KSA·Korea Shipping Association said it held an opening ceremony Wednesday afternoon for the Korean Maritime History Museum at its headquarters in Seoul’s Gangseo District, attended by political and government figures, heads of maritime groups and shipping company representatives.
Attendees included Heo Man Wook, director general of the Shipping and Logistics Bureau at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries; lawmakers Na Kyung Won, Cho Seung Hwan, Kim Seung Soo and Park Sung Min; Gangseo District Mayor Jin Gyo Hoon; former International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Lim Ki Taek; Kim Deok Ryong, chairman of the Kim Young-sam Democracy Center; and Kim Moo Sung, a former lawmaker.
The association said the event also drew the individuals and descendants of what it called the “eight pillars” who helped lay the foundation of South Korea’s shipping industry.
In remarks, Chairman Lee Chae Ik said the museum is “not simply a place that displays records of the past,” but “a record of great victories by maritime workers who have supported the national economy through rough seas.” He said the association will develop it into a place that strengthens pride in the industry and serves as “a living educational venue” where young people can build dreams about the sea.
The Korean Maritime History Museum was built to preserve South Korea’s shipping history, which the association described as the country’s rise from a resource-poor nation to one of the world’s five leading maritime powers. The association said it began collecting historical materials and video in February last year, then launched full-scale planning in September, arranging exhibits that include a 76-year history video, changes in corporate and brand identities, ship models by vessel type and original artifacts.
It also documents shipping policies of past presidents and features a special exhibition on the “eight pillars,” the association said.
A KSA official said the museum will be used as an educational site for students and the public and as a hub for forums and seminars for maritime families. The association said it will continue efforts to raise the industry’s profile and build public support for institutional backing.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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