The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries National Institute of Fisheries Science reported on the 22nd that, based on the analysis of data observed from scientific survey vessels and satellites, the average sea surface temperature around the Korean Peninsula set a new record, surpassing the previous all-time high recorded in 2023.
According to observations from scientific survey vessels, the average annual sea surface temperature around the Korean Peninsula last year was 18.74 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded in 57 years (1968-2024). This marks an increase of 0.65 degrees from the previous high of 18.09 degrees in 2023, and is 1.62 degrees higher than the average for the years 1991-2020. By region, the East Sea recorded 18.84 degrees, the West Sea 17.12 degrees, and the South Sea 20.26 degrees, with all regions experiencing record high temperatures.
The average surface temperature of the wide marine area around the Korean Peninsula (Northwest Pacific) observed by satellite was also the highest in the last 25 years (2000-2024) at 21.11 degrees, 0.89 degrees higher than the 20.22 degrees recorded in 2023. By region, the East Sea had 16.31 degrees, the West Sea 16.80 degrees, and the South Sea 21.72 degrees, marking record highs in all areas.
The unusually high sea surface temperatures around the Korean Peninsula last year are attributed to the acceleration of global warming, prolonged extreme heat between summer and autumn, and increased heat supply from ocean currents flowing in from lower latitudes near the equator.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) noted on the 10th that "the temperature last year increased by 1.55 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels, marking the highest temperature recorded in modern observations," and added, "The sea surface temperatures and ocean heat content around the world also set new all-time records." Ocean heat content refers to the total amount of thermal energy stored in seawater per unit area.
Choi Yong-seok, head of the National Institute of Fisheries Science, said, "Analysis of the climate change monitoring data from the institute confirmed that ocean warming is progressing rapidly around the Korean Peninsula," and stated, "We will do our utmost to develop technology for adapting to climate change, including climate change monitoring and prediction in the fisheries sector and breeding heat-tolerant cultured species to respond to the climate crisis."