Gas Hydrate Research and Dvelopment in Korea

Gas hydrate project in Korea was initiated by Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) in 1996. To understand the potential of gas hydrate presence in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea, KIGAM collected the geophysical data and sediment samples in the southwestern part of the basin from 1997 to 1999. Bottom simulating reflector firstly was identified from the seismic data acquired in 2008. Regional geophysical surveys and geological studies have been also carried out by KIGAM from 2000 to 2004. KNOC also collected seismic data from 2001 to 2003. Based on the results from these preliminary researches, “Korean National Gas Hydrate Program” was launched in 2005. The program has been supported by the government, and carried out by KIGAM, KNOC and KOGAS under the management of Gas Hydrate R&D Organization. The program has undertaken geophysical survey programs and coring for the identification of gas hydrate occurrences, the assessment of gas hydrate resources in the basin, development of optimum production technology, environmental impact studies, and test production. The gas hydrate test production which originally was planned to be performed in 2015, is postponed to study further for safer and more successful testing. Currently, the second national program is being planned.