The Answer to Becoming a Maritime Power Lies Here... KIOST Brings "Manned Submersible Development" to the National Assembly

"Beyond Technological Independence:
Building Safety and Certification Systems"

Discussions have begun in the National Assembly regarding the domestic development and acquisition of manned submersible technology, which allows people to directly descend into the ocean for exploration. This initiative is based on the recognition that, alongside technology development, there is a need to establish supporting legal and institutional frameworks.

The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST, led by President Lee Heeseung) announced on the 14th that it held a joint seminar on June 12th at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building, together with Assemblyman Park Kyuntaek’s office and the Korean National Law Association, under the title “National Legal Issues in Marine Science and Technology.”

This seminar was organized to establish legal and institutional foundations to support the independence of manned submersible technology for marine underwater exploration and to enhance global competitiveness. The aim is not only to secure domestic technology but also to play a leading role in discussions on international safety and certification standards.

Perspective view of the manned submersible Cheonhaeyong being developed by KIOST.

In Korea, over 3,500 marine accidents occur annually, yet the country has not yet secured the technology for manned submersibles capable of precise underwater operations. In contrast, the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and France are operating deep-sea manned submersibles rated for depths of around 6,000 meters, maintaining fierce competition in related technologies.

The seminar began with a keynote speech by former KIOST President Kim Woongseo. Mr. Kim was the first Korean to dive to 5,044 meters on the Pacific seabed aboard the French National Institute for Ocean Science (IFREMER)’s deep-sea manned submersible “Nautile.”

Mr. Kim stated, “Developing manned submersibles is the fastest route for Korea to become a maritime powerhouse,” adding, “Neighboring major powers are already exploring the depths with deep-sea manned submersibles, so we also must secure this technology.”

During the thematic presentations, Dr. Shin Changjoo, Head of the Ocean ICT & Mobility Research Division at KIOST, presented “Korea’s Manned Submersible R&D”; Professor Sung Bonggeun of Seokyeong University discussed “National Legal Issues on Maritime Sovereignty”; and Dr. Kim Kwonil of the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) addressed “National Legal Issues of Manned Submersibles.”

Conceptual diagram of the pilot escape section of the deep-sea manned submersible under development by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST).

In the discussion session, participants reached a consensus that the development of manned submersibles constitutes extreme R&D, where the safety of researchers and operators is paramount. Opinions were also raised on the necessity of establishing a systematic safety governance structure that balances technological innovation and safety management.

Dr. Shin Changjoo, principal investigator, remarked, “A manned submersible cannot be completed with technology alone. Since people actually enter the ocean, laws and institutions to ensure their safety must be established alongside the technology.”

He emphasized, “From 2027, we will specify the legal and institutional items required for operation, laying the foundation for Korea to become a maritime powerhouse equipped with both technology and a robust legal framework.”

KIOST is developing a manned submersible capable of carrying up to three people at depths of up to 300 meters through the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ “Underwater Mobility Technology Development for Shallow Seas” project. With a total project budget of 32.5 billion won, the plan is to complete performance testing and real-sea deployment by 2030.

The submersible under development will be equipped with a pressure hull that can withstand approximately 30 atmospheres, as well as the world’s first injection-type emergency escape system, aiming to secure core safety technologies.

Participants of the seminar on National Legal Issues in Marine Science and Technology, held on the 12th at Seminar Room 1 of the National Assembly Members' Office Building, posed in front of the camera.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.