About NIFS

Innovative research for sustainable oceans and fisheries,
World-class research institute contributing to national happiness

Past Presidents

National Institute of Fisheries Science
Introduces the biographies and career details of those who formerly served as Presidents of the National Institute of Fisheries Science, as well as major achievements by term. Click on each Presidents profile to see more details.
  • 41th Dong-sik WOO2021.12.06 ~ 2024.1.18
    Educational background
    • BA in Public Administration, Yonsei University, Korea (1989)
    • MA Candidate in Public Administration, Seoul National University, Korea (1994)
    • Ph.D Candidate in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island, U.S.A (2004)
    Career
    • 1994.04 Appointed as an administrative officer (36th administrative examination)
    • 2007.04 ~ 2008.02 Head of Marine Environment Policy Team, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2008.03 ~ 2009.09 Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries, Office of the President
    • 2009.09 ~ 2011.10 Assistant Secretary, Office of the President
    • 2011.11 ~ 2017.03 Director of Audit and Inspection, Secretary to the Minister, Fisheries Policy Division, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Secondment to OECD
    • 2017.03 ~ 2018.03 Victoria Research Institute, Swedish Maritime Administration (Overseas training)
    • 2018.04 ~ 2019.10 Director General of National Fisheries Products Quality Management Service, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2019.10 ~ 2021.12 Director General of International Cooperation Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (International Ocean Policy Bureau)
    • 2021.12 ~ 2024.01 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
  • 40th Wan-hyun Choi2019.09.18 ~ 2021.9.17
    Educational background
    • Graduated from Busan Technical High School (1981)
    • Graduated from Busan Fisheries University, Department of Fisheries Management (1991)
    • Master's in Fisheries and Oceanography, Pukyong National University (2002)
    • PhD in Maritime and Fisheries Management, Pukyong National University (2020)
    Career
    • 1995.04 30th Technical High School Examination
    • 2005.02~2005.07 Head of Marine Environment Development Team, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2005.07~2007.03 Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries, Office of the President
    • 2007.03~2013.03 Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries - Director of Aquaculture Industry Division, Vessel & Personnel Division, Fisheries Development Division, Secretary to Minister, Management Organization Division, Enforcement and Safety Division, Fisheries Policy Division
    • 2013.03~2013.08 Director of Fisheries Policy Division, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2014.02~2015.02 Director General of Overseas Fisheries & International Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceanas and Fisheries
    • 2015.02~2016.02 National Defense University security course education dispatch
    • 2016.02~2016.11 Director General of Fishery Resources Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2016.11~2017.11 Director General of Fisheries Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2017.11~2018.09 Director General of Fisheries Resources Policy Bureau,, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2018.09~2019.09 Deputy Minister of Fisheries Policy Office, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2019.09~2021.09 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
  • 39th Jang-woo Seo2017.11.6 ~ 2019.9.17
    Educational background
    • Department of Fisheries Education, Busan National University of Fisheries (1985)
    • Master's in Aquatic Biology, Busan National University of Fisheries (1987)
    • PhD in Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University (2010)
    Career
    • 2002.10~2009.02 Head of Trade Promotion Team, Director of Fisheries Port Division, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2009.02~2012.04 Director of Aquaculture Industry Division, International Organization Division, Marine Development Division
    • 2012.04~2013.01 Director General of the Fisheries Products Safety Department at the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Headquarters (senior public official)
    • 2013.02~2014.02 Enrolled in the Central Public Officials Training Institute
    • 2014.06~2015.04 Director General of Fishery Resources Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2015.04~2016.11 Director General of Fisheries Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2016.11~2017.11 Deputy Minister of Fisheries Policy Office, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2017.11~2019.09 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
