The Korean government participated in the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and the 28th Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP), held in Hiroshima from May 11 to 21, 2026, and took part in discussions on key issues within the Antarctic Treaty System, including Antarctic environmental protection, climate change response, tourism and non-governmental activities, and scientific research cooperation.

※ At this meeting, Jeong Gi-yong, Head of the Korean delegation to the ATCM, assumed the position of Vice Chair of the 48th ATCM.

Since acceding to the Antarctic Treaty in 1986 and attaining Consultative Party* to the Antarctic Treaty status in 1989, Korea has conducted a wide range of research through the operation of the King Sejong Station and Jang Bogo Station, while promoting international scientific cooperation. Korea has also continued to expand its substantive contributions to Antarctic governance, including the election of Kim Ji-hee, Principal Research Scientist at the Korea Polar Research Institute, as Vice Chair of the 27th CEP in 2025. 

* The Parties to the Antarctic Treaty are composed of Consultative Parties and Non-Consultative Parties. Consultative Parties hold decision-making and voting rights within the ATCM.

- To attain Consultative Party status, a country must demonstrate a significant level of contribution to Antarctic scientific research.

At the meeting, the Korean delegation submitted and presented papers on topics including changes in permafrost conditions near King Sejong Station and the accumulation of microplastics in Antarctica, sharing updates on Antarctic environmental protection and research activities while exchanging views with other Parties. The delegation also actively contributed to discussions on the designation of the emperor penguin as a specially protected species and the expansion of Consultative Party status to additional countries, including Canada.

As the next Chair country, Korea will host the 49th ATCM and the 29th CEP in Songdo International Business District, Incheon, from May 17 to 27, 2027. 

※ This will mark Korea’s first time hosting the meeting in 32 years since the 19th ATCM was held in the country in 1995.

To this end, the government plans to establish a close interagency coordination framework involving relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and the MCEE, and will make thorough preparations to ensure the successful hosting of the meetings.

The government will also continue to strengthen Korea’s standing as a responsible Consultative Party to the Antarctic Treaty and contribute to international efforts aimed at the peaceful use of Antarctica, the advancement of scientific research, and the protection of the Antarctic environment.

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com