South Korea Focuses on a Blue-Water Navy

Recent reports of South Korean shipbuilding and naval plans demonstrate that the country's maritime ambitions are far greater than simply focusing on the threat from North Korea. According to a Defense News report that cited a South Korean navy source, as well as recent comments by Rep. Chung Hee Soo of the ruling Saenuri Party, Seoul is seriously considering greatly expanding its blue-water maritime capabilities. Several challenges lie ahead — difficulties developing or acquiring needed technology, the ever-present danger from North Korea and fiscal constraints — but South Korea's long-term interests are closely linked to the sea.