  • 38th Jun-seok Kang2015.5.4 ~ 2017.6.15
    Educational background
    • Department of Fisheries Management, Busan National University of Fisheries (1987)
    • Master's in Fisheries Policy, University of Hull, UK (1995)
    • PhD in Resource Economics, University of Hull, UK (2002)
    Career
    • 1988.05~1990.01 Planning and Management Division, Institute of Fisheries Science
    • 1994.07~1996.06 University of Hull, UK (Master's/Doctoral)
    • 1996.08~1999.01 Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, International Organization Division (Secretary)
    • 1999.02~2001.09 OECD Secretariat (Fisheries Committee)
    • 2001.09~2002.12 Korean Embassy in France (1st Secretary)
    • 2003.03~2007.07 Director of Resources Management Division, Distant Fisheries Division, Aquaculture Development Division, Fishery Policy Division – Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2007.08~2008.12 NOAA (US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Director-level)
    • 2009.02~2010.01 Director General of Fishery Resources Bureau, Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
    • 2010.02∼2011.02 Director General of Fisheries Policy Bureau, Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
    • 2011.02~2012.02 Secondment to the Institute for Foreign Affairs and National Security
    • 2012.02~2013.03 Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ocean Cooperation Office
    • 2013.04~2013.05 Director General of Distant-water Fisheries Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2013.05~2014.12 Deputy Minister of Fisheries Policy Office, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2015.05~2017.06 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
    Awards
    • 2004.12 Service Merit Medal/President
    • 2015.01 Order of Service Merit (Red Stripes)
  • 37th Young-hun Jeong2013.8.26 ~ 2014.12.31
    Educational background
    • Department of Food Science and Technology, Busan National University of Fisheries (1985) and Master's in Food Science and Technology (1988)
    • Master's in Ocean Policy, University of Delaware, USA (1993)
    • PhD in Marine Industry Management, Marine Industry Graduate School, Pukyong National University (2012)
    Career
    • 1996.03∼1999.10 Fisheries Regional Office, Fisheries Secretary, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1999.10∼2001.04 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2010 World Expo Hosting Committee
    • 2002.01∼2003.04 Director of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Negotiation and Guidance Division, Marine Development Division, Fishery Guidance Division)
    • 2005.03∼2008.03 Director (Fisheries Guidance Division, Fisheries Policy Innovation Planning Group, Fisheries Policy Division)
    • 2008.03∼2009.02 Director of International Organizations Division, Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
    • 2009.02∼2010.02 Director General of Fisheries Human Resources Development Institute
    • 2010.02∼2011.01 Secondment to the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Security
    • 2011.02∼2012.03 Director General of Fishery Resources Bureau, Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
    • 2012.03∼2013.04 Director General of Fisheries Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
    • 2013.08∼2014.12 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
    Awards
    • 2002.12.31 Presidential Citation
    • 2008.05.23 Order of Service Merit (Red Stripes)
  • 36th Jae-hak Son2012.3.19 ~ 2013.3.23
    Educational background
    • Graduated from Busan Dongsung High School (1979)
    • Graduated from the Department of Resource Biology, Busan National University of Fisheries (1986, bachelor's degree)
    • Graduated from the Department of International Relations, Graduate School of National Defense (1999, Master's degree)
    • Graduated from the Department of Marine Industry Management, Pukyong National University Graduate School (2007, Ph.D.)
    Career
    • 1986.05~1996.03 Deputy Director,Fisheries Regional Agency (Reproduction Division, Distant-water Fisheries Development Division, etc.), Consulate General in Las Palmas
    • 1996.03~1997.01 Director, Distant-water Fisheries Divsion, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1997.01~2001.07 Secondment to Graduate School of National Defense, Director of Vessel Management Division, Fishery Guidance Division, Distant Fisheries Division, Resource Management Division
    • 2001.08~2004.08 Korean Embassy in U.S.
