Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology

Oceanographic Research Serviceseng.kiost.ac

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) is the Korean government's national ocean science research institute, operating research vessels, satellites, and polar bases to deliver marine science, climate modeling, and deep-sea research for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, academia, and the Republic of Korea Navy.

Company typePrivate
Founded1973
HeadquartersBusan, South Korea
Headcount—
GTM typeB2B
OfferingServices

What Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology does

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) is a government-funded national research institute under the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, headquartered in Busan. Founded in 1973 as the Marine Development Research Institute under KIST, it has operated independently since 1990 and was reorganized under its current name in 2012. KIOST conducts comprehensive ocean science research spanning polar expeditions, satellite oceanography, marine biotechnology, deep-sea exploration, and climate modeling, and operates a fleet of six research vessels (including the 5,894-ton R/V ISABU), the GOCI-II geostationary ocean observation satellite via the Korea Ocean Satellite Center, and three international research bases in Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Pacific (Chuuk, Micronesia).

The institute's core technology portfolio includes the proprietary KIOST-ESM Earth System Model (contributed to the IPCC 6th Assessment Report), a 6,000m-class deep-sea unmanned underwater vehicle (Haeanha), marine spatial planning technology, and a marine biotechnology platform for bioactive compound discovery. It publishes two SCOPUS/SCIE-indexed journals (OPR and OSJ) and supports over 9,560 international research papers cumulatively. KIOST also operates graduate education programs (UST-KIOST, OST with Korea Maritime and Ocean University) and delivers specialized training for the Republic of Korea Navy.

KIOST's revenue model is predominantly government budget allocation from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Science and ICT, supplemented by technology transfer and licensing to industry, paid research services (vessel and equipment sharing, commissioned research), and international cooperation funding from bilateral and multilateral partners. There are no private shareholders, venture backers, or public listings; pricing is not publicly disclosed. Its primary customer segments are Korean government agencies, academic and research institutions, the Republic of Korea Navy, and the general public for outreach. Distribution channels include academic publishing, UNESCO IOC partnership workshops, equipment-sharing programs, and bilateral joint research centers in China, Peru, India, and Palau.

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology
Legal name: Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology
Website: https://eng.kiost.ac
Company type: Private
Founded year: 1973
Operating status: Operating
Short description: Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) is the Korean government's national ocean science research institute, operating research vessels, satellites, and polar bases to deliver marine science, climate modeling, and deep-sea research for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, academia, and the Republic of Korea Navy.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology industry classification

Industry

Product category: Oceanographic Research Services
NAICS: Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (541360), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169)
SIC: Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Equipment Rental & Leasing, Nec (7359)
akta.pro primary industry: Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM)
akta.pro secondary industry: Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)

Keywords

Ocean science research
Marine biotechnology development
Ocean observation systems
Marine spatial planning
Underwater robotics research

Where Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Busan
HQ country: South Korea
HQ region: Asia

Offices8 records

Markets served

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

Government Research Grants: Core funding from Korean government ministries including Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Science and ICT for national research projects and infrastructure maintenance
Technology Transfer and Licensing: Revenue from transferring developed marine technologies to industry partners, including patents, expert systems, and research equipment designs
Research Services: Paid research services including equipment sharing, research vessel usage, and commissioned research for external organizations
International Cooperation Projects: Funding from international organizations and bilateral cooperation projects with foreign research institutions

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology product offering

Product offering

Core offering

KIOST is Korea's national ocean science research institute that conducts comprehensive marine science research, including polar research, satellite oceanography, marine biotechnology, deep-sea exploration, ocean energy, and climate prediction. It operates a national research infrastructure comprising six ocean research vessels, the GOCI-II geostationary ocean satellite, deep-sea underwater vehicles, regional research bases, and graduate education programs, while publishing peer-reviewed academic journals and providing commissioned research and technology transfer services to government, academic, and industry partners.

