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Busan Metropolitan City to Host ‘2025 5th Junior Ocean Conference’ on July 26

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will host the ‘2025 5th Junior Ocean Conference’ at 10:00 a.m. on July 26 (Saturday) at the Grand Auditorium of Korea Maritime & Ocean University.

First launched in 2021, this is the fifth installment of the nation’s only youth-targeted ocean conference. It is designed to raise awareness of marine issues among the next generation and promote the importance of protecting the marine environment.

The conference will begin with an opening declaration, followed by a series of programs including presentations on the marine environmental crisis, a keynote address, and the “Junior Ocean Golden Bell” quiz competition.

Participants will include youth with an interest in marine environmental issues and professionals from relevant fields. Mayor Park Heong-joon, the Superintendent of the Metropolitan Office of Education, and other distinguished guests will also convey their congratulatory messages via video.

The program will feature presentations from last year’s placard challenge winners and an overseas speaker—an Indian climate and environmental activist—on the topic of marine environmental crises. Keynote addresses will be delivered by ocean explorer Kim Seung-jin and promotional ambassador Julian.

Additionally, there will be a celebratory performance by the youth dance team “Blue Cap,” an award ceremony for the placard challenge, and the “Junior Ocean Golden Bell” competition, offering participants a variety of engaging and enjoyable activities.

The event is open to the public, and anyone may attend freely without prior registration. More information is available on the official website (juniorocean.kr).

In the lead-up to the main event, two preliminary events—the ‘Junior Ocean Supporters’ and the ‘Ocean Placard Challenge’—were held.

At the launch ceremony for the Junior Ocean Supporters, held on July 5 at Gwangalli Beach, a total of 58 youth participants engaged in marine environment protection activities such as “Beach Ssdam Running” and plogging (jogging while collecting trash).

Additionally, through the Ocean Placard Challenge, participating youth created placards to raise awareness about marine environmental crises and climate protection, along with video submissions explaining their creations. Outstanding submissions will be awarded at the conference with honors including the Mayor of Busan Award and the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Award.

Park Geun-rok, Director General of the Oceans and Fisheries Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, stated, “This Junior Ocean Conference will serve as a meaningful opportunity for young people—our future leaders—to develop proper awareness of marine environmental issues and actively consider strategies for marine protection. Moving forward, we will continue to develop marine-themed programs for youth and build a foundation for Busan’s vision as a global marine city.”