Applications open July 8 through July 31 for metropolitan governments; main event set for June 2028

World's largest ocean conference draws 15,000 participants from 193 countries

Oceans Minister Hwang Jong-woo calls it 'important opportunity' to showcase Korea's maritime capabilities

Photo unrelated to article [Getty Images Bank]
Photo unrelated to article [Getty Images Bank]

South Korea has launched the process of selecting a domestic host city for the Fourth UN Ocean Conference, the world's largest international gathering on ocean affairs, drawing participation from 193 countries. The government will accept applications starting this month to choose a coastal city to host the 2028 conference.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Wednesday that it will accept applications from metropolitan governments overseeing coastal cities from July 8 through July 31.

The UN Ocean Conference is the highest-level international forum on ocean issues, bringing together approximately 15,000 participants from UN member states, international organizations and non-governmental organizations. The conference addresses global maritime challenges such as climate change and ocean pollution, and charts coordinated international responses.

South Korea will co-host the Fourth UN Ocean Conference with Chile. A preparatory high-level event is scheduled in Chile in June 2027, with the main conference set for South Korea in June 2028.

The ministry said it will evaluate candidate cities on a range of criteria, including conference and accommodation facilities and other international event infrastructure, access to international airports and regional transportation networks, the host government's commitment and organizational capacity, and the city's symbolic value and international competitiveness as a maritime hub.

The government plans to work with the host city to organize a conference bringing together heads of state, international organizations, civil society, academia and industry. The event is also envisioned as an opportunity for South Korea to lead international ocean agendas, including Arctic shipping routes and AI-based maritime cooperation.

"The Fourth UN Ocean Conference is an important opportunity to showcase South Korea's maritime capabilities and ocean cultural heritage to the world," Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo said. "We will prepare thoroughly to ensure a successful conference."


adastra@heraldcorp.com