Korea to host 2027 Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting

Korea will host the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) next year as the chair country, leading discussions on research promotion and environmental protection in the South Pole, government officials said Tuesday.

The 49th ATCM will be held in Incheon in May next year, along with the 29th Committee for Environmental Protection, according to the officials at oceans and other related ministries.

It will mark the first time in 32 years that Korea will host the ATCM.

During the 28th ATCM held in Japan last month, Seoul participated in discussions on environmental protection in the Antarctic, the response to climate change, the promotion of tourism and non-governmental activities in the region, science research cooperation and other issues as the vice chair, the officials said.

Korea joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1986 and obtained the status of a consultative party of the treaty in 1989.

Yonhap