‘The Future of Fishing Villages, Shaped by Young People’: Young Fishers’ Cooperation and Growth Forum Held

[Financial News] The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) said on the 14th that it had held the Young Fishers’ Cooperation and Growth Forum in Yeosu on the 13th under the theme “The Future of Fishing Villages, Shaped by Young People.”
The forum was organized to share the experiences and challenges young fishers face on the ground as they start businesses and establish themselves, and to expand exchanges and cooperation across regions, generations and industries.
The first session, “Brands Made at Sea: Stories of Growth and Expansion in Fishing-Village Businesses,” began with Kim Eun-yul, CEO of Donghae Hyeongssi, sharing experiences from starting a business to establishing a foothold in the market. Jang Jong-su, CEO of Deokhwa Food, then presented the growth of its pollock roe brand and the challenges ahead.
At the following talk session, “Ask the Founders,” Kim Yeong-min, South Jeolla regional chair of the Central Federation of Korean Coastal Fishers, and Captain Jo Jeong-yeong of the Shin Wooju-ho joined as panelists and exchanged views on barriers to starting a business and securing sales channels. They also shared tips and information on key issues of interest to young fishers, including business expansion and access to information.
The second session, “Fishing-Village Industries Built by Young Fishers: Opportunities and Challenges in Startups, Processing and Regional Linkages,” featured Jeong Pil-hun, CEO of Glitcher Partners, presenting a strategy for growing fishing-village businesses by connecting local resources with private investment. Jeong Yeo-ul, CEO of Wellfish, then discussed the experience of starting a fisheries business in Tongyeong and policy challenges encountered on the ground.
Participants later held roundtable discussions on topics including “Starting a Business, Entry and Establishment,” “Collaboration, Community and Networks,” “Processing, Branding and Adding Value,” and “Developing Sales Channels and Marketing,” and shared the results of their discussions.
The forum was seen as an opportunity for young fishers from different regions and industries to share their experiences and concerns and broaden the foundations for mutual exchange and cooperation.
KMI President Cho Jeong-hui said, “Listening to the difficulties young fishers face on the ground and the support they need is the starting point for research on fishing-village policy,” adding, “We will continue follow-up research and cooperation between institutions so that the views expressed at this forum can be reflected in policies on returning to fishing and rural areas, as well as support programs for young fishers.”
[email protected] Byeon Ok-hwan Reporter