- Reinforcing Korea’s International Standing as Leading State in Governance of Deep-seabed -

【Related National Policy Task】No.120 Emerging as G7+ Diplomatic power through Contributions and Engagements in International Community

The Republic of Korea was elected to the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) as a Group B member (major investors) for the 2027~2030 term at the election held in Jamaica on July 31, 2026 (local time), during the 31st session of the ISA Assembly. With this election, Korea has secured a Group B seat on the ISA Council for a sixth consecutive term.

※ The ISA Council is composed of five groups: Group A (4 major consumers/importers of seabed minerals), Group B (4 major investors), Group C (4 major producers/exporters of seabed minerals), Group D (6 developing States Parties), and Group E (18 members elected according to the principle of equitable geographical distribution of seats).

※ The current members of Group B are the Republic of Korea, France, Germany and India.

The Republic of Korea first joined the ISA Council in 1996 as a Group E member. In 2009, Korea secured its first-ever seat in Group B of the ISA Council. With its latest election, Korea has now won a Group B seat on the Council for a sixth consecutive term, enabling the country to continue playing a leading role in the ISA’s policymaking process, including the adoption of  deep seabed exploitation regulations.

The Republic of Korea, as a continued member of the ISA Council and a holder of three exploration contracts -- for polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulfides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts -- is expected to continue contributing to the establishment of a sustainable governance framework for the deep seabed.