Pakistan, Oct. 11 -- South Korea has completed its first commercial round trip to Europe through the Arctic, marking a major step in its plans to expand maritime trade. The container ship PanStar Acro returned to the southeastern port of Busan on Sunday, 50 days after departing on August 22. Officials hope the northern route will help establish Busan as a global maritime hub.

South Korean authorities believe the Arctic route could reduce typical shipping times to Europe by around one-third. President Lee Jae Myung has made Arctic shipping a priority, with officials targeting regular services by 2030. The shorter journey could offer an alternative to traditional shipping routes. However, the plan faces logistical, financial and geopolitic...