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Busan Confirms Hosting of International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Infrastructure Center… “A Major Step Toward Becoming a Global Hub for Maritime Information”

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that the establishment of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO, International Hydrographic Organization) Infrastructure Center (hereinafter referred to as the Infrastructure Center) in Busan was officially confirmed at the IHO Assembly held from April 19 to 23.

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), established in Monaco in 1921, is an intergovernmental organization responsible for developing and managing international standards related to nautical charts and hydrographic surveys for maritime navigation safety. This marks the first time that an organization other than its secretariat will be established in another country, making it highly significant.

Previously, Busan Metropolitan City promoted the hosting of the Infrastructure Center in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency. Following the decision in 2024 to host the center in Korea and the selection of Busan as the site by the IHO Council last year, final approval was granted at this Assembly.

With this, Busan has successfully concluded two years of efforts by attracting a key international organization responsible for developing and managing global maritime information standards.

The IHO is developing a new international standard for digital maritime information (S-100) in cooperation with organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in response to changing international navigation environments including autonomous ships.

By hosting the Infrastructure Center, a technical organization responsible for supporting the development and global dissemination of maritime information standards during this period of change, Busan has laid the foundation to advance as a global maritime capital and a key hub in the maritime digital services sector.

In addition, Busan Metropolitan City is preparing office space at the Busan International Finance Center (BIFC) to ensure stable operation of the Infrastructure Center, and plans to continue administrative and financial support in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

Following deliberation on the purchase of shared property for office space last year, the city purchased part of the Busan International Finance Center II in Munhyeon-dong, Nam-gu this February for KRW 6 billion in city funds. After completing the detailed design, the Infrastructure Center is scheduled to be completed in July. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to support operations with an annual budget of KRW 2.5 billion.

To ensure stable establishment and operation, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in February 2026. A tripartite agreement with the Infrastructure Center is also planned for the second half of the year, once office space preparation is completed, to define detailed establishment and operational arrangements.

The Infrastructure Center, scheduled to begin operations in the second half of the year, will initially be staffed by around 10 personnel. It will carry out tasks such as development, operation, and management of various maritime information standards and services, training on standard utilization, and support for approval of electronic chart navigation equipment. The workforce is expected to expand gradually.

Once established in Busan, the Infrastructure Center is expected to accelerate the clustering of related industries such as maritime information, nautical charts, navigation equipment, and autonomous ships, while also expanding global exchanges through international conferences, training, and certification programs.

The opening and operation of the center are anticipated to positively impact the regional economy by creating quality jobs and attracting global maritime companies. Additionally, international conferences related to electronic charts will be held annually, along with programs for product development and quality control training.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “The establishment of the IHO Infrastructure Center in Busan represents a significant turning point for the city to emerge as a leader in global maritime information standards,” adding, “We will continue to strive for tangible achievements linked to the maritime digital industry while providing ongoing support for the successful operation of the Infrastructure Center.”