The government says it will carry out further offshore drilling and oil explorations in the East Sea within this year.
 
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Joo Hyung-hwan revealed the plan on Friday when he visited a gas field in the East Sea. Joo is the first incumbent minister to visit a gas field since the development of such fields began in 2004.
 
The ministry plans to renew exploration licenses for Exploration Blocks 8 and 6-1 in the East Sea.
 
The Korea National Oil Corporation and Australian firm Woodside explored the two blocks between 2007 and 2016 and found a promising area where oil could be found.