In an effort to increase RCA awareness and also to promote RCA partnership, RCARO had a seminar at the Applied RI Research Institute (ARRI) of the Jeju National University, Korea on 15 December 2003. At the seminar, RCA activities were introduced and effort to identify areas in which the ARRI has potentials to contribute to RCA programmes pursued. It is noted that the ARRI will soon install a Co-60 gamma irradiator that will mainly be used for mutation breeding.

Off far south from Korean Peninsula, the beautiful sub-tropical Jeju Island boasts of its Applied Radioisotope Research Institute that comfortably functions in the Jeju National University. The ARRI is a sentimental adherent to the IAEA Technical Co-operation programme. In the good part of 1970s, the IAEA's Department of Research and Isotope (RI) has provided various radiation research equipment and technical advice to the Jeju National University with a hope that this academic institution would contribute to the enhanced research and ample use of radiation technology to various fields of endeavors, particularly in agriculture and marine areas, not only in the nation but also in the region.

Professor Dr Helmut Glubrecht was the DDG-RI at that time. He earnestly aspired the endeavor. Dr E Niemann of the Agency gave valuable technical advice. In commemorating their dedicated supports, one of the radiation research laboratory of the University has been named as the 'H Glubrecht and E Niemann Hall'. Since then, it has been largely recognized that the Jeju National University has played an important role is the research and application of radiation technology for the Island but also in collaboration with other institutions. It is noted that the ARRI has been ensconced in their bivouac during the past few years, but they realized the increase of need for radiation application activities within the Island as well as throughout the nation. Now, they are eager to perpetuate its traditions. The Jeju National University embraces their strong intention to refurbish the potentials and generously renovated the ARRI. With the planned installation of an irradiator, the ARRI tries to find out other outlets to contribute to the region.

At the seminar, Dr Chung-Won Cho, Director General of Atomic Energy Bureau, Ministry of Science and Technology, encouraged the ARRI to fetch new programmes that will be good for the nation and also for the region.