“Gangwon Province Is the Only Domestic Producer of Dried Pollack”... Province Launches Campaign to Establish Distribution Order

Guidance and Crackdown on False Labeling of Origin and Processing Region for Two Days Starting June 9
Only 30% of Dried Pollack in Distribution is Domestic... "Strict Response to Violations"

The Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced that it will conduct a “Dried Pollack Distribution Order Establishment Campaign” for two days, from Monday, June 9 to Tuesday, June 10, in the areas of the Jumunjin Traditional Market in Gangneung and the Tourist Fisheries Market in Sokcho, in order to establish a sound distribution order for dried pollack.

The dried pollack drying yard in Yongdae-ri, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do. Photo by Korea Tourism Organization The dried pollack drying yard in Yongdae-ri, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do. Photo by Korea Tourism Organization "Korea Tourism Organization" website

Gangwon Province is the only region in Korea that produces dried pollack. The province has designated the “Gangwon Myeongtae Industry Wide-Area Special Zone” and the “Inje Yongdae Dried Pollack Industry Special Zone,” and has continuously supported the dried pollack industry, which is a representative local specialty.

Over the past five years, the province has invested a total of 4.9 billion won in five projects to revitalize the dried pollack industry, raising awareness of dried pollack and contributing to increased local income.

However, the dried pollack industry is currently facing significant challenges due to deteriorating domestic and international conditions. The domestic economic downturn and the impact of the war in Ukraine have led to a halt in exports to the United States. At the same time, imports of Chinese dried pollack have increased, causing the distribution volume of domestically produced dried pollack to shrink to about 30%.

In addition, there have been cases of falsely labeling processing regions under major Gangwon brands such as “Yongdae-ri Dried Pollack” and “Daegwallyeong Dried Pollack,” which has further exacerbated the difficulties faced by producers. In response, the province has decided to take proactive measures to restore brand trust and prevent deceptive practices against consumers.

This campaign will be jointly conducted under the leadership of the province’s Global Headquarters, with participation from Gangneung City, Sokcho City, local fisheries cooperatives, merchants’ associations, and dried pollack producers’ organizations, involving both public and private sectors.

During the campaign, the province will provide guidance and conduct publicity regarding the labeling system for the origin and processing region of seafood products, and will carry out field-focused activities to establish proper distribution practices.

Son Changhwan, Head of the Global Headquarters of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, “Through this campaign, we will help merchants accurately understand and implement the labeling system for origin and processing region,” adding, “By establishing proper labeling practices, we will secure consumer trust and protect the competitiveness of the dried pollack industry.”

He also emphasized, “After the guidance and publicity period, we plan to conduct joint crackdowns with relevant agencies such as the National Fishery Products Quality Management Service and law enforcement authorities, and will respond strictly to any violations.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.