Antarctica , the fifth largest of the earth's seven continents, covers 1/10th of the earth's surface. The thickness of the ice, which makes up most of the continent's mass, is approximately 2000 kilometers. The Antarctic Ocean is almost entirely covered by ice, but has an abundance of marine living resources. The ice in Antarctica not only plays an important role in controlling the temperature of the oceans, but is also a testimony to the history of climactic changes of the earth. Antarctica , one of the few remaining unspoiled regions of the world, is now experiencing environmental damage due to lack of an effective conservation regime. To protect and preserve the Antarctic environment, the Antarctic Treaty, a crucial task for the future of humankind, was adopted in 1959 and went into effect in 1961 with 47 members as of year 2008. 

The Antarctic Treaty System established Antarctica 's legal status, being composed of a series of treaties as follows: 'Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals', Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources', and 'Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty'. The Antarctic Treaty freezes some States' claim to territorial sovereignty over identified areas of Antarctica and stipulates that only peaceful and scientific activities should be conducted in Antarctica .

The Antarctic Treaty Consultative meeting, as a central consultative body, promotes cooperation among contracting parties, with the objective of furthering the purposes and principles of the Antarctic Treaty. Additionally, other organizations, such as the 'Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources', the ‘Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research', and the ‘Council of Managers of National Antarctic Program' make up the current Antarctic Treaty System.

Under the Antarctic System, only a few member countries conduct substantial activities in the South Pole region. Some have argued that Antarctica should be placed under the auspices of the United Nations, but due to strong opposition by Treaty member states, the Antarctic System currently functions independently from the United Nations. Furthermore, a moratorium has been placed on territorial or sovereignty claims to Antarctica made by the following seven nations: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

The Antarctic Treaty System which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1999, deals with environmental protection issues and the advancement of scientific activities in Antarctica . The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (adopted in 1991) entered into force on January 14, 1998. The Committee for Environmental Protection coordinates international cooperation for environmental protection in Antarctica . The Protocol bans contracting parties from conducting mining activities and requires compliance with environmental impact assessments to any activities undertaken in Antarctica . The Committee for Environmental Protection also reserves the authority to preserve environmental, scientific, historic, aesthetical, and natural values. Moreover, an Annex to the Protocol is planned to establish liabilities for reparation of any environmental damages. As stated above, the Antarctic Treaty System focuses its scope of activities on environmental protection rather than on exploitation of natural resources.

Korea began its activities in Antarctica by dispatching a krill fishing survey team in 1978, and acceded to the CCAMLR in 1985 and the Antarctic Treaty in 1986. In 1988, established a Korean scientific research station called the King Sejong Station on King George Island . Through this initiative, the Republic of Korea attained membership in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Party on October 18, 1989. In 1995, the Korean Government hosted the 19th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Seoul , and has steadily increased its participation in the Antarctic Treaty System, including Antarctic activities as a consultative party. The Korean government has actively participated in the following Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings: United Kingdom (2006), India (2007), and Ukraine (2008).

In addition, as part of efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation, the Korean Government concluded agreements with in 1988 and in 1996. With a firm commitment to protecting marine living resources, the Korean Government will continue to maintain a balance between the commercial interests of the Korean industry and the broad benefits to the whole of humanity through environmental protection of Antarctica .