South Korea’s first land-based salmon farm, located in Busan, has begun operations, marking a key step toward domestic salmon production. Developed by GS Engineering & Construction and operated by its subsidiary, Eco Aquafarm, the facility uses recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology from AKVA group.
The Busan Smart Aquaculture Cluster will produce 500 metric tonnes of Atlantic salmon annually. Currently, South Korea imports all of its salmon, making this project a significant move toward domestic supply. The first salmon eggs were stocked in fall 2024, with harvest set for Q4 2026.
“This project marks the start of land-based salmon production in South Korea, and we are pleased to contribute with technology and support,” said Jacob Bregnballe, Sales Director at AKVA group. The company also provided training and advisory services to Eco Aquafarm.
The facility is part of South Korea’s Smart Aquaculture Cluster Development Project to modernise fish farming with digital technology. It is the first Korean farm to use a closed-loop filtration system that reuses up to 99% of water, reducing marine pollution.
Eco Aquafarm CEO, Hyou-Sang Jin, emphasized the project’s eco-friendly approach to future food security. “We aim to develop sustainable food through forward-looking RAS aquaculture facilities,” Jin said.
The farm integrates smart monitoring systems for water quality, fish health, and operations. It spans two floors and is located at Pukyong National University’s Fisheries Science Institute.
The success of the facility will serve as a model for future growth. Eco Aquafarm plans to expand production to 5,000 tonnes annually in a second phase, inviting global investors to participate.
Sang-Jun Dong, Business Development Manager at Eco Aquafarm, expressed confidence in the project, saying, “With support from AKVA group, we are building the expertise needed for advanced aquaculture in Korea.”
