Sea Fish Species Guide
Last updated: 2026-06-25
Common saltwater fish along Korea's coast include olive flounder, rockfish, hairtail, mackerel, gizzard shad, webfoot octopus, red seabream, yellowtail, sea bass and horse mackerel. Each has its own peak season, favorite bait and best spots.
Search a fish name or pick a season below to see features, peak season, fishing spots and recommended bait in cards.
Search species & filter by season
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Sea fish cards
How to use
- Search a species — Type the fish name in the search box. (Leave blank to show all.)
- Pick a season filter — Choose spring, summer, autumn or winter to show only species in that season.
- Check the cards — On each species card, see features, peak season, main spots and recommended bait.
Major sea fish summary table
The table below summarizes the key info from the cards so you can compare at a glance. The same species may use different rigs by region and spot, so use it as a reference.
| Species | Season | Main spots | Recommended bait/rig |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive flounder | Autumn, winter | Sand/gravel bottom, boat | Down-shot, loach, worm |
| Korean rockfish | Winter, early spring | Breakwater, rocks, reefs | Freshwater shrimp, lugworm, jig head |
| Largehead hairtail | Autumn | Night boat, breakwater | Saury bait, hairtail hook, worm |
| Mackerel | Autumn | Breakwater, boat | Sabiki rig, krill, metal jig |
| Gizzard shad | Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Inner bay, breakwater | Groundbait (krill), shad rig |
| Webfoot octopus | Spring, autumn | Boat (West/South Sea) | Egi jig, sinker rig |
| Red seabream | Spring | Boat, rocks | Tairaba, red lugworm |
| Yellowtail | Winter | Boat, offshore rocks | Metal jig, live bait |
| Sea bass | Summer | Rocks, estuary, breakwater | Minnow lure, lugworm |
| Horse mackerel | Summer, autumn | Breakwater, inner bay | Sabiki rig, krill, small jig |
After choosing a target, use the seasonal fish calendar for the timing and the tide calculator for the tide (neap/spring) to improve your catch. New to fishing? Learn gear, bait and safety first in the beginner fishing guide.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which sea fish are easy for beginners?
Korean rockfish, goby, horse mackerel and mackerel are good for beginners. Rockfish and horse mackerel use simple rigs and bite hard; autumn goby is caught almost easily with just bait, great for family fishing. Mackerel come up several at a time on a sabiki (card) rig.
How do I tell olive flounder from righteye flounder?
A common rule is 'left flounder, right sole.' With the fish belly down and facing you, if both eyes are on the left it's olive flounder (gwangeo); on the right it's righteye flounder (sole family). Olive flounder also has a big mouth with sharp teeth, while the sole has a small mouth.
Why does bait differ by species?
Feeding habits differ by species. Rockfish like shrimp, lugworm and worms; predatory fish such as hairtail, Spanish mackerel and yellowtail respond to small baitfish or metal jigs (lures); octopus and cuttlefish use shrimp-shaped egi jigs. Matching bait to the target species is key to your catch.
Why follow closed seasons (no-catch periods)?
A closed season is a government-set no-catch period so a species can spawn and recover its numbers. For example, webfoot octopus has a closed season May 11–Aug 31 and hairtail Jul 1–Jul 31 (for certain fisheries), with minimum catch sizes by species and fishery. Violations carry fines, and following them protects the resource.
Which species are good to eat as sashimi?
Olive flounder, rockfish, red seabream and yellowtail are classic sashimi fish. Flounder and rockfish have firm flesh and are popular year-round; red seabream is a spring delicacy and yellowtail a winter treat. With fish you catch yourself, mind freshness and parasites — age, clean thoroughly, or cook for safety.
Related tools & guides
Seasonal fish calendar
See which fish are tasty and biting by month.
Beginner fishing guide
Gear, knots, bait, safety and starting cost in one place.
Tide calculator
Check the tide (neap/spring) and best fishing time by lunar date.
Feels-like temperature calculator
Check the feels-like temperature and suitability before you go.
Last updated: 2026-06-25