KOBC to Hold '2026 Ocean Photography Contest'... Total Prize Money of 30 Million Won

by Kang Nahum

Published 19 Oct.2026 13:41(KST)

The Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC) is holding the 2026 KOBC Ocean Photography Contest through November 8 to shed new light on the beauty and vitality of the sea, as well as its economic, environmental and social value.

Ahn Byung-gil, president of Korea Ocean Business Corporation

The contest is being held under the theme “Ocean in Focus: A View Toward the Sea.” It has four categories: “The Sea in Everyday Life,” “The Sea of Industry,” “The Sea of Life” and “The Sea of the Future.” There is no entry fee, and each person may submit up to three works. Entries are divided into general and smartphone categories. KOBC plans to review eligibility and work specifications before conducting multiple rounds of judging to select the final winners. A total of 60 people will receive awards, with total prize money of 30 million won.

The winners are scheduled to be announced on November 23, 2026, and the awards ceremony will be held on December 14, 2026, alongside the opening of an exhibition of the winning works. The works will be presented to the public through online and offline exhibitions, and winners will also have the opportunity to work as Getty Images Korea contributors and distribute their work.

Ahn Byung-gil, president of the Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC), said, “The sea is more than a beautiful natural landscape; it is a precious space where people’s lives, industry, ecosystems and the future of the Republic of Korea are all interconnected. We look forward to works that capture the public’s diverse perspectives, from moments by the sea encountered in everyday life and the dynamic scenes of the maritime industry to the future of a sustainable maritime industry.”

Those wishing to participate can check the contest announcement on the websites of KOBC, Getty Images Korea and the Busan Mecenat Association, then apply and submit their work online.