The High North is gaining increased relevance in an era of rapid climate change and melting polar ice.

With that comes more opportunities for joint cooperation to further science in one of the planet’s great frontiers.

The Embassy of Norway in cooperation with Korea Polar Research Institute will host a joint seminar entitled “The High North ― opportunities and challenges for Korea and Norway” on June 9.

“We want to map Korean and Norwegian activities and interest in the High North in a wide range of areas, including foreign policy, research, climate change, resource extraction, transport routes and energy security,” said Norwegian Ambassador Didrik Tonseth.

Norway, being situated close to the polar region, has designated the High North as its number one foreign policy priority.

At the same time, Korea is also taking an increased interest in the Arctic with its research base at Svalbard and its application for observer status in the Arctic Council.

At the joint seminar, both sides aim to increase interest in and knowledge of the High North among Korean decision-makers, researchers and businesses.

“We hope that this joint seminar will provide an opportunity to strengthen bilateral collaboration and to deepen mutual understanding between Korea and Norway in these fields,” said Tonseth.