    • 2004.08~2005.07 Director of Fisheries Negotiation Division, Fisheries Policy Division, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2005.08~2005.11 Director of Fishery Policy Division, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Director of Fisheries Policy Division)
    • 2005.11~2008.02 irector General of Fisheries Policy Bureau, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2008.03~2011.02 Director General of Fishery Resources Policy Bureau, Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Secondment to Foreign Affairs Security Research Institute
    • 2011.02~2011.09 Director General of the National Fisheries Quality Inspection Service
    • 2011.09~2012.03 Director General of Fisheries Policy Bureau, Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
    • 2012.03~2013.03 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science (high-ranking public official)
  • 35th Young-man Kim2010.6.10 ~ 2012.2.09
    Educational background
    • Kyeongpook High School (1975)
    • Department of Public Administration, Kyungpook National University (1979)
    • Graduate School of Public Administration, Seoul National University (1981, Master's)
    • Complutense University of Madrid, Spain (1988, completion)
    Career
    • 1996.07 ~ 1998.12 Grade 4 Official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (distribution management, market department, distribution policy)
    • 1998.12 ~ 2001.01 Grade 3 Official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (distribution policy, development policy, agricultural policy, general affairs)
    • 2001.01 ~ 2002.12 Secondment as Director General (Agricultural Training Department, Korea National Defense University)
    • 2002.12 ~ 2003.07 Grade 3 Official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (public notice)
    • 2003.07 ~ 2008.12 Grade 2 Official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (public notice, food policy, audit, distribution policy)
    • 2010.06 ~ 2012.02 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
  • 34th Kwang-soo Lim2009.4.10 ~ 2010.3.10
    Educational background
    • Kyungnam High School
    • Graduated from Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Seoul National University
    • Master's in Transportation and Logistics, Inha University
    • PhD in Shipping Management, Korea Maritime and Ocean University
    Career
    • 2009.4 ~ 2010.8 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
    • 2008 Director General of Fisheries Policy Officer Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
    • 2007 Administator of Masan Regional Oceans and Fisheries Office, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2006 Inspector General of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2003 Director of Fisheries Policy Division, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2002 Director of Administrative Management Officer, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2000 Director of Fisheries Port Affairs, Busan Regional Office of Maritime Affairs
    • 2000 Director of General Affairs Division, Incheon Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2000 Director of Marine Environment Division, Marine Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1999 Secretary to the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1998 Director of Port Operation Division, Incheon Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1997 Director of Routes, Port Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1988~1997 Office of the First Minister of Political Affairs, Planning Officer, Policy Officer
    • 1983 Passed the administrative examination (26th)
  • 33rd Jong-guk Park2008.5.9 ~ 2009.2.19
    Educational background
    • Kyungnam High School
    • Department of Business Administration, Busan National University of Fisheries
    • Master's degree at Tokyo University
    Career
    • 2008.01.01 ~ 2008.05.08 Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
    • 2008.05.09 ~ 2008.06.10 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
    • 2006.01.01 ~ 2006.06.30 Administrator of the Ulsan Regional Oceans and Fisheries Agency
    • 2006.07.01 ~ 2007.12.31 Administrator of the Ulsan Regional Oceans and Fisheries Agency
    • 2001.03.06 ~ 2005.12.31 Director of Sejong Research Institute, Fisheries Policy Bureau, Director of Distribution and Processing Department and Distribution Policy Department – Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
  • 32nd Deok-bae Park2006.2.2 ~ 2008.2.1
    Educational background
    • Yangjeong High School
    • Bachelor‘s in Oceanography, Seoul National University
    • Master‘s from the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Seoul National University
    Career
    • 2008.03 ~ 2009.01 2nd Vice Minister of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
    • 2006 ~ 2008.02 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
