“Isabu” was named after General Isabu of the Silla Dynasty, who conquered the nation of Usan-guk, which occupied present-day Ulleungdo Island, and incorporated it into Korea. This name was given to the research vessel to signify KIOST’s adventurous spirit, akin to that of General Isabu, and dedication to expanding its influence in the area of marine science in order to help Korea become a leader in the global maritime community.

“Onnuri,” a pure Korean word meaning “the whole world,” was selected by KIOST as the name for our research vessel so as to express the institute’s hope and willingness to contribute to the development of ocean science by conducting research and surveys within our territorial waters and abroad. Since the word is easy to pronounce and write in English, it also helps to express the internationality of RV Onnuri.

“Eardo” is the Korean name for a submerged rock, known internationally as Socotra Rock, located in the middle of the East China Sea. It is also known as a mythical island, or a land of enlightenment, in the legends of Jeju Island. KIOST named its research vessel Eardo based on its hope of using the vessel to advance the status of the nation’s ocean science and improving the lives of all Koreans.

RV Jangmok was named after “Jangmok,” a town in the northeastern region of Geoje Island, where the South Sea Research Institute and research vessel home port is located. It is a small research vessel used for exploration and observation of Korea’s coastal waters.

“Jangmok” is the name of a town in the northeastern region of Geoje Island, where the South Sea Research Institute and the home port of our research vessels is located. After the RV Jangmok, a second small research ship named thd RV Jangmok 2 was built as well.