Scallops produced in Jaran Bay, Goseong-gun, Gyeongnam, a clean water area designated by the FDA, are sold all over the country and serve as Goseong’s representative specialty product. The research results of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute have also proven that the natural conditions for scallop production in this area are favorable for aquaculture and that the quality is excellent.

Proven environment by FDA

According to Goseong County, 8,000 to 9,000 tons of scallops are produced here annually by about 170 fishing farms, accounting for more than 70% of the national scallop production. Scallop production is actively taking place here as the currents are not fast and the water temperature and nutrients are suitable, so the scallops are of excellent size and quality and are rich in protein and minerals. Production has increased 14 times in 2023, and the price is in the range of 5,000 won per kilogram, and there are usually more than 20 scallops per kilogram. The scallops here contain 13 grams of lean protein per 100 grams, 2.5 mg of zinc per 100 grams, about 53 mg of calcium per 100 grams, 25 to 30 mg of magnesium per 100 grams, and are rich in essential amino acids, including glutamine. Bireong Susan CEO Gu Ja-hong says “I started because my father was a set-net fisherman and I was convinced that he had a vision for the set-net fishery. Scallops, which began to be farmed in Goseong Jaran Bay in early 2010, have the advantage of lower labor costs and higher profitability because they are shipped in their entire shells, unlike oysters. So I received training in scallop cultivation techniques through the Gyeongsangnam-do Fisheries Resources Research Institute and began cultivating scallops.” Starting with 1 hectare, Gu now has 17 hectares of fishing grounds and produces nearly 700 tons of scallops. This is the largest production scale of any single-scale variety not only in Goseong but also in Korea. Gu works with 30-40 scallop producers and divides the production, distribution, and sales tasks so that the fishermen can focus on production and produce quality scallops only. Gu says “There are currently about 30 young fishermen in Goseong. Recognizing them as fishermen will revitalize the fishing village and encourage more young people to join the industry.” 

Young Fishermen’s Association

In August 2022, the Gyeongsangnam-do Young Fishermen’s Association was launched, the first of its kind in Korea. The association consists of 111 young fishermen under the age of 45 from seven counties in the province (Changwon, Tongyeong, Sacheon, Geoje, Goseong, Namhae, and Hadong). Gu is about to serve as the 2nd president of the association and says “The association has now grown to 171 members and is engaged in various activities to promote sustainable fishing for more than 1,800 young fishermen in the province. Through this, we hope to develop the local fishery and revitalize the economy.”

Excellent Goseong scallops

Goseong-gun holds an annual scallop festival to promote scallop consumption and revitalize the local economy. The 8th edition of the festival was a success, with more than 60,000 visitors. Gu says “To make high-quality scallops a specialty of Goseong Province, fishermen, fisheries cooperatives, and the government must work together. The introduction of foreign seasonal workers and the purchase of all scallops from the cooperative will help stabilize prices.”