Seoul, South Korea – South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has unveiled its 2025 plan to revitalize the maritime sector, focusing on stabilizing seafood prices, promoting marine leisure tourism, and enhancing fisheries.
To alleviate the burden of rising seafood prices, the ministry plans to allocate up to 80% of its annual discount event budget (100 billion won) in the first half of the year. Additionally, direct sales markets will be established in up to 56 basic local governments to ensure wider coverage of discount programs.
The government will also invest heavily in modernizing the Busan Joint Fish Market, the nation's largest, and establish 30 new direct sales stores for fresh seafood. To address climate change and declining fish stocks, 60% of the total annual coastal fishery catch will be managed under the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) system.
Boosting Marine Tourism
To revitalize coastal areas and promote marine leisure tourism, the ministry will select two sites for complex marine leisure tourism city projects, each with an investment of 1 trillion won. Moreover, the government will develop new tourism content such as cruises, marine eco-parks, lighthouses, and tidal flats.
To improve living conditions in fishing villages, the ministry will select 26 sites for the 2025 Fisheries Revitalization Project and establish three "Youth Sea Villages" linked to housing complexes and job opportunities for returning fishermen.
Global Maritime Leadership
South Korea aims to become a global leader in maritime logistics. The construction of Busan New Port, the world's largest port by berth capacity, will commence this year with the construction of outer facilities. Additionally, a joint public-private logistics center will open in New Jersey, USA, in August to support Korean companies.
To enhance the competitiveness of the domestic shipping industry, the government will increase the proportion of eco-friendly vessels in the domestic fleet from 7.8% to 10% by 2025. A Korea-US green shipping route roadmap will also be announced to capitalize on global carbon regulations.
Addressing Challenges
"The maritime sector faces challenges such as the restructuring of supply chains due to heightened protectionism and the instability of seafood supply caused by climate change," said Kang Do-hyeong, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries. "We will concentrate our policy efforts to successfully carry out policy tasks and actively respond to pressing issues, making marine fisheries a sector that brings warmth to people's lives and vitality to the economy."
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