- Third registration as GIAHS in the Korean fisheries sector, recognition of global value of Korea’s traditional fishing methods

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Kang Do-hyung) announced that the Jukbangnyeom Fishing Facility at Jijok Strait, Namhae was newly registered as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS*) by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Wednesday, July 9.
* GIAHS: A system that identifies globally significant agricultural, fishery, and forestry heritage and associated landscapes, biodiversity, and knowledge systems for conservation and sustainable management to preserve traditional agricultural and fishery systems

Jukbangnyeom Fishing at Jijok Strait, Namhae is traditional fishing done in the Jijok Strait area of Namhae-gun. In the narrow sea passage between islands, rows of thin wooden stakes are driven into the seabed in a V shape facing the direction of the incoming tide. Dense bamboo screens are then installed between the stakes, guiding fish to gather naturally with the current until they are trapped at the edge of the stakes where they are caught. Jukbangnyeom fishing has been around since the 15th century, and it has continued to develop to this day in connection with the unique marine environment, historical background, and cultural activities. In recognition of these values, MOF designated Jukbangnyeom fishing as a Nationally Important Fisheries Heritage in 2015.

MOF then submitted an application for registration as GIAHS in 2023 so that the value of the Jukbangnyeom Fishing Facility at Jijok Strait, Namhae can be recognized domestically and internationally. As a result of the joint efforts of MOF, Namhae County, and Jukbangnyeom fishing community, the value of Jukbangnyeom fishing was recognized at the GIAHS Expert Group Meeting on July 7 and 8, 2025 and was registered.

“Following the Sonteul (hand net) Fishery System for Gathering Marsh Clam in Seomjingang River, Hadong and Gwangyang and Jeju Haenyeo Fisheries System, which were registered as GIAHS in 2023, the registration of Jukbangnyeom Fishing Facility at Jijok Strait, Namhae this year proves the value of our excellent and proud traditional fisheries and makes them widely known to the world. We will continue to support them to preserve and utilize our traditional fisheries,” Minister Kang Do-hyung said.