S. Korea completes building scientific research facility in East Sea

BUSAN, June 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has completed building a scientific research facility in the East Sea, officials said Tuesday.

The Wangdol-cho base, located about 25 km east of Hupo, a seaside port near Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, marked the nation's fourth marine observation facility, according to the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST).

It was the first time that a scientific research facility was built in the East Sea.

About 24 billion won (US$15.8 million) was spent to build the 53-meter-tall facility, according to KIOST.

The facility is aimed at monitoring real-time maritime data and the meteorological environment, it said.

This photo provided by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology shows a scientific research facility in the East Sea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)