Introduction

The Korea Oceanographic Commission was founded to co-operate with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) in 1965. The Secretariat, which was established to assist the activity of KOC in 2004, expanded the business to other oceanographic organisations including the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES), and is making an effort to promote national and international cooperation in the study of oceans.

The Assembly is the principal organisation of the Commission consisting of 21 oceanographic experts. It meets twice a year, making all decisions in an endeavor to accomplish the objectives of the KOC.

The Officers of the Assembly are:
Chairperson : Dr. Jung-Keuk KANG (KORDI)
Chief Vice-Chairperson : Dr. Sang-Kyung BYUN (KORDI)
Vice-Chairperson : Prof. Kuh KIM (Seoul National University)
Vice-Chairperson : Prof. Hak-Gyoon KIM (Pukyong National University)

The secretariat, under the supervision of the Chairperson, is the executive body of the Commission. It ensures the effective implementation of activities approved by the Assembly, gathers international oceanographic knowledge & information to support the national ocean policy, and co-operates with various international oceanographic organisations. The Secretariat is located in KORDI with one staff member.

KOC established two Sub-Committees for ARGO Programmes and PICES. The Sub-Committees are operated independently of the Assembly, and the Chairperson of the Subsidiary Commissions should report the results of their meetings to the Assembly.

Korea ARGO Sub-Committee (KAS) [Chairperson] : Prof. Kuh KIM (Seoul National University)
PICES National Committee [Chairperson] : Prof. Hak-Gyoon KIM (Pukyong National University)