CreatripTeam

A Korean aquaculture pioneer, Wolya Fisheries in Andong, has successfully farmed king salmon (킹살몬) and supplied 5 tons to Lotte Mart — the first domestic retailer to sell locally raised king salmon. King salmon, a premium species usually farmed in Canada or New Zealand, was imported for most of Korea’s market. Founder Kim Sang-wook started king salmon farming in late 2022 after decades raising trout; he imported 50,000 eggs from Canada and raised the fish with intensive, high-cost care (including krill-based feed) to reduce mortality. Lotte Mart began selling the fish April 23–26 and sold about 80% of their stock in the promotion, citing freshness and supply diversification amid volatile import prices. Industry players see domestic salmon as still pricier but competitive on freshness, and Korean firms and local governments are investing to reduce import dependence and grow the premium domestic salmon market.