• Korea Trade Review
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.91-107
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• 2018

This study considers the activation of the Asia Pacific Maritime Arbitration Center(APMAC) established for the first time in South Korea. This research investigates the suitability of arbitration for maritime disputes through literature review, as well as the importance and expectations of the establishment of the APMAC. In order to activate the APMAC, maritime arbitration rules must be established. Second, a cooperative body should be established between the courts and related institutions. Third, related institutions need to creat a short term and long term promotion plan. Fourth, the APMAC should appoint professional arbitrators in the maritime field. Fifth, an educational system should be established for new arbitrators. Finally, APMAC should link to universities for research activities.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.23-54
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• 2021

While maritime arbitration industry has not been prevalent in Korea, Korea ranked fifth in terms of export volume and its shipbuilding industry ranked top globally in shipbuilding order volume in 2020. The discrepancy between the maritime industry's productivity and relative lack of maritime arbitration has had a negative impact on Korea's economic development. To address these problems, this paper i) reviews preceding research, ii) examines the Korean maritime arbitration system's status and analyzes the KCAB's maritime arbitration statistics from 2005-2020, iii) examines major foreign maritime arbitration institutions' status and strategies including LMAA, SMA, SCMA, and HKMAG, and lastly iv) suggests practical ways to promote maritime arbitration in Korea. The Suggestions for promoting maritime arbitration are 1) to prepare and promote various maritime standardized forms for the Korean shipping industry, 2) to insert an arbitration clause in medium and large-size Korean shipping firms' B/L clause, 3) to expand professional maritime manpower training and other infrastructure, and 4) to enhance the predictability of the result of arbitration through maritime arbitral awards or by examining the feasibility of the appeal system against the arbitral award only on a point of law in the future. In conclusion, the success or failure of promoting maritime arbitration in Korea depends on the will, passion, cooperation and practice of the most important key players in maritime arbitration, such as the Asia Pacific Maritime Arbitration Center (APMAC), the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB) and the Seoul Maritime Arbitrators Association (SMAA).