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Chronology of events related to S. Korea's selection of 2nd Antarctic base
SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- The following is a chronology of events related to South Korea's exploration of the Antarctic and the selection of its second research base in the frozen continent.
February 17, 1988 -- South Korea opens its first scientific research base in the Antarctic region. The Sejong base, located on King George Island, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities that can accommodate around 35 researchers.
February 1988-February, 1989 -- The first group of researchers dispatched to the base conducts a scientific probe into living organisms, as well as land and submarine structures in and around the polar region.
October, 1989 -- South Korea is named the 23rd official negotiating partner to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties.
February, 2000 -- A building is constructed within the Sejong Base to house research equipment.
May 7, 2008 -- South Korea starts construction on its first icebreaker named "Araon," which will be used to launch explorations into the polar region and find a site for the nation's second research base.
November 5, 2009 -- A christening ceremony is held for the Araon.
December 18, 2009 -- The Araon sets sail toward the South Pole for a three-month exploration mission.
February 18, 2010 -- The Araon returns to Christchurch, New Zealand, after conducting research around the polar region
March 15, 2010 -- The research ship returns home after completing its three-month exploration mission.
March 17, 2010 -- The government announces that it has selected Terra Nova Bay as the site for the nation's second research base on the frozen continent.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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