Individuals who transitioned to fishing communities earned an average monthly household income of 3.47 million won in their first year. (Image courtesy of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)
SEOUL, March 19 (Korea Bizwire) — The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) revealed on March 18 that individuals who transitioned to fishing communities earned an average monthly household income of 3.47 million won in their first year, according to its ’2024 Return-to-Fishing Survey.’
The survey, which included 236 first-year fishing migrants from 2023, found their average household income reached 76% of established fishing households’ monthly earnings of 4.56 million won. Only three out of ten migrants reported satisfaction with their fishing income, while those expressing neutral or dissatisfied responses each accounted for about 30%.
Approximately 62% of respondents reported engaging in additional business activities beyond fishing or aquaculture, with 43.9% citing the need to maintain their livelihood as the primary reason for pursuing supplementary income.
The survey revealed positive social integration, with 68.3% reporting harmonious relationships with existing community members and 68.6% expressing satisfaction with their family relationships.
The primary motivations for transitioning to fishing communities included limited urban job opportunities (33.9%), desire to live near acquaintances (25%), personal interest and aptitude (19.7%), and expectations of high income (6.5%).
Regarding preparation time, the largest group (32.3%) spent between six months to one year preparing for the transition, followed by those who prepared for six months to one year (20.7%), and less than six months (17.1%).
Detailed survey results are available on the Korean Statistical Information Service (kosis.kr) and the Maritime and Fisheries Statistics Portal (www.mof.go.kr/statPortal).
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
