The city of Pohang implemented a drive-through system in which drivers can purchase seafood from their cars to ensure social distancing. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 23 (Korea Bizwire) — Special drive-through seafood sales to help fish farmers struggling with the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak have ended in a major success.
The city of Pohang and the Pohang Fish Farmers Association held a series drive-through sales on March 14 and 15 as well as Saturday and Sunday to sell raw fish fillets.
The city implemented a drive-through system in which drivers can purchase seafood from their cars to ensure social distancing.
Prepared stocks of seafood, 300 boxes on March 14, 500 boxes on March 15, 1,500 boxes on Saturday, and another 1,500 boxes on Sunday were all sold out.
The drive-through sales were initially held at one location on March 14 and 15. Following a rise in demand, organizers expanded beyond Guryongpo Beach to Chilpo Beach on Saturday and Sunday.
The city decided to offer additional items for sale, including parboiled octopus and farm crop packages, in addition to raw fish fillets.
Deviating from the original plan of holding the event until Sunday, the city seeks to meet popular demand by holding another round of seafood sales in the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area next weekend.
The city is also considering holding additional rounds of sales in town to the extent that it doesn’t hurt local seafood restaurants.
The association spent a certain portion of the profits to buy lunch boxes and other necessities for medical staff, who are fighting the coronavirus outbreak both day and night.
“We are working with Coupang, Shinsegae, and other distributors to boost seafood consumption through online shopping and quick delivery services,” said Chung Jong-yeong, head of fisheries promotion at the city of Pohang.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
