focused on sight, smell, hearing, and expression, designated as 'Eye Day,' 'Nose Day,' 'Ear Day,' and 'Mouth Day.' It combines medical and humanities lectures with artistic and hands-on experiences, allowing participants to engage with the sea and nature through various senses.
The curriculum includes assessing participants' health and well-being, along with a program for recording experiences and changes through sensory journals and creative activities.
On the first day, former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Young-chun attended to deliver a congratulatory message and participate in the education. The first session, 'Eye Day,' involved observing and artistically expressing the scenery where Busan's rivers meet the sea.
This academy is a follow-up program to last year's marine healing education, which served over 40 citizens.
Cheon Gang-woo, head of the Anchor Project Team, expressed hope that citizens would directly experience the healing value of the sea and utilize it in their daily lives. He added that the team will continue to develop various marine healing education programs reflecting community needs and strive to establish a marine healing culture rooted in collaboration between the university and the local community.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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