Vulnerability of South Korea s Undersea Cable Communications Infrastructure: A Geopolitical Perspective

It is impossible to overstate the importance of undersea cable communications infrastructure (UCCI) to the national and economic security of South Korea. As an isolated, peninsular state surrounded by rivals and aggressors, South Korea depends heavily on these cables, which carry everything from financial transactions to critical military communications. Yet security analysts have devoted little attention to the dangers that come with this dependence. The following paper presents a unique analysis of South Korea s security by focusing on five potential points of failure, thereby highlighting a critical area of national vulnerability. Conclusions suggest policymakers and national security specialists should take additional measures to protect the South Korean state and society from potential damage to this vital infrastructure.