National Maritime Day was first enacted in March 1977 to raise awareness of the marine transport industry,

which has made enormous contributions to Korea’s economic development.

To celebrate the first ational Maritime Day, then-President Park Chung-hee wielded a brush

to write “Sahaeyakjin” (“advancing towards the four seas”), conveying his congratulations.

“Sahae” refers to the entire world, thus “Sahaeyakjin” signifies the vision and imperative of

Korean maritime transportation expanding into the world.” With the establishment of the

Ministry of Maritime Affirs and Fisheries in 1996, National Maritime Day became “Ocean Day,” also called Marine Day.