History, Science, Equipment, Spots and Practical Tips - Everything About Fishing
Fishing is one of the oldest activities in human history. In Korea, bone fishhooks have been used since the Neolithic period, as evidenced by bone hooks found at East Coast archaeological sites.
Interestingly, Korean has two words pronounced "eobu" but written with different Chinese characters:
Joseon Dynasty scholars considered fishing in nature as a noble hobby for cultivating body and mind.
The Han River development project (1986-88) made urban fishing possible. According to a 2021 Ministry survey, Korea has about 7.31 million anglers.
Did you know? The world's first fishing guidebook was "The Treatyse of Fysshynge wyth an Angle" published in England in 1496. People have been writing about fishing techniques and philosophy for over 500 years!
Understanding how fish perceive the world is crucial for successful fishing.
Daytime fish have vision similar to or better than humans.
Sound travels 5x faster in water than in air.
Sharks, catfish etc. locate prey by scent.
A sensory organ along fish sides that detects vibrations.
Fishing etiquette: Since fish are sensitive to sound and vibration, staying quiet at fishing spots is an unwritten rule!
| Bait | Features | Target Species |
|---|---|---|
| Sandworm | Most versatile, recommended for beginners | Most saltwater species |
| Earthworm | Basic freshwater bait | Crucian carp, carp, catfish |
| Shrimp | Live shrimp most effective | Black porgy, red sea bream, rockfish |
| Type | Features | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Worm | Soft material, various shapes | Slow bottom search |
| Minnow | Fish-shaped, floating/sinking | Fast retrieve |
| Crankbait | Large lip, thick body | Trigger curiosity |
| Spinner | Rotating blade creates sound | Steady retrieve |
| Metal Jig | Heavy, long-distance casting | Vertical jigging |
Lure color tip: Clear water → natural colors / Murky water → bright colors, flashy ones
Features: Season starts from South Sea, West Sea from May. Main species: Rockfish, porgy, black porgy, flounder
Features: Trophy season! Luderick peaks around monsoon. Main species: Luderick, parrotfish, red sea bream
Features: Best West Sea season. Main species: Black porgy, mackerel, hairtail, webfoot octopus
Features: Trophy fish opportunity, expert season. Main species: Rockfish, black porgy, cod
Rest in nature, meditative effects
The joy of a good catch!
Clear your mind by focusing on the bobber
Memories with family/friends
Research shows: Fishing reduces blood pressure, stabilizes heart rate, and decreases stress hormones.
IGFA (International Game Fish Association), founded in 1939, certifies world fishing records. Largest record: Blue Marlin 636kg (1953, Peru)
"Many people fish all their lives without knowing it is not the fish they are after."
"The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable."
Fishing is not just about catching fish. It's a philosophical activity of communing with nature, reflecting inward, and learning the value of patience.
A fishing practice of releasing caught fish back into the water. This sustainable fishing culture started in England and spread worldwide.
Survival rate: With proper release, fish survival rate reaches 80-82%.
| Region | Spot | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Gyeonggi | Sinwon Fishing | Capital area favorite, crucian carp/carp |
| Chungbuk | Jecheon/Cheongpung Lake | Beautiful scenery, trophy crucian carp |
| Region | Point | Target Species |
|---|---|---|
| Jeonnam | Wando/Sinjindo | Black porgy, red sea bream, sea bass |
| Jeju | Seogwipo Rocks | Luderick, parrotfish, kelp grouper |
Getting fishing reports: The most reliable way is to call local tackle shops before your trip!
| Type | Level | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Spinning Reel | Beginner | Easy to use, less tangling |
| Baitcasting Reel | Intermediate | Precise casting, powerful fighting |
| Fly Reel | Expert | For fly fishing, skill required |
| Electric Reel | Boat/Deep Sea | Deep water, for big fish |
Beginner tip: Start with a mid-range all-in-one set rather than expensive gear!
According to fire department data, there were 653 emergency responses for fishing accidents in 2023. Hook injuries 41%, falls/slips 28%
Maritime emergencies: 119 or 1588-0333 (Coast Guard)
Since September 2012, violations of closed seasons/size limits incur fines even for recreational anglers under the Fishing Management Act.
| Species | Min Size | Closed Season |
|---|---|---|
| Black Porgy | Under 25cm | South Sea 5/1-6/15 |
| Squid | Under 15cm | 4/1-5/31 |
Fines: Up to 800,000 KRW for violations. Severe cases: up to 2 years prison or 20 million KRW fine
Now that you've gained real fishing knowledge, try it out in the Fishing Master game!
Game tip: Learn detailed controls in the in-game tutorial!