The nation's Antarctic research center has marked the 20th anniversary of its opening on King George Island.

The Korea Polar Research Institute said Monday that the King Sejong Station held a ceremony to celebrate the anniversary on Sunday, Antarctic time.

The polar research institute also completed upgrades of the base's facilities and equipment after three years of work.

With the upgrades, Sejong station has greatly expanded its research infrastructure.

The Korean Ocean Research and Development Institute, which houses the Korea Polar Research Institute, now plans to set up a second research station in Antarctica by 2011.

The planned second base is likely to be located closer to the South Pole.