The Korean government plans to prohibit foreign ships from passing Korean ocean research stations that lie outside Korean territorial waters without obtaining prior clearance.

The Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said the Cabinet approved a bill that would strenghten the nation's maritime jurisdiction and will send it to the National Assembly for approval in December.

The bill would also designate protective areas around the nation's ocean research stations and related facilities located outside of its territorial waters to restrict the passage and approach of foreign vessels.

In addition, foreign ships will be required to obtain permission when they temporarily anchor in Korean territorial waters en route to their destinations.