North Gyeongsang Unveils Bold Plan to Transform Coastal Economy with Salmon Farming, Year-Round Tourism

The ambitious initiative includes a significant shift in aquaculture strategy, with plans to invest 140 billion won through 2030 to transition from traditional fish species like flatfish and rockfish to globally popular varieties such as salmon and yellowtail. The province aims to industrialize its aquaculture facilities and adapt to climate change by promoting the farming of yellowtail, which is more resistant to high water temperatures than traditional species like flounder. A key component of the plan includes establishing a smart salmon farming cluster in Pohang to reduce dependency on imports.

The province has set production targets of 11,000 tons annually for salmon and 5,000 tons for yellowtail, positioning these as primary export products. The transformation plan also encompasses the development of an ‘aqua pet’ industry to capitalize on the growing ornamental fish market, along with the implementation of integrated aquaponics systems combining fish farming with plant cultivation. Additionally, the province plans to expand its advanced distribution and processing infrastructure, including the development of elderly-friendly seafood products, smart seafood processing complexes, and online sales networks.



By 2030, the province aims to triple both sales and exports from its current 313 seafood enterprises. A key component of the plan includes establishing a smart salmon farming cluster in Pohang to reduce dependency on imports. (Image courtesy of North Gyeongsang Province) The tourism aspect of the plan envisions transforming the East Sea coast into “Korea’s Gold Coast” with year-round appeal, moving beyond its current summer-focused visitor season.

Each city and county will designate seasonal beaches with specialized programs, including Pohang’s urban marine tourism beach and Gyeongju’s four-season marine leisure beach. The plan includes a 49 billion won investment in Gyeongju’s Najeong Fine Sand Beach to develop year-round day and night marine leisure facilities, and the establishment of a marine therapy center in Uljin. Other initiatives include creating pet-friendly beaches and launching marine train programs in conjunction with the Donghae Jungbu Line, scheduled to open in late December this year.

The province is also exploring possibilities for international cruise ship stops at Pohang’s Yeongil Bay Port. “We will actively pursue national funding and work closely with relevant agencies and fishing industry stakeholders to revitalize our declining fishing industry and coastal communities through this action plan,” said Lee Kyung-gon, director of the province’s Maritime and Fisheries Bureau. M.

H. Lee ([email protected]).