South Korean seafood auction centers lack bird and rodent prevention

More than half of South Korea’s local seafood auction centers lack essential facilities to prevent access by birds and rodents. According to audit data from Suhyup provided to National Assembly member Kang Seung-gyu, 84 out of 151 auction centers (55.6%) do not have bird or rodent prevention facilities.

Additionally, 25.2% of these centers (38 locations) lack proper low-temperature and sanitary facilities. Many of these sites are aging structures built over 20 years ago, creating hygiene blind spots at the very first stage of the seafood distribution process.

Regional data shows that Gangwon province is the most vulnerable, with 90% of its auction centers lacking bird and rodent prevention measures and 50% lacking low-temperature/sanitary facilities. Other high-risk areas include Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam. Representative Kang emphasized the urgent need to secure budgets for modernization projects to ensure food safety and consumer trust.