Korea’s Important Fisheries Heritage Sites (KIFHS)
1. Background and Concept
Background
- The Important Fisheries Heritage Sites program was launched to discover the unique and disappearing cultures of fishing villages, aiming to increase visitors to these villages and revitalize the local economy.
- Legal Basis: Special Act on Improving the Quality of Life of Farmers and Fishers and Promoting Development of Farming and Fishing Villages, Article 30-3 (Conservation and Utilization of Important Fisheries Heritage Sites)
Concept
- This term collectively refers to all tangible and intangible resources, including traditional fisheries activity systems that have been formed and evolved over a long period and are valuable for preservation and transmission, as well as the resulting fishing village landscapes and cultures.
2. Designation Criteria
| Category | Item | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Characteristics of Heritage | Seafood Production | • Production of seafood or serving as a means of livelihood for local residents• Degree of utilization of the products as a national food resource |
| Biodiversity | • Conservation and enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem functions | |
| Knowledge System | • Possession of knowledge systems and technologies related to fisheries heritage• Management techniques for protection and conservation of fisheries heritage | |
| Traditional Culture | • Formation of culture and rituals related to fisheries heritage• Transmission of fisheries heritage skills across generations | |
| Landscape Formation | • Creation of beautiful or remarkable landscapes• Harmony between surrounding fishing villages, natural environment, and fisheries heritage | |
| Historicity | • At least 60 years of history or equivalent historic value• Whether it has sustainable value and potential for future continuation | |
| Regionality | Local Government Policies | • Policy support such as establishing conservation and management action plans by local governments• Enactment of ordinances for maintenance and management |
| Awareness | • Awareness of the fisheries heritage among local residents• Pride and esteem of local residents towards the fisheries heritage | |
| Sustainability | • Potential for future use as a component of fisheries activities• Potential for use as an element for regional revitalization outside fisheries | |
| Value Enhancement | • Establishment of post-management and preservation plans, and assessment of their feasibility | |
※ Source: Korea’s Important Fisheries Heritage Sites (https://www.seantour.kr/kifhs/)
3. Designated Sites (Total: 16)
지도
- Jeju Haenyeo Fisheries System (2015)
- Mudflat Fishery System in Boseong (2015)
- Traditional Jukbangryeom Fishery System in Jijok Straits (2015)
- Shinan Tidal Flat Sea Salt Farming System (2016)
- Traditional Racks-type Laver Farming in Wando (2017)
- Mudflat Octopus Bare-hands Fishing System in Muan-Sinan (2018)
- The Sonteul (hand net) Fishery System for gathering Marsh Clam in Seomjingang River (2018)
- Stone Seaweed Harvesting Fishery in Tongyeong-Geoje (2020)
- Uljin-Ulleung Stone Trap Raft Fishery (2021)
- Buan Gomso Salt Farming System (2021)
- Sinan Heuksan Skate Fishery (2021)
- Geoje Mullet Lift-net Fishery (2022)
- Jindo-Sinan Intertidal Seaweed Farming (2023)
- Gangneung Chang-gyeong Bari Fishery (2024)
- Gwangcheon Togul Salted Fermented Shrimp Processing System (2024)
- Sacheon Jukbangryeom Fishery System (2024)
※ Source: Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Fisheries and Fishing Ports Division Press Release (November 29, 2024)
(https://www.mof.go.kr/doc/ko/selectDoc.do?docSeq=59438&listUpdtDt=2024-12-03++10%3A00&menuSeq=971&bbsSeq=10)
※ Photo Source: Korea Fisheries Infrastructure Public Agency