Product Offerings
Products:
Flatfish: Frozen Flatfish Slice, Frozen Flatfish Fillet, Fresh Flatfish
Abalone: Live Abalone, Processed Abalone
Olive Flounder: Eco Olive Flounder
Fishery Union Ilchulbong is a specialized aquaculture and seafood export enterprise based in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea. Recognized for its commitment to high-quality flatfish and abalone products, the cooperative plays a pivotal role in promoting the maritime economy of Jeju while serving as a bridge to global markets.
Core Business
The core operations of Fishery Union Ilchulbong revolve around the sustainable farming, processing, and global distribution of:
- Fresh and frozen flatfish products
- Live and processed abalone
- Specialty seafood such as Olive Flounder
Operating under strict ecological and safety standards, the union leverages the pristine marine environment of Jeju to cultivate premium seafood recognized for its freshness and superior taste.
Product Offerings
Fishery Union Ilchulbong’s export-oriented product catalog includes:
- Flatfish:
- Frozen Flatfish Slice
- Frozen Flatfish Fillet
- Fresh Flatfish
- Abalone:
- Live Abalone
- Processed Abalone (cleaned, vacuum-packed)
- Olive Flounder:
- Eco-certified Olive Flounder, a high-value farmed species in Korea
All products are processed at HACCP-certified facilities, ensuring compliance with both Korean and international food safety regulations.
Specialization and Core USP
The union’s competitive advantage is rooted in its:
- Eco-friendly aquaculture methods, using clean sea water from Jeju
- Commitment to traceability and safety
- Specialized focus on Olive Flounder, which accounts for over 50% of farmed fish exports from Jeju
- Integrated supply chain from harvesting to packaging and shipping
Their products are favored for high freshness levels and are largely shipped within 24–48 hours of harvest.
Financials and Market Reach
While direct financials are not publicly disclosed, industry data and trade reports indicate:
- Jeju flatfish farming (mainly Olive Flounder) contributes over KRW 200 billion (~USD 150 million) to the local economy annually
- Fishery Union Ilchulbong is one of the major contributors, with a capacity exceeding 100 metric tons annually
- Export partnerships span Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and the United States
Export data suggests consistent growth in volume and value over the last 5 years, particularly in the premium sashimi-grade market.
Target Markets
Fishery Union Ilchulbong caters primarily to:
- International seafood distributors
- Premium restaurants and hotel chains
- Asian retail markets (particularly Japan and China)
- Live seafood markets in the U.S. and Southeast Asia
The focus on quality and eco-labeling has helped them penetrate discerning markets with high food safety standards.
Capabilities
The union operates:
- Advanced recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for sustainable farming
- Cold-chain logistics support to maintain product integrity during export
- A centralized processing hub in Seogwipo with HACCP and Korean GAP certification
This infrastructure enables the cooperative to manage end-to-end value chains effectively and reliably.
Certifications and Compliance
Fishery Union Ilchulbong complies with:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- Korean GAP (Good Agricultural Practices)
- Eco-labeling programs for sustainable aquaculture
- Jeju Island Regional Quality Certification, promoting local authenticity
These certifications enhance buyer confidence and regulatory clearance for global trade.
Shipment Records
Based on import-export data available from platforms like ImportYeti and Trademo:
- The company has completed more than 120 international shipments over the last 3 years
- Key export destinations include Japan (major market for flatfish sashimi), China (for live abalone), and Vietnam and U.S. (for frozen products)
- Export SKUs: Frozen Flatfish Slice, Live Abalone, Eco Olive Flounder
All shipments comply with international packaging, labeling, and phytosanitary requirements.
Customer Testimonials
Although publicly accessible testimonials are limited, trade reviews and partner feedback indicate:
- High satisfaction with product freshness and quality
- Reliable delivery timelines
- Responsiveness to custom orders and packaging needs
The cooperative's long-standing partnerships in Japan and Korea’s domestic markets underscore its operational trust and excellence.
Achievements
- Recognized by K-Fish Global platform for outstanding export performance
- Featured at major Korean seafood expos including Busan International Seafood & Fisheries Expo
- Expanded market access through Korean Seafood Export Support Program
- Ongoing R&D collaborations with Jeju National University for sustainable fish farming
Fishery Union Ilchulbong continues to strengthen its position as a leading exporter of premium flatfish and abalone, delivering sustainable, high-quality seafood from the clean waters of Jeju to the world.