GeoSystem Research makes inroads as leading earth science solutions provider

GeoSystem Research Corporation CEO Hong Sun Kim Courtesy of GeoSystem Research Corporation

GeoSystem Research Corp., a South Korean specialist in environmental engineering services, is gaining attention for its expertise in earth science solutions amid growing demand for pollution reduction, sustainable development, and coastal disaster prevention systems.

“We founded the company in 2000 when the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development was becoming bigger,” Kim Hong-sun, chief executive officer of GeoSystem Research, explained during an interview with Maeil Business Newspaper.

“Natural disasters caused by the climate crisis have recently become more intense and frequent, so we have been working hard with a sense of mission,” Kim said.

The company has 93 experts, including 24 PhDs, 12 PhD candidates, and 57 master’s degree holders, as well as 12 professional technicians.

The company is actively involved in several earth science projects at home and abroad, including key collaborations with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in areas such as shore and river water quality management, coastal erosion, climate crisis countermeasures, and the sustainable use of marine resources.

Q: The environmental engineering services industry is becoming increasingly important. What do you think is the reason?

A: The climate crisis, coupled with land development and economic growth, is exerting unprecedented pressure on marine, riverine, and lake ecosystems. The Earth’s environmental system - encompassing the atmosphere, oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater - is interconnected globally, making it crucial to approach these issues holistically. GeoSystem Research provides solutions for policymakers and managers, leveraging original technologies and state-of-the-art equipment to address these challenges.

Many are concerned about the climate crisis as they are starting to feel its impact. What is GeoSystem Research doing to combat it?

As sea levels rise and typhoons intensify, the risk of coastal erosion, inundation, and flooding has increased. We offer coastal disaster forecasting and warning systems, risk area assessments, and disaster reduction strategies through comprehensive surveys and predictive simulations.

For instance, our long-term beach monitoring efforts can save the government billions of won by providing critical data for constructing effective breakwaters, thus preventing costly disputes and unnecessary spending.

Pollutants accumulating in the ocean are also a big concern. How is your company addressing this issue?

We tackle marine pollution challenges such as red tide, green tide, and water contamination through field surveys, diagnostic predictions, and numerical modeling.

Our work also extends to conserving estuarine ecosystems and providing scientific solutions to controversial issues, such as the water cycle management of the reclaimed Saemangeum area on the south-west coast of the country.

We also operate three oceanographic survey vessels and a professional diving team dedicated to seabed surveys and ocean cleanup operations.

What do you do regarding ocean resource management?

The ocean offers vast resources, from aggregates to offshore wind power. We conduct research to utilize these resources sustainably while protecting marine species like whales and seaweeds. Our efforts ensure that ocean resources are managed effectively and responsibly.

I understand that your company is also actively pursuing international projects. Could you elaborate?

We are currently involved in Korea-U.S. joint research projects focusing on marine fog and ocean mixing processes. We also collaborate with maritime nations in the South Pacific, Latin America, and Southeast Asia through MOF official development assistance (ODA) and KOICA projects. Our international efforts underscore our commitment to global marine science research.

What do you think is the key to GeoSystem Research‘s success?

Our success hinges on technical competence and trust. We have invested in talent and cutting-edge technology to navigate the complexities of environmental science and provide top-tier solutions.

Our researchers consistently publish in high-impact journals, and our innovative Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) has garnered significant interest for its advanced data collection capabilities. Ultimately, trust is the foundation of our long-term success in this field.