Product overview

KIOST operates as Korea's premier ocean science research institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of marine science products and services. The core offerings include six ocean research vessels (R/V ISABU, R/V ONNURI, R/V EARDO, R/V JANGMOK 1, R/V JANGMOK 2, R/V DOKDONURI) for marine surveys and exploration, two international academic journals (OPR and OSJ), and the GOCI-II satellite ocean observation system. Supporting infrastructure includes the Uldolmok Tidal Current Power Test Site for renewable energy research, equipment sharing services, and specialized education programs including UST-KIOST School and OST graduate programs. Public engagement is supported through youth education initiatives, marine science exhibitions, and science publications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

Ocean Research Vessel Fleet Operations (R/V ISABU, R/V ONNURI, R/V EARDO, R/V JANGMOK 1, R/V JANGMOK 2, R/V DOKDONURI) Fleet of six ocean research vessels ranging from 18.75m to 99.8m in length (including the 5,894-ton R/V ISABU) operated by KIOST for marine surveys, oceanographic research, and deep-sea exploration in Korean waters and international seas, with capabilities for long-duration research missions. Vessels are made available to external researchers through KIOST's research equipment sharing program.
Ocean and Polar Research (OPR) Academic Journal Comprehensive ocean research journal published quarterly by KIOST covering all aspects of oceanography and polar research, indexed in DOAJ, SCOPUS, and SCIE international databases.
Ocean Science Journal (OSJ) International peer-reviewed academic journal published jointly with Korea Society of Oceanography since 2005, covering oceanography and marine science, indexed in SCIE and SCOPUS, published quarterly with ISSN: 1738-5261.
GOCI-II Ocean Observation Satellite System Satellite-based ocean observation system using the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager-II aboard the Cheollian satellite, operated through Korea Ocean Satellite Center (KOSC) for continuous monitoring of sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a, and marine environments around the Korean Peninsula.
Uldolmok Tidal Current Power Test Site Korea's first tidal current power generation test facility located at Uldolmok, providing real-time current velocity data and supporting research on renewable ocean energy, with a 1MW test tidal power plant completed on May 14, 2009.
OST (Ocean Science and Technology) Graduate School Graduate education program jointly established and operated with Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU) as a government-university-research institute cooperation program, focused on cultivating marine science experts through combined theoretical and practical research-based education.
UST-KIOST School Graduate Programs Graduate school programs operated by KIOST as one of 25 government research institutes within the University of Science and Technology (UST), offering degrees in Oceanography, Applied Marine Science, and LPEM (London Protocol Engineering Management) for developing countries.
Research Equipment and Facility Sharing Services Equipment and research support services providing external access to KIOST's advanced marine science facilities, research vessels, and instruments through an application-based sharing program for researchers and institutions.
Specialized Navy Education Program Specialized education programs for Republic of Korea Navy officers and non-commissioned officers, including anti-submarine warfare training, oceanographic data support for defense operations, and joint research on maritime security applications of ocean science.

Quantifiable outcome

Over 9,560 international research papers published through 50 years
+2 more outcomes

Companies that use Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology

Customer profile

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 July 2025UNESCO IOC and KIOST jointly hosted a 5-day international workshop on marine spatial planning and area-based management tools, July 13-17, 2025 in Busan with 40 participants from 17 Asia-Pacific countries. KIOST researchers shared expertise in marine spatial management assessment technology applicable to high seas conservation.
Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKMOU and KIOST jointly established and operate the Ocean Science & Technology (OST) graduate school as a government-university-research institute cooperation program, focusing on cultivating marine science experts with combined theoretical and practical research-based education.
University of Science and Technology (UST)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKIOST is one of 25 government research institutes that jointly established UST, operating KIOST School within UST with programs in Oceanography, Applied Marine Science, and LPEM (London Protocol Engineering Management) for developing countries.
Korea-China Joint Ocean Research Center (KCJORC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilateral research cooperation center established in 1995 for collaborative marine science research between Korea and China, promoting joint research activities and information exchange.
Korea-Peru Joint Ocean Research Center (K-PERU)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research center established November 26, 2012 for bilateral cooperation in marine science and technology between Korea and Peru.
Korea-India Joint Ocean Research Center (K-INI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint ocean research center established September 14, 2018 for India-Korea marine science collaboration.
Republic of Korea NavycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKIOST provides specialized education programs for naval officers including anti-submarine warfare training, oceanographic data support for defense operations, and joint research on maritime security applications of ocean science.
International Seabed Authority (ISA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISA and KIOST have collaborated for over 30 years on deep-sea research. Korea sponsors three contracts for exploration of polymer nodule, polymetallic sulfides, and cobalt-rich crusts, with KIOST contributing to ISA's regional environmental management plans.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Broad incumbents

