Why Dokdo shrimp are so expensive and a complete breakdown of 3 types

find out why Dokdo shrimp can cost up to $30,000 per head, and learn more about the characteristics of the three species and the reasons for the decline in their catch.

dokdo Day and the meaning of golden fishing grounds

october 25 is Dokdo Day. it was established in 1900 to commemorate the day when Emperor Gojong issued Imperial Decree No. 41, officially designating Dokdo as an attached island of Ulleungdo. This day is not just a reminder of territorial sovereignty, but also a day to reflect on the preciousness of the island's natural resources.

dokdo is often referred to as the golden fishing grounds. squid, pollock, stonefish, shrimp, abalone, seaweed, algae, and many other marine species are abundant in the waters surrounding Dokdo. The reason for this abundance of marine life is that the waters surrounding Dokdo are landscape waters, where cold and turbulent currents meet.

landscape waters are boundary waters formed when two currents of different nature meet. the water temperature and salinity change dramatically from season to season, making plankton and nutrient salts very abundant. thanks to this food-rich environment, a wide variety of marine species call the waters around Dokdo home.

what is Dokdo shrimp?

dokdo shrimp is a representative seafood product that grows in the golden fishing grounds of Dokdo. dokdo shrimp are known for being the most flavorful shrimp caught in Korea. the meat is firm and fatty, with a sweet and savory flavor.

while many people think of Dokdo shrimp as one specific species, it's actually not. Dokdo shrimp is the collective name for three species: Dokdo shrimp, spiny red shrimp, and spiny pear shrimp, which are also known by their common names of tiger shrimp, flower shrimp, and chicken shrimp, respectively.

dokdo shrimp live in deep, cold waters between 100 and 650 meters deep. because they live in such deep waters, they are difficult to catch and transport to shore alive.

characteristics of the three species

the Dokdo shrimp is considered the most luxurious of the three species. when US President Trump made a state visit to South Korea in 2017, it was on the menu for the Blue House dinner. it is rich in protein and minerals and has an excellent texture, so it is often used in high-end cuisine.

the spiny red shrimp is more familiarly known as flower shrimp. they are high in protein and calcium, making them nutritious and especially popular as a tempura or sushi ingredient. They have a mild texture and rich flavor, making them versatile in a variety of dishes.

spiny lobster, also known as chicken shrimp, is a large shrimp that can grow up to 30 centimeters long. due to its large size and low population, it is a protected species that is prohibited from being overfished. it's a high-end seafood with excellent flavor, but its rarity makes it difficult to find.

why is Dokdo shrimp expensive?

the price of Dokdo shrimp is quite high. a single shrimp costs around 15,000 to 30,000 won, and a kilogram costs well over 200,000 won. There are two main reasons for this high price.

first, the catch has dropped dramatically. In recent years, climate change has led to higher ocean temperatures, and the habitat of the Dokdo shrimp is shrinking. as recently as the 1990s, more than 300 kilograms of tiger prawns were caught per day, but this is now down to less than a tenth of that, at around 30 kilograms.

second, the fishing conditions are extremely challenging: the waters around Dokdo are windy and the terrain is rugged. In addition, the shrimp must be transported alive to be valued, which requires keeping the water temperature at 2 degrees Celsius and oxygenating the shrimp as soon as they are caught and transported to port.

all of these challenging conditions combine to make Dokdo shrimp a high-end seafood product. Its rarity, exceptional flavor, and challenging catching conditions are the main factors that drive its high price.

frequently asked questions

Q1. Is Dokdo shrimp one type of shrimp?

no. Dokdo shrimp is a generic term for three species of shrimp, including the Dokdo shrimp, the spiny red shrimp, and the spiny pear shrimp, which are also known by their common names of tiger shrimp, flower shrimp, and chicken shrimp, respectively.

Q2. How much does a kilogram of Dokdo shrimp cost?

dokdo shrimp costs more than 200,000 won per kilogram. a single shrimp costs between 15,000 won and 30,000 won. The price may vary depending on the type, size, and freshness.

Q3. Why has the catch of Dokdo shrimp decreased?

it is because the habitat has decreased due to the increase in sea temperature due to climate change. From more than 300 kilograms per day in the 1990s, it has decreased to 30 kilograms per day.

Q4. What type of Dokdo shrimp was served at the Blue House dinner?

during President Trump's visit to Korea in 2017, Dokhwa shrimp was served at the Blue House dinner. it is rich in protein and minerals and has an excellent texture, so it is often used in high-end cuisine.

Q5. Why are Dokdo shrimp caught in the Golden Fishing Grounds?

the sea around Dokdo is a landscape water area where cold currents and turbulent currents meet. it is rich in plankton and nutrient salts, forming a golden fishing ground that is home to a variety of marine life.

the bottom line

dokdo shrimp has become a high-end seafood product due to its exceptional flavor, nutritional value, and rarity. Climate change and challenging fishing conditions make it expensive, but it's a special seafood product that reflects the preciousness of the Dokdo waters.

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