South Korea is seeking to manage a special protection zone in the South Pole next year in a bid to preserve the environment.

An official at the Ministry of Environment said Thursday South Korea requested that Narebski Point, a penguin habitat located near its King Sejong Base, be designated as a special protection zone. Korea issued the request in June during the 31st meeting of member nations of the Antarctic Treaty in Ukraine.

Situated about two kilometers away from King Sejong Base, Narebski Point is a major habitat for seagulls, lichen and three types of penguins.

If designated as a special protection zone, Narebski Point will be managed by South Korea, enabling the nation to freely monitor the ecosystem in the region and conduct research of biological resources.

Currently, 15 out of the total 18 countries that have bases in the South Pole manage 67 special protection zones.