The unveiling ceremony for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy submarine Seo Hui is held on Nov. 3 at Hanwha Ocean's shipyard at the port of Okpo in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. (ROK Navy)

By Kang Gahui

The Seo Hui, a 3,600-ton-class submarine designed and built using domestic technology, on Nov. 3 was unveiled at Hanwha Ocean's shipyard at the port of Okpo in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

As the second model in the Jangbogo-III Batch-II class following the Jang Yeong-sil, which was launched in October last year, the Seo Hui was named after a prominent statesman and diplomat of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) to honor his military and diplomatic achievements and his spirit of overcoming national crises.

Measuring some 89 m long and 9.7 m wide, the vessel is larger than the submarines of the 3,000-ton-class Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class of the Jangbogo-III Batch-I program. The Seo Hui features upgraded combat and sonar systems and homegrown lithium-ion batteries, raising its detection and strike capabilities and underwater endurance.

Noise-reduction technology and auxiliary propulsion systems also improved its stealth and survivability.

Twelve additional types of homegrown equipment compared to the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class were produced, bringing the number of domestically developed components to 70. This advance is expected to ensure stable follow-on logistical support and bolster the export competitiveness of Korean-made submarines.

"The Seo Hui is a state-of-the-art national strategic asset capable of effectively responding to security threats based on its powerful underwater operational capabilities," said Rear Admiral Lee Gu-seong, who is chief of planning and management staff at Republic of Korea Navy headquarters. "We will continue to build a navy grounded in cutting-edge science and technology to fulfill our mission as an elite naval force dedicated to protecting the nation."

Following pilot operations, the Navy will receive the Seo Hui in 2028. The submarine will then undergo the operational commissioning process before being deployed for active service.

kgh89@korea.kr