The catch for hanchi squid, which is currently in season, has dropped this year, and seafood restaurants have failed to secure sufficient quantities of the squid.
Now, a shortage in supply is triggering a steep price hike.
Joseph Kim reports.

Catch of (한치) Hanchi squid, one of the island's popular summer foods, has been dropping.
The supply of live animals which are used for sliced raw fish and cold raw fish soup is especially low.


According to Statistics Korea, the catch of Hanchi squid dropped 60 percent compared with one year ago.
The trend continues. Supply of the animal this month dropped 30 percent compared to last year.



Local fishery restaurant owners are also growing concerned.



As the animal is in season, demand is increasing. But the supply to restaurants is limited.



Wholesale prices of live Hanchi squid have increased to 27,000 won from 20,000 won per kilogram.


Experts believe that the temperature of waters around the island is cooler than normal years, which affects the animal that thrives in warm currents.

Actually, the catch of the animal was cut by 50 percent last year.
Hanchi squid is becoming a rarer dish in Jeju.

Joseph Kim, KCTV