Hongseong, South Korea – The unique process of aging and fermenting shrimp in underground caves, known as Gwangcheon Togul Saeujot (Gwangcheon underground salt-fermented shrimp) processing, has been officially designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. This marks the first time a fishery resource from Chungcheongnam-do province has received such recognition.
Gwangcheon’s underground salt-fermented shrimp is renowned worldwide for its unique aging process in natural caves. These caves maintain a constant temperature of 14-15 degrees Celsius and 85% humidity year-round, without the need for electricity or other mechanical equipment. This environmentally friendly method has earned the process high praise. In the Ongam village of Gwangcheon-eup, there are around 40 caves, each approximately 100-200 meters long, and 107 businesses dedicated to the production and sale of salt-fermented shrimp. This unique inland fishing village covers an area of 47 hectares, including aging caves, auction houses, and other related facilities.
Hongseong County anticipates that this designation will significantly enhance the brand value of Gwangcheon underground salt-fermented shrimp, thereby stimulating local economic growth. The county plans to foster the sustainable development of the salt-fermented shrimp processing industry by promoting carbon-neutral and energy-free natural aging techniques, as well as eco-friendly aging technologies.
To further protect and preserve the caves and enhance the value of local resources, the county will also enact the "Hongseong County Gwangcheon Salt-Fermented Shrimp Cave Protection Ordinance." Hongseong County Magistrate Yong-rok Lee remarked, "The designation of Gwangcheon underground salt-fermented shrimp processing as an Important Intangible Cultural Heritage is the result of our unwavering efforts since 2018. We are proud to have secured this recognition as the first processing industry to achieve this status nationwide."
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