Operation of Heuksan Skate Slicing School, the 'Noble of the Sea' in 1004 Island Sinan

Shinan-gun has been operating the Heuksan Skate Cutting School, known as the "Count of the Sea," since the 18th. (Photo by Shinan-gun)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Ki-woon] Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Park Woo-ryang) announced on the 19th that it has been operating the Heuksan Hong-eo Slicing School, known as the "Count of the Sea," since the 18th.

The Heuksan Hong-eo, called the Count or Noble of the Sea, is a representative premium fish species that commands the highest price among Korean fish. It is rich in protein, low in fat, and one of the fish species with the highest calcium content.

In the past, due to insufficient preservation methods, fermented Hong-eo was mainly consumed, but nowadays, fresh, non-fermented Hong-eo is preferred, and the demand is steadily increasing.

However, with the ultra-aged society, there are very few people who specialize in slicing Hong-eo, and during holidays or peak order periods, the Hong-eo could not be sliced in time, resulting in failure to supply orders promptly.

Accordingly, the county opened the "Heuksan Hong-eo Slicing School" as part of a project to develop sales channels for marine products.

The Heuksan Hong-eo Slicing School is held every Monday for 15 residents who wish to learn how to slice Hong-eo and will operate until the end of next month.

This event was initiated to inherit and preserve the preparation and slicing methods of Heuksan Hong-eo, a representative local marine product, and is expected to contribute to revitalizing the local economy.

Additionally, in response to COVID-19, social distancing measures are actively practiced, and emphasis is placed on managing the personal hygiene of trainees during the program.

Governor Park Woo-ryang stated, "Heuksan-myeon is the center of Sinan tourism, attracting more than 200,000 tourists annually, and it is a time when various tourism strategies and discoveries are needed. We will actively support the development of diverse food products and the promotion of specialty product sales centered on local culinary culture."

Meanwhile, Heuksan Hong-eo, which plays a stepping stone role in the Heuksan regional economy, currently has seven fishing vessels with an annual catch of about 250 tons.