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration): The U.S. federal agency for ocean and atmospheric science, operating research vessels, satellites, and ocean observation networks. NOAA is a broad-incumbent peer with overlapping mission in ocean monitoring, climate science, and marine resources management.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography: One of the world's oldest and largest oceanographic institutions, part of UC San Diego. Scripps operates research vessels, climate modeling (contributing to IPCC), and ocean observation — comparable scientific scope to KIOST, embedded within a broader university.
CSIRO (Oceans and Atmosphere): Australia's national science agency with a substantial oceans and atmosphere research portfolio. CSIRO operates research vessels (RV Investigator), marine observation systems, and climate modeling — comparable multi-disciplinary scope to KIOST.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI): The largest private U.S. oceanographic research institution, operating the Alvin submersible, multiple research vessels, and ocean observation programs. WHOI is a broader private-research peer with comparable deep-sea and climate science capabilities but a different funding model.

Regional players

Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI): Korea's national space agency that operates the Cheollian satellite platform on which GOCI-II is hosted. KARI is a strategic operational peer for KIOST's satellite ocean observation work, though its broader focus is launch vehicles and space exploration.

Direct peers

National Oceanography Centre (NOC): The UK's national ocean research center, operating research vessels (RRS James Cook, RRS Discovery), autonomous underwater vehicles, and ocean observation infrastructure. NOC's role as the UK hub for ocean science makes it a direct functional peer to KIOST.
French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER): France's national ocean research institute operating research vessels, deep-sea submersibles (Nautile), and ocean observation systems. IFREMER's mission, infrastructure portfolio, and government-research hybrid model closely mirror KIOST's structure.
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel: Germany's leading ocean research institute, part of the Helmholtz Association. GEOMAR operates research vessels, deep-sea ROVs (ROV PHOCA), and conducts comparable marine science spanning climate, biogeochemistry, and ocean observation.
Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS): China's premier ocean science research institution under CAS, with which KIOST operates a joint research center (KCJORC). IOCAS conducts comparable multidisciplinary ocean research including marine biology, ocean observation, and deep-sea exploration.
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC): Japan's national ocean and earth science research institute, the closest functional peer to KIOST. JAMSTEC operates research vessels, deep-sea ROVs (Shinkai 6500, Kaiko), ocean observation satellites, and contributes to IPCC — directly comparable to KIOST's mandate, infrastructure, and national-mission scope.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology

What does Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology do?

Is Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology a public or private company?

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.

When was Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology founded?

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology was founded in 1973.

Where is Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology based?

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology is headquartered in Busan, South Korea, in the Asia region.

How does Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology make money?

Four revenue lines are on record. Government Research Grants are the primary driver. The others are technology Transfer and Licensing, research Services and international Cooperation Projects.

Who are Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology's main competitors?

Broad incumbents on record are NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), Scripps Institution of Oceanography, CSIRO (Oceans and Atmosphere) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are National Oceanography Centre (NOC), French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER), GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS) and Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).

Does Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology have an API?

No public API is recorded for Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology.

What industry is Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology in?

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology's product category is Oceanographic Research Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAMANAM, Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms, with a secondary code of BPAIAMAI, Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines). Its NAICS code is 54136 and its SIC code is 8731.