SEOUL - South Korea is set to build a marine science research facility in the western waters off Baeknyeong Island, local media reported Tuesday.

The facility, to be equipped with high-tech observation systems, would be capable of monitoring and analyzing climate and oceanic changes off the west coast of the peninsula, according to reports.

News reports said the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs and the Korea Hydrographic Oceanographic announced a plan to invest 40 billion won ($37.3 million) into constructing the research facility by 2015. ?

The 3,000-square meter facility will be the country's fourth marine research station with the largest scale among others.