The South Pole was not fully explored until about 1958. While there were early expeditions and attempts to reach the South Pole in the early 20th century, including Roald Amundsen's successful expedition in 1911, comprehensive scientific exploration and research of the South Pole region, particularly in Antarctica, continued well into the mid-20th century.
The establishment of research stations and the mapping of the continent's interior took several decades, with significant advancements made in the late 1950s as part of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) in 1957-1958. This period marked a significant turning point in the exploration and scientific study of the South Pole and Antarctica. In contrast, the North Pole had been reached earlier, with Robert Peary and Matthew Henson reaching it in 1909.