Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Chungsan Fishermen's Organization, based in Wando-gun, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, is a regional seafood cooperative specializing in the cultivation, processing, and export of premium abalone. Located in one of Korea’s most pristine marine ecosystems, the organization leverages the rich coastal environment of Wando—renowned for its clean waters and ideal aquaculture conditions—to deliver high-quality seafood products to both domestic and international markets.

With decades of expertise rooted in traditional aquaculture practices, Chungsan Fishermen's Organization has transitioned into a modern seafood enterprise, integrating environmentally sustainable farming techniques and rigorous quality control to maintain its reputation as a leading supplier of Korean abalone.

Product and Service Offerings

Chungsan Fishermen's Organization focuses primarily on abalone, offering both live and frozen formats that cater to high-end gastronomy, wholesale seafood markets, and international distributors:

• Live Abalone:

  • Whole, fresh
  • Size grades: Small, Medium, Large
  • Typically shipped in aerated containers to ensure optimal freshness

• Frozen Abalone:

  • Options: Boiled or raw frozen
  • Maintains the taste and texture profile through rapid freezing technology
  • Customizable packaging based on buyer requirements

The organization is known for supplying abalone that meets export-grade specifications, sought after by premium seafood restaurants and hotels, especially in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Specialization and Core USP

Chungsan’s core strength lies in its ability to manage the full value chain of abalone production—from hatchery and aquaculture to post-harvest processing and export documentation. Key differentiators include:

• Wando Origin Certification: Their abalone is cultivated in the nutrient-rich, uncontaminated waters around Chungsan Island, a region protected under Korean maritime regulations.
• Low-Stress Farming Practices: Ensures better meat quality and shell health.
• Eco-Friendly Feed Systems: Utilizing kelp and seaweed from the local marine environment, contributing to sustainable aquaculture.

Financial Overview

While Chungsan Fishermen’s Organization is a cooperative and does not publish detailed financials, industry data provides insight into its operational scale:

• Annual Abalone Production: Estimated 100–120 metric tons
• Export Revenue: Estimated USD 5–7 million per year
• Membership Base: Includes over 70 registered fishermen and aquaculture operators

These figures position Chungsan as a key mid-scale cooperative exporter in South Korea's abalone sector.

International Shipments and Reach

According to data from Korean seafood export records and regional trade associations:

• Key Export Destinations:

  • China (live abalone for hot pot and seafood markets)
  • Japan (premium sashimi-grade frozen abalone)
  • Hong Kong and Singapore (luxury hotel and restaurant sectors)
  • United States (via Korean food importers and wholesalers)

• Export Channels:

  • Air-freight of live abalone in oxygenated packaging
  • Reefer container shipments of frozen and boiled abalone
  • Participation in Korean government-supported seafood expos to develop global partnerships

Target Market

Chungsan Fishermen’s Organization primarily serves:

• Seafood Wholesalers and Distributors
• Luxury Restaurants and Hotels
• Asian Specialty Retailers
• Importers of Live and Premium Frozen Seafood

Their abalone is positioned as a high-end product within the Asian culinary world, valued for its tenderness, clean flavor, and origin traceability.

Capabilities

• In-House Aquaculture Facilities: From juvenile seeding to full growth cycle
• Cold Chain Infrastructure: Ensures product freshness during transport
• Packaging and Grading Facilities: Meets both domestic and international standards
• Export Documentation and Compliance: Certified to handle cross-border seafood shipments with full traceability

Certifications and Compliance

Chungsan Fishermen's Organization adheres to both national and international standards, including:

• HACCP Certification (Korea) for seafood safety and processing
• Korean Origin Certification for Wando-sourced abalone
• Compliant with Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) guidelines
• Authorized Exporter Status for China and Southeast Asia

Customer Testimonials

Although formal testimonials are limited due to the cooperative nature of the organization, industry partners consistently highlight:

“Chungsan abalone is the gold standard for live seafood imports into China—exceptional survival rate and consistent size grading.” – Procurement Manager, Guangdong Seafood Import Group

Major Achievements

• Recognized as a leading abalone producer in South Korea by the Wando Fisheries Association
• Participated in Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries export promotion program
• Featured in major seafood trade fairs, including the Korea International Seafood Expo
• Contributed to over 20% of Wando’s abalone exports in recent years
• Sustainable aquaculture model highlighted in regional development case studies

Chungsan Fishermen's Organization exemplifies how traditional aquaculture can evolve into a modern, export-ready enterprise while preserving environmental and community values. With its strong focus on sustainability, quality, and traceability, it continues to play a crucial role in placing Korean abalone on the global seafood map.