South Korea plans to increase the number of 3,000-tonne-class Korea Coast Guard patrol vessels deployed in the West Sea from 11 to 17 by 2030, with funding for additional ships included in the government’s 2027 budget proposal.
The government has proposed KRW 2.2291 trillion for the Korea Coast Guard in 2027, an increase of 6.7% from the previous year. The budget covers additional patrol vessels and equipment for maritime enforcement operations.
Under the plan, KRW 51.2 billion is allocated in 2027 to start construction of three 3,000-tonne-class patrol vessels. The three ships have a combined project budget of KRW 366 billion.
Another KRW 43.9 billion is allocated to complete a 3,000-tonne-class patrol vessel already under construction. Together with the additional ships, the programme is intended to raise the number of vessels in this class operating in the West Sea to 17 by 2030.
The vessels will support extended patrol operations in the West Sea, including the Korea-China Provisional Measures Zone.
The 2027 proposal also includes KRW 9 billion to begin construction of two 500-tonne-class vessels for operations against illegal foreign fishing boats. The two-vessel project has a total budget of KRW 90 billion.
The 500-tonne-class vessels will be used for enforcement operations, including in waters near the Northern Limit Line. The budget also covers equipment for personnel involved in boarding and enforcement operations against illegal fishing vessels.
Funding for personal protective equipment for the Coast Guard’s maritime special units is set to increase from KRW 1.4 billion to KRW 2.5 billion. A further KRW 2.1 billion is included for improvements to their training facilities.
Government officials reviewed the planned investments during visits on 21 September 2026 to the West Sea Five Islands Special Security Division, the Incheon Coast Guard pier and the Haneulbada police substation on Yeongjong Island.
