SOUTH KOREA’S FIRST LAND-BASED SALMON FARM  SET FOR HARVEST NEXT YEAR

South Korea’s First Land-Based Salmon Farm Set for Harvest Next Year

South Korea’s inaugural land-based salmon farm has commenced full-scale operations in Busan, signalling a digital transformation in the nation’s aquaculture industry.

The facility, spearheaded by GS Engineering & Construction and operated by its subsidiary Eco Aquafarm, utilises cutting-edge Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology from Norwegian aquaculture technology expert AKVA Group.

Located within the Pukyong National University’s Institute of Fisheries Science, the farm aims to produce approximately 500 tons of Atlantic salmon annually.

The first batch of eggs was stocked in the fall of 2024, with the initial harvest anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2026.

RAS Salmon Farm South Korea

AKVA Group has provided comprehensive technical support, including system design and equipment supply, as well as operational efficiency consultation and staff training. Notably, the system reuses up to 99% of its water through a closed-loop filtration process, minimising environmental impact and ensuring sustainable aquaculture practices.

An Eco Aquafarm representative stated, “This marks a significant turning point in moving away from marine environment pollution and import dependence. Based on smart aquaculture technology, we also plan to expand to an annual production of 5,000 tons in the future.”

This project, part of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ “Smart Aquaculture Cluster Development Project,” is drawing attention as a model for increasing domestic salmon self-sufficiency, achieving carbon neutrality, and enhancing the added value of the fisheries industry.

Meanwhile, on May 7th, a delegation from Union Forsea Corp., a Korea seafood platform, visited Eco Aquafarm’s next-generation land-based aquaculture facility in Gijang-gun, Busan, to observe the advanced aquaculture technology and eco-friendly operations.

For reference, as of the end of April 2025, South Korea’s import volume of chilled Atlantic salmon amounted to 6,886 tons, with an import value of USD 78,693, resulting in an average import unit price of USD 11.43 per kilogram.

Compared to the same period in 2024 (6,711 tons, USD 101,210), import volume increased by 2.6%, while import value decreased by 22.2%. The average import unit price up to April 2025 (USD 11.43/kg) shows a 24.2% decrease compared to the USD 15.08/kg recorded in 2024.

Source : Union Forsea Corp.

Images © Union Forsea Corp.

Official website : https://www.forsea.co.kr