| Some fish seller stalls at Mapo Agricultural and Marine Products Market in western Seoul are closed even at 5 p.m., Tuesday, as few customers have been visiting. Korea Times Photo by Jung Da-hyun |
Merchants worried about citizens' reluctance toward marine products
By Jung Da-hyun
On Wednesday evening, hordes of people were relishing raw fish at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market ― a rare scene of late due to growing fears over Japan's release of radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.
Some of those who ventured to the nation's largest fish market in southern Seoul were there with a common sentiment, wondering when or if they would next visit because of concerns about the safety of seafood.
“I abruptly decided to visit with my friend after hearing news about the upcoming water discharge," Lee Na-yeon, 26, told The Korea Times, referring to Japan's plan to begin dumping wastewater on Thursday.
Lee Jung-sook, 26, accompanied by her friend, also said, “I like raw fish, so I'm a regular visitor here. But now, amid concerns over the radioactive wastewater issue, I am questioning if I will visit again for a while.”
As the two 26-year old women expressed, the Fukushima water release is sparking concerns among many locals, with fisheries markets falling financial victims.
On Thursday, Japan initiated the release of contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, with the dumping expected to continue for at least the next 30 years.
"Even though the Chuseok holiday is around the corner, everyone here is worried that business will not go well due to the radioactive wastewater matter,” said Kim Duck-ho, a chief of the promotional team at the Noryangjin market.
The woes among merchants are carried across the board by seafood market merchants.
“I have not had a single customer today (until 4:30 p.m.),” a fishmonger at Mapo Agricultural and Marine Products Market in western Seoul told The Korea Times, Tuesday, hours after the Japanese government announced its release plan.
There were only six people looking around to purchase seafood, while all the merchants at marine product stalls were sitting around on chairs, waiting for customers to appear.
“I've been selling products here for 25 years, and never before have I experienced such a profound recession,” said Jung Yang-ho, a president of the merchant association of the Mapo market.
“Ever since Japan brought up the issue of discharging radioactive water into the ocean, our marine product sales have been on a continuous decline,” he added.
| The street in front of Mapo Agricultural and Marine Products Market in western Seoul is quiet, Tuesday, hours after Japan announced its plan to release contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Jung Da-hyun |
According to a store owner at the Mapo market, his store's operating profit was 21 million won ($15,700) in 2020, but it plummeted to 14 million won in 2021 and further to 11 million won last year.
The hardest blow came from the dwindling orders from institutions like schools, bars, restaurants and military bases.
“It appears that we are at a more challenging phase now than when schools temporarily halted meals due to COVID-19, ironically,” said Lee Seung-hee, a merchant dealing with frozen marine products at the market.
To make the situation worse, local fisheries market merchants are increasingly worried about the public's widespread reluctance to consume marine products.
Storeowner Shin Dong-seok, said he was continuously questioned by two customers who stopped by his shop regarding the origin of the fish he had for sale even after he said they were domestically farmed.
“With Japan's announcement of the wastewater discharge, things are bound to get worse,” Shin said sighing after the customers left.
| Customers walk around at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market in Seoul, Wednesday, one day before Japan releases contaminated water in to the ocean. Korea Times photo by Jung Da-hyun |
While the Korean government explains that there are no scientific or technical flaws in Japan's plan for releasing contaminated water, merchants argue that public sentiment against marine products has already veered toward hostility.
“We are trying our best to continue radioactive testing and to sell verified products only. I just hope people recognize this,” said Cha Deok-ho, president of the merchant association at the Noryangjin market.
| Poster of voucher event / Courtesy of Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries |
Previously conducted twice during the Chuseok holiday in 2022 and the Lunar New Year at Mapo market, these events yielded positive results.
"On event days, there was a noticeable influx of customers compared to regular days," Jung said.
Despite the past success, some merchants remain skeptical about the upcoming event.
“Unlike before, the release of wastewater is now a reality, and I'm uncertain if the event will produce similar outcomes,” Shin said.
Fisheries merchants are not the sole individuals grappling with concerns over Japan's contaminated water discharge.
The sales of Giku Sushi, a Japanese restaurant in Sinchon, dipped by approximately 10 million won in August from a month ago.
"Even during peak lunch and dinner hours, our tables have rarely been filled," said the manager of Giku Sushi.