Integration of South Korean Ports into Arctic Maritime Trade: Opportunities & Prospects

In the Republic of Korea, the election campaign for one of the most important positions in the country ended in early June 2025. This election took place amidst a prolonged political crisis caused by a controversial decision by former President Yoon Suk Yeol to impose martial law on the country in December 2024. After nearly six months of political uncertainty and tension, Lee Jae Myung, a candidate from the Democratic Party, was chosen as the new president. On the eve of his inauguration, Mr. Lee spoke about the significance of including several of the country's ports in Arctic maritime trade. Earlier, in November 2021, as part of the second pillar of the «expanding the horizons of Arctic diplomacy» in the Polar Strategy-2050, approved by the Korean government, Russia was identified as one of the three «most significant» Arctic countries. The main priority for joint activities is the development of the Northern Sea Route. As both countries are maritime nations, Russia plays a significant role in operating the Northern Sea Route. Trade between our two countries has decreased from $29.9 billion in 2021 to only $11.3 billion in 2024. This shift in South Korea's Arctic policy offers hope for a positive transformation in our relationship.