Ulleungdo Runs Dry as "Squid Boom" Hits Here... West Coast Belt Hits the Jackpot

Gunsan Squid Auction Volume Surpasses 1,400 Tons
Taean Sees 8.5-Fold Increase Over Last Year

Climate change is shifting the main fishing grounds for squid. While the catch from Ulleungdo, once a leading production area, has declined, the waters off Gunsan and Taean on the west coast are now experiencing a boom in squid catches.

A tank filled with squid. Not related to the article. Photo by Yonhap News.

According to Gunsan City on August 28, the cumulative volume of squid traded at auction from January this year until August 25, excluding the closed fishing season, reached 1,402 tons. This figure is already nearly three times last year’s annual total of 521 tons. In particular, 467 tons were traded in July alone, and 901 tons changed hands in just the first 25 days of August. Compared to the 34 tons auctioned between January and March at the start of the year, this represents an explosive increase.

Squid, a warm-water species, has traditionally been caught mainly along the east coast. However, the city explained that a rise in West Sea water temperatures, which now favor spawning and habitation, along with an abundance of prey such as anchovies and shrimp, has led to a sharp increase in squid catches in Gunsan.

Fishermen are sorting squid caught by jigging vessels at Jumunjin Port fish market in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, packing them into boxes. Photo by Yonhap News

The surge in supply is also energizing the local economy. As sashimi restaurants and seafood tanks at Bieung Port fill with fresh squid, both locals and tourists are flocking to enjoy affordable raw squid. Prices have also stabilized. Last year, a box of 20 squid sold at auction for 70,000 to 80,000 won, but recently prices have dropped to 50,000 to 60,000 won, with retail prices per squid falling by 2,000 to 3,000 won as well.

Earlier Boom in Squid Catches in Taean, South Chungcheong Province

A similar trend was observed earlier in Taean, South Chungcheong Province. According to Taean County and the Seosan Fisheries Cooperative, a total of 930 tons of squid-861 tons fresh and 69 tons live-were auctioned at Sinjin Port in Geunheung-myeon in July, 8.5 times more than the 108.9 tons recorded in the same month last year. The auction value was approximately 11.8 billion won.

With the increase in volume, prices have fallen compared to last year. Last year, a box containing 20 to 25 squid sold for 70,000 to 80,000 won, but this year prices have ranged from 55,000 to 65,000 won. There has also been a significant rise in consumers seeking Taean squid at Sinjin Port and major seafood markets in the Seoul metropolitan area.

A fisheries cooperative official explained, "This year, sea temperatures have dropped slightly, causing squid schools to form closer to shore, which has improved fishing efficiency."

The sharp rise in squid catches is being welcomed by local governments. Park Dongrae, head of the Fisheries Industry Division in Gunsan, stated, "The Gunsan squid, which is caught in earnest during the summer, is providing a major boost to the local economy." A Taean County official also commented, "Squid from Taean has become a key contributor to the local economy every summer."