1. Organisation/Project Name

Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI)

2. Brief Introduction of the Partner

The Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) is a government-funded research institute for comprehensive ocean studies and technology development. It was established in 1973 and has been increased in size, now with less than 1,000 staffs and the annual budget of around $100M. It has research centers in multiple locations including the ones in Quingdao, China and Chuuk, the Micronesia.

KORDI’s main functions are:

1) Perform basic and applied research to promote the efficient use of coastal and ocean resources
2) Undertake comprehensive surveys and studies of Korea’s seas and open oceans
3) Develop technologies related to the coastal and harbor engineering, ships and ocean engineering, and maritime safety
4) Support and cooperate with other government agencies, universities and private industries towards the development of marine resources and protection of the ocean environment
5) Coordinate international cooperation concerning ocean research and management projects

In detail, KORDI executes cutting edge research projects and provides advisory services focusing on ‘Exploration of ocean territories & development of climate change monitoring and observation technology’, ‘Development of ocean ecosystem preservation and environment management technology’, ‘Development of ocean living resources utilization technology’, ‘Development of smart operation and design technology of marine system’ and, ‘Development of marine accident response and safety enhancement technologies.’

KORDI actively pursues in international and regional programmes. It is an active member of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and accommodates the Korea Oceanographic Commission (KOC) secretariat, UNEP/IMO Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP) Marine Environmental Emergency and Preparedness Regional Activity Center (MERRAC), and the YSLME project management office within its organization.

KORDI carries out several regional training programmes such as APEC Marine Environment Training and Education Center (AMETEC), KOICA Marine Environment Conservation Training Programme, and Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology Programme.


3. Roles and Activities as a Member of the Yellow Sea Partnership

KORDI contributes to the Yellow Sea Partnership by providing scientific expertise and implementing joint activities by sharing KORDI’s resources.

As research institute, KORDI has a wide network of scientific community. KORDI would provide guidance of finding appropriate experts and knowledge. Co-organizing workshops and meetings would be considered.

KORDI contributes to public awareness of the Yellow Sea and the YSLME project. KORDI communicates with general public through various ways. KORDI deals with requests from the media for interviews with scientists, and provides scientific materials and visual images. In addition, it holds such events as education programs, competition events on marine science, exhibitions and institutional tours.

KORDI has participated in the First Yellow Sea Partnership Workshop and worked with other Partners in the development of the “Yellow Sea Public Awareness and Communications Strategy.”


4. Contact Information

Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute
1270 Sa2-dong Sangnok-gu Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 426-744, Republic of Korea
Tel: 82-31-400-7757
Fax: 82-31-406-6925
Homepage: http://www.kordi.re.kr
Email: yrchoi@kordi.re.kr 
(Ms. Young Rae Choi, International Cooperation Division)