Sinan-gun 1004 Oysters...Captivating the Palates of World-Renowned Chefs

Fruit of Perseverance and Technological Innovation...Pioneering the Global Market

Shinan County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Park Wooryang) is seeing tangible results from the 1004 Oyster Aquaculture Industry, which has been promoted since the 7th popularly elected administration to create youth jobs and discover new sources of income in response to population and regional decline. The industry is now captivating the palates of world-renowned chefs.

According to the county on the 18th, the 1004 Oyster Aquaculture Industry developed cultivation techniques suited to local conditions through pilot farming from 2019 to 2021, and independently developed and produced an automated system for washing, sorting, and packaging, thereby increasing work efficiency and reducing labor. In particular, the 1004 logo is laser-engraved on the shell surface to certify origin and establish a premium brand.

In addition, to stabilize the privately-led 1004 Oyster Aquaculture Industry and build a stable income base, the county operates its own aquaculture school to train professionals. These various efforts are enhancing the brand value and competitiveness of the industry.

Shinan County, aiming to address population decline and create jobs for young people, has developed the 1004 Oyster as a new source of income, which is now bearing fruit by captivating the tastes of world-renowned chefs. Photo by Shinan County

Currently, 1004 Oysters are supplied not only to fine dining establishments such as Evett, L’Amiti?, and Borgo Hannam, but also to more than 20 hotels including JW Marriott Jeju and Fairmont Ambassador.

A world-renowned chef from France highly praised the product, saying, “1004 Oysters have an outstanding flavor and a soft, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.”

Having established itself as a key ingredient in fine dining both domestically and internationally, 1004 Oysters are also being exported overseas. After completing its first export to Hong Kong, export negotiations are underway with major markets such as Macau, Malaysia, and Singapore. Once these negotiations are finalized, 1004 Oysters are expected to serve as a bridgehead for entering the ASEAN market.

Governor Park Wooryang stated, “In order for young people not to leave, and for those who have left to return, we must create highly competitive jobs and an economic foundation. The 1004 Oyster Aquaculture Industry, which started with this intention, has now, after much trial and error and many difficulties, firmly established itself as a leading fishery industry in Shinan County, and I am deeply moved by this achievement.”

He added, “We will continue our efforts to promote the excellent quality and value of 1004 Oysters not only in Korea but also in the ASEAN region and the global gourmet market, including Europe, and to establish export foundations such as ASC international certification and designation of shellfish production areas, so that 1004 Oysters can become a world-class premium oyster.”