A researcher at the Korea Consumer Agency compares ingredients of fish cakes at the government complex in Sejong, central South Korea, on Dec. 3, 2018. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea will expand support to develop a wide range of quality fish cake products and step up marketing efforts to boost sales at home and abroad, the oceans ministry said Wednesday.
The fish cake, called “eomuk” in Korean, is a processed seafood product made of ground white fish and other ingredients, such as potato starch, sugar and vegetables. In South Korea, fish cake is one of the most popular street foods, also is used as a side dish and in soup.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries set a goal of doubling the domestic fish cake market to 2 trillion won (US$1.77 billion) by 2030, releasing a set of measures aimed at fostering the fast-rising seafood segment.
The outbound shipments of Korean fish cakes jumped from $22 million in 2008 to $57 million in 2017, as more foreigners have consumed them as inexpensive, convenient snacks.
While Korean producers have mostly relied on imported ingredients, the ministry said it will collaborate with them to increase the portion of domestic fish to make healthier products.
The ministry also plans to expand research and development efforts to improve quality of products and support local firms’ overseas marketing efforts.
(Yonhap)
