Dr. Kang Sung-Ho, Principal Research Scientist at the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) and the former President of KOPRI, has been appointed Officer of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit by His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. He is the first Korean recipient of the Order to be honoured for contributions to polar research cooperation.
H.E. Anne Kari Hansen Ovind, Ambassador of Norway to the Republic of Korea, presented Dr. Kang with the diploma and insignia of the order at the ceremony held at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence in Seoul on 29 July 2026.
The appointment recognizes Dr. Kang's contributions to advancing cooperation and knowledge in Norwegian polar research and fostering polar research collaboration between Norway and the Republic of Korea. Dr. Kang is a polar oceanographer with more than three decades of Arctic and Antarctic research experience. He has participated in 37 polar field expeditions. Since joining KOPRI in 1993, Dr. Kang has played a leading role in advancing Korea’s polar science capacity. As the 7th President of KOPRI, through his leadership and scientific engagement, he contributed to strengthening international polar partnerships, and expanding collaboration between Korean and Norwegian research institutions, including the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI). Following his presidency, he served in Tromsø as Director of KOPRI-NPI Cooperative Polar Research Center, further strengthening research ties between two countries
Ambassador Anne Kari Hansen Ovind said:
“Through his research and leadership, Dr. Kang has played a key role in deepening polar research cooperation between Norway and the Republic of Korea, advancing scientific knowledge of the Arctic, and inspiring a new generation of researchers”
Dr. Kang Sung-Ho said:
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. I regard this honour not only as a personal recognition, but also as a meaningful recognition of the friendship, trust, and scientific partnership that the Republic of Korea and Norway have built together over many years. My experiences in Svalbard and Tromsø have shown me the true value of international cooperation in polar science. I hope to continue contributing to stronger cooperation between our two countries and to the future of polar, ocean, and climate science.”
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was founded by King Olav V in 1985. It is conferred mainly on foreign and Norwegian nationals who reside abroad as a reward for their outstanding service in the interest of Norway and mankind.
Norway and the Republic of Korea have built a strong partnership in Arctic research during the last 25 years. At the same time, the two countries are continuing to deepen their partnership to enhance the understanding of climate change in the Arctic and contribute to addressing shared global environmental challenges.