CreatripTeam

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Korea Fisheries and Fishing Village Corporation, and food startup MeokgoNolLab launched a premium cup noodle called 'Seohae O-myeon' on the 29th. Developed with coastal Boryeong’s local clam (bajirak) fishing village Gunheon, the product features two whole domestically harvested clams per cup, freeze-dried to preserve fresh umami and chew, plus a clam powder soup. The noodles aim to evoke the regional clam kalguksu (noodle soup) texture and a clear, deep shellfish broth. The brand name plays on two meanings: “the West Sea’s five flavors” and an invitation to visit the West Sea, combining regional identity and tourism appeal. The product is positioned as a community-linked brand that boosts local incomes and tourism—fishermen supplied raw clams and storytelling content while agencies supported development and distribution. MeokgoNolLab plans to expand the series to 'Namhae O-myeon' and 'Donghae O-myeon' to showcase other Korean seas and promote sustainable coastal tourism. The developer describes the noodle as a food-industry solution to challenges facing fishing villages, turning the sea into a “eat-and-experience” storytelling product.