11 Jan 2010

NZ base for South Korean Antarctic operations

2:51 pm on 11 January 2010

South Korea is to use Christchurch as the base for its Antarctic operations.

Antarctica New Zealand says it is the third country to do so.

Chief executive Lou Sanson says South Korea intends to establish its second ice base in west Antarctica, which he calls the most isolated and challenging part.

An ice-breaker spent the weekend in Lyttelton before heading there to investigate a site.

Mr Sanson expects most Antarctic Treaty members will endorse the plans, which depend on the success of this maiden voyage.

He says South Korea also has a back-up plan to establish a base in a more accessible area.