As Complaints Grow Over Early Exhaustion of Free Raw Fish... Soraepogu Fish Market to Increase Daily Quota to 400kg

Free Sashimi Event at Soraepogu Since the 18th
Daily Free Flatfish Sashimi Supply Increased from 300kg to 400kg

Merchants at Incheon Soraepogu are holding a free sashimi event to improve their image. However, as the sashimi runs out early every day, consumer complaints have increased, leading to a decision to increase the supply.

On the 28th, the Soraepogu General Fish Market Merchants Association announced that starting the day before, the daily free provision of flounder sashimi by fish market merchants was increased from the original 300kg (serving 750 people) to 400kg (serving 1000 people). During the 10-day event period, the total amount of free sashimi provided will be 3300kg, valued at approximately 120 million KRW based on sales prices.

On the afternoon of the 5th, the joint inspection team from Namdong-gu Office is inspecting a plate-type scale at Soraepogu Comprehensive Fish Market in Namdong-gu, Incheon. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The free sashimi event, which began on the 18th, will continue until the 29th. However, as the sashimi runs out early every day during lunchtime and consumer dissatisfaction grows among those who cannot receive sashimi, the supply was decided to be increased.

During the event period, on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors to the fish market can receive one serving of flounder sashimi per person until the daily prepared quantity is exhausted. However, takeout is not allowed, and customers must pay a 2,000 KRW table setting fee per person at the seasoning restaurant on the second floor of the fish market to eat the sashimi. The Merchants Association plans to focus on image improvement by continuously holding seasonal seafood discount events even after the free sashimi event ends.

Originally, Soraepogu was considered a representative tourist destination in the metropolitan area, but it became controversial due to aggressive solicitation and overcharging. In response, in June last year, Soraepogu merchants held a self-purification meeting to apologize and pledged to eradicate "solicitation, mixed sales, and overcharging."

However, controversies have continued recently. Last month, footage on YouTube showed Soraepogu fish market businesses not providing accurate weights, quoting 378,000 KRW for two king crabs, or unilaterally forcing seafood purchases, sparking criticism once again.

Na Hyun, the general secretary of the Soraepogu General Fish Market Merchants Association, said, "Many people come from far away after hearing about the event, and we felt sorry to turn them away, so we decided to increase the supply a little more." He added, "We will continue to hold events offering flounder hand-catching, seasonal jjukkumi (webfoot octopus), and fresh shrimp at exceptional prices, doing our best to restore trust."