South Korea celebrates completion of its first land-based smart salmon farm  

SOUTH KOREA – South Korea has taken a groundbreaking step in domestic aquaculture with the completion of its first land-based smart salmon farm. 

The state-of-the-art Busan Smart Aquaculture Cluster in Gijang-gun, Busan, was officially inaugurated on December 29. 

This advanced recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility marks a significant milestone in reducing the nation’s reliance on imported salmon.  

Developed by GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C) through its subsidiary Eco Aquafarm, the project received government support and private investment. 

Since its inception in 2019, the farm has aimed to produce up to 500 metric tons of Atlantic salmon annually. With the introduction of the first salmon eggs earlier this year, full-scale harvests are anticipated by late 2026, following a two-year cultivation period.  

“The Busan Smart Aquaculture Cluster will help propel Korea’s fisheries sector toward sustainability by advancing smart aquaculture technology and strengthening our expertise in marine operations,” said GS E&C CEO Huh Yoon-hong during the completion ceremony. 

The event also featured officials from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Busan Metropolitan Government, and over 150 attendees, highlighting the collaboration between public and private sectors.  

The farm’s completion comes at a critical time for South Korea’s fisheries industry, which is grappling with a host of environmental and logistical challenges. 

Rising water temperatures, seawater contamination, and the migration or disappearance of traditionally popular fish species have diminished fishery resources in adjacent waters. 

These issues, compounded by bilateral and multilateral fishing accords that restrict harvest volumes and access to exclusive economic zones (EEZ) shared with Japan and China, have significantly limited domestic fish production. 

Despite these hurdles, completing the Busan Smart Aquaculture Cluster signals a major shift toward reducing reliance on imports by developing a robust local aquaculture sector.

Historically, South Korea has depended heavily on imported seafood to meet domestic demand, especially for staple species like salmon, mackerel, and squid, many of which are typically frozen for distribution. 

Due to environmental pressures and the declining availability of resources in local waters, domestic supply has remained limited. 

However, the new Busan facility represents a step toward self-sufficiency, integrating advanced recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technologies to produce high-quality Atlantic salmon with minimal environmental impact.

By enabling year-round production under controlled conditions, the facility helps address the volatility of wild-caught fisheries while ensuring a consistent supply of fresh, locally farmed salmon.

South Korea’s seafood industry has shown resilience despite evolving consumer preferences. Over the past decade, per capita fish and shellfish consumption has remained relatively steady, even as younger consumers have shifted toward meat products. 

From 2016 to 2022, meat consumption in South Korea grew at an annual rate of 2.6%, compared to a more modest 1.4% growth in seafood consumption. 

Nevertheless, seafood remains integral to the Korean diet, with its reputation as a healthy protein alternative driving consistent demand. 

Efforts to diversify seafood products, improve processing technologies, and enhance quality have further strengthened the industry’s position.

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