Minister of Oceans and Fisheries: "Investment in Fishing Villages Was Low... Will Take Steps to Revitalize Fishing Villages"

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Talk Concert in Yangyang, Gangwon-do on the 13th

Minister Kang Do-hyung of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries emphasized, "Until now, investments in fishing villages have been fragmented and the investment ratio has been lower compared to shipping and ports," and pledged to make active investments.

Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung (second from the right) is talking with participants of 'Salmon Talk' in Yangyang, Gangwon Province on the 13th.

Minister Kang made these remarks on the 13th at the East Coast 'Coastal Fishing Village Concert' held in Yangyang, Gangwon Province. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries visited the southern sea area (Tongyeong) last month on the 28th with the theme of returning to fishing villages, and then listened to on-site voices in Yangyang, known as the 'surfing mecca.' Minister Kang pointed out, "There is a need to strengthen investment in fishing villages to balance the scales," adding, "The investment ratio in the fisheries sector has been lower compared to shipping and logistics, which may have caused fishermen to feel marginalized."

He announced that continuous fishing village revitalization policies will be implemented to address this. Minister Kang is promoting 'Revitalizing Fishing Villages and Coastal Areas' as the first agenda item of the Marine and Fisheries Livelihood Reform Task Force (TF). He promised, "Even if the minister or government changes, the balance of support for fishermen will be maintained."

In particular, he stated that leisure and tourism industries will be connected based on the unique characteristics of each village. Minister Kang said, "The sea has distinct characteristics in each region, and the East Coast has become a center for leisure based on its beautiful coastline and the Taebaek mountain range," adding, "We will develop regions according to these characteristics while ensuring coexistence with existing village life." He further added, "In Korea, due to cultural factors, there seems to be some negative perception of cultures such as yachting, so continuous management is necessary."