Shinan County Selected for Fisheries Distribution Center Project

80 Billion KRW Invested in Laver Industry Distribution Innovation

Perspective view of the Fisheries Product Complex (FPC) project. Provided by Shinan County

Shinan County in South Jeolla Province has been selected as the final recipient of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' "2026 Fisheries Product Complex (FPC) Construction Support Project," and will establish a fisheries distribution hub facility with a total project cost of 8 billion KRW.

According to the county, the newly selected Fisheries Product Complex will be established in the Ap-hae-eup area. It will be funded by 2.4 billion KRW from the national government, 2.4 billion KRW from the local government, and 3.2 billion KRW in private investment. The center will be built as a regional distribution hub, equipped with facilities for processing gimbap laver and a dedicated frozen storage warehouse for dried laver.

This selection was achieved after the county failed to secure the same project in 2025, then revised its business plan and reapplied, reflecting the local fisheries industry conditions and project feasibility.

The project aims to strengthen the stable supply of raw materials and the storage function for dried laver, focusing on the county's core fisheries product, the laver industry, while also establishing a high value-added processing base. Through this, the county expects to reduce the disposal of raw laver, stabilize fishermen's incomes, and create a virtuous cycle linking processing, distribution, and export.

The Fisheries Product Complex will be capable of processing about 550,000 units of gimbap laver annually and will feature a frozen warehouse able to store over 2 million units of dried laver. As a result, the county expects to ensure a stable supply of raw materials even during the off-season, and to expand sales channels such as exports and public food services.

In addition, the center will provide shared access for small-scale dried laver processing companies in the region and will offer education and consulting in processing, distribution, and quality management to enhance the overall competitiveness of the local laver industry. The operation of the facility is also expected to create new jobs and revitalize the local economy.

A county official stated, "The selection of this Fisheries Product Complex construction project lays the foundation for the sustainable growth of the Shinan laver industry," adding, "We will create a structure where fishermen and processing companies can grow together through distribution innovation centered on production areas."

Meanwhile, the county plans to develop the Fisheries Product Complex into a national hub for the laver industry by gradually expanding the facilities, fostering a joint brand, and connecting domestic and international distribution networks.