if you're curious about the price of Dokdo shrimp, we'll explain why it can cost upwards of $200,000 per kilogram, including the dwindling catch, extreme fishing conditions, and the special value tied to Dokdo Day. you'll also learn the difference between Dokdo shrimp, flower shrimp, and chicken shrimp.

a shrimp that fetches 15,000 won, sometimes 30,000 won, per head. this is the story of 'Dokdo shrimp'. what's the secret behind this shrimp's price tag that costs more than most lunches? It's not just that it's delicious. the high price of Dokdo shrimp is the result of a complex intertwining of the nature of our land, the sweat of the fishermen who live there, and the values that we need to protect.

coincidentally, October 25 is Dokdo Day. it commemorates the day in 1900 when Emperor Gojong declared Dokdo to be an attached island of Ulleungdo through Imperial Decree No. 41. To celebrate Dokdo Day, let's take a look at the value of one of the most precious treasures Dokdo presents to us, the Dokdo shrimp, and the real meaning behind its price.

table of contents

  1. the story of Dokdo shrimp, the treasure of Dokdo, the Golden Fishery

  2. is there a real 'Dokdo shrimp'? 3 types of shrimp, get to know them properly

  3. 3 decisive reasons why Dokdo shrimp is worth gold

  4. all Your Questions About Dokdo Shrimp (FAQ)

the story of Dokdo shrimp, the treasure of Dokdo, the golden fishing grounds

since ancient times, the waters around Dokdo have been called the 'golden fishing grounds' because of the unique marine environment of the 'landscape waters' where cold and turbulent currents meet. the meeting of these two currents, which have different properties, results in an abundance of nutrient salts and plankton, which provides the best habitat for a wide variety of marine life. from squid, pollock, and stone snapper to abalone and algae, many species call this area home.

the crown jewel of this golden fishing ground is the Dokdo shrimp. dokdo shrimp thrive on the nutrients of the cold, deep waters, resulting in exceptionally firm flesh, rich fat, and a savory, rich sweetness that spreads throughout the mouth. This unique flavor has made it one of Korea's finest and most sought-after seafood.

is there a real 'Dokdo shrimp'? 3 types of shrimp to know the difference

while many people think of 'Dokdo shrimp' as a single variety, it's actually a brand name that refers to three different types of high-quality shrimp caught in the waters around Dokdo Island. Each shrimp has a different appearance, flavor, and value. knowing the difference is the first step to truly enjoying Dokdo shrimp.

dokhwa shrimp, the star of the Blue House dinner

the shrimp that captured the world's attention at the Blue House dinner during US President Trump's visit to Korea in 2017 is the Dowa shrimp. Also known as the "true shrimp," it is the largest of the three species of Dokdo shrimp and is recognized as the finest because of its outstanding flavor. It is mainly enjoyed as sashimi and is a dream ingredient among foodies who know its value.

flower shrimp, a gorgeous gourmet ingredient

although its official name is "water spiny red shrimp," it is more popularly known by the nickname "flower shrimp" because of its vivid and beautiful red color. they're smaller than tiger prawns, but they have a soft texture and a subtle sweet flavor. their gorgeous color makes them a popular choice for sushi, tempura, and other dishes.

precious body, giant chicken shrimp

the spiny lobster, also known as the spiny lobster, is a large species that can grow up to 30 centimeters. it's named for its chewy, chicken-like texture. however, it is the least abundant of the three species, making it highly prized, and it is now a protected species, meaning that over-fishing is prohibited. Because of its rarity, it is the hardest to find on the market, and it also commands the highest prices.

classification dahua shrimp (blue shrimp) flower shrimp (Lobophora spinosa) chicken shrimp (Spiny lobster) key characteristics large, firm meat, rich sweet flavor brilliant red color, soft texture large species up to 30 centimeters, chewy typical dishes sashimi, haute cuisine sushi, Tempura steamed, grilled value/Rarity top quality, famous for Blue House dinners massively popular, high demand protected species with small population, highest price

3 crucial reasons why Dokdo shrimp are worth their weight in gold

so why are Dokdo shrimp so expensive? there are three decisive reasons: climate, labor, and technology.

reason 1: A vanishing treasure - climate change has led to plummeting catches

the most fundamental reason is scarcity. dokdo shrimp only live in deep, cold waters, ranging in depth from 100 meters to 650 meters. but their habitat has been shrinking in recent years as climate change has rapidly increased water temperatures in the East Sea. in the 1990s, more than 300 kilograms of Dokdo shrimp were caught per day, but now the catch has plummeted to just 30 kilograms - a staggering 90% reduction. With supply unable to keep up with demand, prices are bound to skyrocket. (Related: How climate change is affecting our food)

reason 2: Extreme fishing conditions - fishermen risking their lives

the sea around Dokdo is one of the most turbulent and weather-changing in Korea. the rugged underwater terrain requires a high level of skill and experience to accurately land a pole in the habitat hundreds of meters below. fishermen literally risk their lives, battling extreme conditions to get their catch. the price of Dokdo shrimp reflects the valuable labor and effort of these risk-taking fishermen.

reason 3: A race against time - the art of transporting a living jewel

dokdo shrimp can only be transported alive to get the best price. as soon as they are caught, they must be transferred to special tanks on board the ship, where the water temperature is precisely maintained at 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius, constantly oxygenated, and transported to port. The same is true once they reach land. This is a high-tech, time-consuming and expensive process. this high risk is also reflected in the price, because if even one step fails, all the hard work goes to waste.

all the questions you need to know about Dokdo shrimp (FAQ)

conclusion: When you know the value, you see the price

the high price of Dokdo shrimp is more than just a cost, it's a testament to the precious natural value of Dokdo and the valuable human efforts to protect it and bring it to our table.

now, when you see the price tag on a Dokdo shrimp, you can imagine the warnings of climate change behind it, the ragged breathing of the fishermen, and the high-tech efforts to transport these living gems. The price you pay isn't just for a delicious shrimp, it's a price you pay to help protect all of these values.

have you ever had the pleasure of tasting Dokdo shrimp? share your thoughts or questions in the comments! Don't forget to subscribe for more interesting stories about our seafood.