The first-ever domestically developed icebreaker has been named 'Araon.'

At the naming ceremony attended by Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs Chung Jong-hwan, the mother of late Antarctic researcher Jeon Jae-gyu officially announced the name.

Jeon devoted his life to polar research before dying in the line of duty in Antarctica in 2003.

The government injected 100-billion won, about 86 million U.S. dollars, to develop the icebreaker.

The 6,950 ton vessel is equipped with advanced marine research equipment and can break one-meter-thick ice at a speed of three knots.

The Araon will set sail for Antarctica on December 19 for a three-month expedition.

It will carry out polar research missions and survey the Antarctic zone for candidate sites for the nation’s second research center.