Ieodo Ocean Research Station

32°07′22.63″N 125°10′56.81″E / 32.1229528°N 125.1824472°E / 32.1229528; 125.1824472

Ieodo Ocean Research Station is built atop Socotra Rock

Ieodo Ocean Research Station is an ocean platform constructed by South Korea and placed on the submerged Socotra Rock in the East China Sea. The stated purpose of the platform is the collection of meteorological data, provision for maritime safety, and fisheries monitoring.[1] However, as South Korea and China both claim that Socotra Rock lies in their respective Exclusive Economic Zones, the platform does have strategic implications.

The platform was officially opened in June 2003.[2] The platform has a helipad a couple of lower decks for equipment and workspace. Although the station has residential facilities that can comfortably accommodate 8 people for 15 days, the station is typically uninhabited and operated remotely.[3]

While Socotra Rock rises to a maximum of 4.6m below sea level, the platform is founded on a portion of the rock that is substantially deeper at 40m below sea level.[4] As a result, the platform is approximately 700m from the rock's "peak."[4] The platform rises approximately 36m from sea level.

  1. ^ "Introduction". Korean Hydrographic and Oceanographic Administration. Archived from the original on 6 December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  2. ^ "History of Construction". Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Administration. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  3. ^ Shim, Jae-Seol; In-Sik Chun; In-Ki Min (23–28 May 2004). "Construction of Ieodo Ocean Research Station and its Operation" (PDF). Proceedings of the Fourteenth (2004) International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference: 361. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Overview of Structure". Korean Hydrographic and Oceanographic Administration. Archived from the original on 5 December 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.