TAEAN, May 27 (Korea Bizwire) – The short-necked clam harvesting season has begun in the coastal country of Taean, providing a lucrative source of income for local fishermen.
According to Taean County officials, local workers started the first clam harvest of the year in the tidal flats near Beopsan-ri, Sowon-myeon, an area renowned for its clam production.
Using rakes and hoes, members of local fishery associations are digging out clams buried in the mud, with each person collecting an average of 60 kilograms per day.
The clams caught during this early season typically fetch a premium price, as they are exported to Japan at prices 20% to 30% higher than domestic prices. A portion of the harvest is also sold locally to clam processing plants for around 3,660 won per kilogram.
The large-scale clam harvesting in Taean will continue through to early November, timed with optimal tidal conditions.
Taean boasts South Korea’s largest clam production area, with an annual harvest of around 3,800 metric tons. During peak tidal periods, the village fishery members can collectively gather an average of 50 metric tons of clams per day.
Clams are a nutritious food source, rich in vitamins A and B, calcium, and minerals, known to aid in preventing anemia and protecting liver health.
The clam industry plays a vital economic role in the region, providing a substantial source of income for local fishing communities in Taean.
Image credit: Taean County, Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
