Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Unveils Plan to Improve Seafood Distribution Structure
Aims to Reduce Price Volatility of Major Seafood Products by 25%
Modernization of Outdated Auction Facilities and Expansion of Dedicated Seafood Direct Store
The government has announced plans to reduce the existing six-stage seafood distribution process to four stages and to revitalize online wholesale markets, aiming to lower seafood distribution costs by more than 10% by 2030.
On November 4, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries unveiled its “Plan to Improve the Seafood Distribution Structure” during a joint meeting of economic and price-related ministers.
An official from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries explained, “Until now, seafood has gone through a complicated distribution process involving landing sites and wholesale markets after being caught, resulting in high distribution costs and difficulties in maintaining freshness. As a result, fundamental structural improvements have been needed. We have gathered feedback from the field that, given recent changes in climate and consumption patterns, the current system alone cannot achieve structural reform, and have prepared this distribution innovation plan accordingly.”
The goal of this plan is to reduce distribution costs by 10% and ease price volatility of major seafood products by 25% by 2030. To start, the Ministry will simplify seafood distribution channels to cut costs and modernize outdated landing sites. Currently, seafood is distributed to consumers through six stages: “producer (fisherman) → landing site → local wholesale dealer → wholesale market in the consumption area → local wholesale dealer in the consumption area → retailer.” The Ministry plans to expand and strengthen the connection between Fishery Product Processing Centers (FPCs) and Fishery Distribution Centers (FDCs) in consumption areas, activating a simplified four-stage distribution process: “producer → FPC → FDC → retailer.”
Outdated landing sites will be modernized with low-temperature and eco-friendly facilities to maintain seafood quality and hygiene. Additionally, by leveraging their coastal locations, these sites will be developed into multi-purpose spaces such as cafes and restaurants to attract investment demand.
The range of products traded on online wholesale markets will be significantly expanded, and entry barriers for sellers will be lowered. The number of seafood items available for online wholesale trade will be more than doubled from the current 60 to 134, and requirements for seller registration will be eased to facilitate entry. Furthermore, by linking the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives’ auction houses with credit systems, transaction convenience will be improved. The Ministry will also promote the development of AI-based grading technology to enable consumers to easily verify product quality online.
The number of fresh seafood specialty stores, currently limited to 30 locations mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area, will also be increased. By establishing seafood specialty stores in major metropolitan consumption areas, the Ministry plans to add 30 more locations in the Chungcheong region by next year, allowing consumers to purchase seafood directly from the source.
To prevent sharp fluctuations in seafood prices, the Ministry will also implement volume management in wholesale markets. Product and transaction data will be standardized for each wholesale market, and electronic delivery notes will be piloted at major markets. By using electronic delivery notes to maintain appropriate supply levels, the Ministry aims to minimize sudden price surges or drops.
Minister Jeon Jae-soo of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated, “This plan is the first step toward transforming the future of seafood distribution. We will faithfully implement these improvements to ensure reasonable pricing and create a trustworthy distribution environment.”
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