KANG Seung Oh, Director of the Marine Industry Division at the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province’s Bureau of Oceans and Fisheries, is a prominent marine policy expert dedicated to fostering next-generation marine industries and establishing a sustainable marine ecosystem in Jeju. He is currently spearheading the introduction of the “Eco Legal Person” system—the first initiative of its kind in Korea—which grants legal rights to non-human entities of significant ecological value.
Director KANG is also focused on building innovative marine governance. His key initiatives include fostering new industries based on Jeju’s marine resources, such as marine biotechnology and marine wellness; laying the groundwork for a ship MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) industry to meet growing vessel maintenance demand associated with emerging Arctic shipping routes; and advancing a carbon-neutral marine management framework.
Previously, as Director of the Haenyeo Cultural Heritage Division, he led policies for the safeguarding, transmission, and community revitalization of Jeju Haenyeo culture, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, contributing significantly to raising global awareness of the unique value of Jeju’s marine cultural heritage.
At this year’s Jeju Forum, he will present Jeju’s vision as a leading global model for coexistence between nature and humanity during the session entitled “Ecological Peace through the Global Network of ‘Eco Legal Person’”.