    • 2003 ~ 2004 Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2002 ~ 2003 Director General of Fisheries Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2000 ~ 2001 Director General of Fisheries Resources Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2000 ~ Grade 3 Official of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1999 ~ Acting Director General of the Fisheries Promotion Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1998 ~ 1999 Director of International Cooperation Division, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
  • 31st Young-kyu Kim2004.12.6 ~ 2005.11.3
    Educational background
    • Master's in Fisheries Science, Busan National University of Fisheries Graduate School
    • MA in Economics with a focus on Maritime Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
    Career
    • 2004.12 ~ 2005.11 President of National Fisheries Promotion Agency renamed to National Institute of Fisheries Science
    • 2004.03 ~ 2004.12 Director General, Fisheries Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2002.02 ~ 2004.03 Director General, Fisheries Resources Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2000.04 ~ 2000.12 Director of Marine Conservation Division, Marine Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2000.01 ~ 2000.04 Director of Resource Management Division, Fisheries Resources Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1997. ~ 1999.12 Director of Fisheries Policy Division, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
  • 30th Moo-hyun Kang2003.4.30 ~ 2004.10.17
    Educational background
    • Wonju Daesung High School
    • Bachelor‘s in English Literature, Yonsei University
    • Master‘s in Shipping Management, University of Wales Graduate School
    Career
    • 2007. 04 ~ 2008. 02 Minister of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2004. 10 ~ 2006. 08 Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 2003. 04 ~ 2004. 10 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
    • 1999. 02 ~ 2003. 04 Director General of Public Affairs Bureau, Fisheries Policy Bureau, Shipping and Logistics Bureau
    • 1997. 09 ~ 1999. 02 Director General of Planning and Coordination Office, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1991. 02 ~ 1997. 09 Director of Port Administration Affairs Division, Busan Regional Maritime Agency
  • 29th Guk-jeon Ahn2001.12.19 ~ 2003.4.29
    Educational background
    • Bachelor‘s in Oceanography, Seoul National University
    • Master's in Aquatic Biology, Busan National University of Fisheries Graduate School
    Career
    • 2007.04 ~ [Current] Vice President of the Korean Society of Underwater Science and Technology ~ [Current] Visiting professor at Gunsan National University
    • 2002.03 ~ 2003.03 President of the National Institute of Fisheries Science
    • 2002.03 ~ National Fisheries Promotion Agency renamed to National Fisheries Science Institute
    • 2001.12 ~ 2002.03 President of National Fisheries Promotion Agency
    • 2000.12 ~ Grade 3 Official of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (secondment to the Korea Maritime Institute)
    • 2000.01 ~ 2000.12 Director General, Fisheries Policy Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
    • 1999.05 ~ 1999.12 Grade 3 Official of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries(Standby Headquarters)
    • ~ 1999.05 Director General of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Central Civil Service Training Institute) International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries
  • 27·28th Jang-wook Lee1999.5.18 ~ 2001. 12.18
  • 26th Pyeong-am Bae1997.7.1 ~ 1999.5.17
  • 25th Jong-cheol Kim1996.2.2 ~ 1997.6.30
  • 23·24th Byeong-ha Park1994.7.1 ~ 1996.1.31
  • 22nd Joo-seok Park1992.10.23 ~ 1994.6.30
  • 21st Seong-hwan Ha1991.1.5 ~ 1992.10.20
  • 20th Gap-rae Jeong1990.1.29 ~ 1991.1.4
  • 19th Seong-hwan Ha1989.1.1 ~ 1990.1.28
  • 18th Gyun-hyun Kim1985.3.15 ~ 1988.12.31
  • 17th Seong-hwan Ha1983.5.6 ~ 1985.3.14
  • 16th Sang-hwa Jeong1982.9.15 ~ 1983.5.5
  • 15th Hee-soo Lee1978.12.29 ~ 1982.9.14
  • 14th Ki-young Kim1975.3.24 ~ 1978.12.28
  • 13th Ik-seong Choi1973.4.1 ~ 1975.3.24
  • 12th Ki-young Kim1971.9.1 ~ 1973.3.31
  • 11th Ki-young Uk1969.12.1 ~ 1971.8.31
  • 10th Dong-hwan Bae1969.4.26 ~ 1969.11.30
  • 9th Shin-wook Han1967.6.1 ~ 1969.4.25
  • 8th Bong-rae Lee1966.10.26 ~ 1967.5.31
  • 7th Geuk-won Lee1965.7.1 ~ 1966.10.25
  • 6th Myeong-nyeon Kim1964.6.1 ~ 1965.6.30
  • 5th Bong-rae Lee1960.5.27 ~ 1964.5.31
  • 4th Im-do Lee1957.7.31 ~ 1960.5.26
  • 3rd Sang-han Ahn1957.2.15 ~ 1957.7.29
  • 2nd Im-do Lee1956.5.2 ~ 1957.2.14
  • 1st Jeong-hyeon Jang1949. ~ 1955.6.4
  • Head of the Experiment Station Byeong-seok Jeon1946. ~ 1947.
  • Head of the Experiment Station Mun-gi Jeong1945.12. ~ 1946.
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