Sinan County to Operate '1004 Oyster Sales Center' at Piano Island Festival

Gourmet Travel Events Offered Alongside the Festival

Sinan County, South Jeolla Province, announced on April 25 that it will operate a premium 1004 Oyster promotion and sales center at the upcoming Piano Island Festival, which will be held from April 26 to 27.

The purpose of the promotion center is to introduce premium 1004 Oysters, which are supplied to the Seoul metropolitan area, fine-dining restaurants, and renowned hotels in Seoul, to the general public. The center will also offer gourmet travel events in conjunction with the festival, providing visitors with an enhanced festival experience. The premium 1004 Oysters showcased at the center are cultivated in the pristine waters of Sinan’s tidal flats, which are designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Operating the 1004 Cave Promotion Center at the Piano Island Festival last year. Provided by Sinan County

This is not the first time that 1004 Oysters have been introduced. They were first presented at last year’s Piano Island Festival and the Champagne-Makgeolli Festival. The Champagne-Makgeolli Festival, which celebrates the pairing of champagne and Makgeolli, attracted many French visitors who were captivated by the unique flavor of 1004 Oysters.

The county is currently pursuing efforts to discover and market high value-added products through initiatives such as the "One Island, One Art Museum" and "One Island, One Garden" policies, rather than relying solely on primary industries. Premium 1004 Oysters are also a key part of these efforts.

To ensure the highest quality oyster production, seven producers and county officials participated in a five-week training program in France, a country renowned for its pride in oyster cultivation. However, the results did not materialize overnight simply because of the training. The achievement is the result of over three years of trial and error and research.

Efforts are also underway to expand exports of these premium 1004 Oysters. Negotiations are ongoing with domestic buyers, and as early as May or June this year, exports to overseas markets such as Vietnam, Thailand, Macau, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia are expected to begin.

Shin Sangsoo, head of the center, said, "1004 Oysters are highly competitive premium oysters, and I hope many people will have the opportunity to taste them during the festival as gourmet delicacies. I also hope they will become established as a representative local specialty of Sinan County."

Meanwhile, unlike ordinary oysters, the premium 1004 Oysters?which have captivated the palates of gourmets both in Korea and abroad?can be enjoyed year-round. During the festival, visitors can taste and purchase freshly prepared oysters on the spot.