The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced selections for the month’s seafood, coastal travel destinations, marine life, lighthouses, and uninhabited islands for April 2025.
This month’s selected seafood includes anchovies and mullets. Anchovies are rich in calcium, protein, and amino acids, making them suitable for growing children and helpful in preventing osteoporosis. They are also used in dishes like braised anchovies with soy sauce and syrup, and as ingredients for broth and fish sauces. Mullets, which are mainly caught during April and May when barley ears ripen, are known as ‘barley mullets’ during this peak season. They are effective in preventing anemia due to their high iron content and can be prepared in various ways such as sashimi, hot soup, frying, and grilling.
The selected coastal travel destinations are Wangsan Village in Seosan, Chungnam, and Jangho Village in Gochang, Jeonbuk. Wangsan Village is located near Garorim Bay and features a 10-ri cherry blossom road, tidal flat experiences, and craft programs. Jangho Village offers tidal flat harvesting and seine net fishing experiences, with a nearby barley field festival taking place from April 12 to May 12.
This month’s marine life is the Aplysia kurodai (sea hare). This shell-less gastropod inhabits the tidal zone and depths of up to 20 meters along the Korean coast. It grows to about 20 cm in length and secretes a purple liquid when threatened. Being hermaphroditic, both sides can lay eggs. Traditionally used for food and medicine, it is currently researched for its anti-inflammatory, hair-loss prevention, and regenerative effects. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has designated the sea hare as a species requiring approval for overseas export and manages it accordingly.
The lighthouse of the month is the Mokpo North Port Breakwater Lighthouse in Jukgyo-dong, Mokpo City. Installed in 2009, it aids ship navigation with a green light that flashes every six seconds. Its windmill-like appearance has earned it the nickname ‘Windmill Lighthouse’ and made it a tourist attraction. In 2022, it was recognized under the lighthouse stamp tour as an ‘Interesting Lighthouse’.
The selected uninhabited island is Ckamak Island in Dolsan-eup, Yeosu City. The island measures about 30 meters in height, 800 meters in circumference, and has an area of 29,000 square meters. During summer, its overall appearance resembles that of a crow, hence the name ‘Ckamak Island’. The island features coastal cliffs and a wave-cut terrace and is surrounded by waters rich with oyster and cockle farms. It is situated on a main route in the South Sea shipping lanes.