If you have heard news of the fresh oyster inaugural auction, your first thought will be to confirm when you can receive this season’s oysters. The Oyster Inaugural Auction is an event held at the local wholesale market to announce the first oyster auction of the current shipping season. Since auctioned oysters undergo sorting, packaging, and delivery before supply, the first auction date and the actual delivery date may differ. Below, we will sequentially examine the wholesale market procedures, the difference between shucked and in-shell oysters, and the relationship between auction prices and delivery prices.

Inquire about this season’s oyster supply schedule

Meaning of the Oyster Inaugural Auction and the First Wholesale Transaction

On October 22, 2026, the Tongyeong Oyster Raft Aquaculture Cooperative held its fresh oyster inaugural auction at its wholesale market in Yongnam-myeon, announcing the start of new-season oyster shipments from Korea’s south coast.
Since inaugural auctions are held by individual wholesale markets, oysters nationwide are not harvested or sold for the first time on the same day. When viewing news about an inaugural auction, it is essential to check the location and wholesale market.

Consult about the first delivery date and quantity

Wholesale Market Procedures at the Oyster Inaugural Auction

At the oyster wholesale market, producers put their shipped oysters up for auction, and intermediate wholesalers inspect the oysters’ condition and quantity to bid prices. Successfully bid oysters are supplied to sales outlets via distributors.

Comparison of Auction Prices and Delivery Prices at the Oyster Inaugural Auction

In addition to the local auction price, the delivery price to stores includes processing/sorting status and packaging/transportation conditions. Even for the same 1kg quote, the amount varies depending on whether packaging and shipping costs are included; therefore, the calculation criteria must be confirmed with the supplier.

Samsam Mulsan directly participates in Tongyeong oyster auctions as Intermediate Wholesaler No. 33 to secure raw materials and provides delivery terms based on local auction prices.

Shucked and In-shell Oysters Traded at the Oyster Inaugural Auction

Shucked oysters are oyster meat with the shells removed, while in-shell oysters are oysters still in their shells. The form of oysters presented at the inaugural auction varies by wholesale market; at the 2026 Tongyeong fresh oyster inaugural auction, shucked oysters were put up for auction.

The process of removing oyster shells is referred to as ‘shucking’ (talgak or baksin).

Fresh Oyster Wholesale Transactions Following the Inaugural Auction

Fresh oyster wholesale transactions continue throughout the season even after the inaugural auction concludes, and transaction volumes vary depending on weather, production, and shipment conditions. The date of the inaugural auction cannot be solely determined as the start of the oyster peak season or the sales commencement date for retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Oyster Inaugural Auction

Is the oyster inaugural auction ceremony held on the same date every year?

The date varies each year. Please check the date and location in the announcement from the Oyster Fisheries Cooperative or the event organizer for that year.

Can I receive oysters auctioned on the day of the inaugural auction ceremony immediately?

It is difficult to receive them immediately on the auction day. Since auctioned oysters undergo sorting, packaging, and delivery, it is advisable to discuss your desired arrival date and required quantity with your supplier in advance.

Can I purchase oysters before the inaugural auction ceremony?

Yes, it is possible. Frozen oysters or oysters from other regions are traded regardless of the inaugural auction ceremony schedule, and available items vary by retailer.

Can the first auction volume predict the total supply for the entire season?

It is difficult to predict based solely on the first day’s consignment volume. Seasonal volumes vary depending on production and consignment conditions, so if regular delivery is needed, it is advisable to discuss quantities with your supplier based on weekly usage.

Can the first harvested oysters be eaten raw?

Whether it’s the first harvest or not is unrelated to whether it can be eaten raw. Follow the raw consumption/cooked distinction and storage methods indicated on the product. For oysters intended for cooking, cook them at a core temperature of 85℃ or higher for at least one minute.

Are shucking facilities and wholesale markets the same place?

No, they are different. A shucking facility is a workplace where oyster shells are removed to produce shucked oysters, while a wholesale market is where consigned oysters are traded through auction.

Inquire about regular oyster delivery conditions

References

Hansan Shinmun, “The Season of Oysters, a Gift from Nature, Has Returned”

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, We Will Manage Seafood Caught in Our Waters with a New Traceability System

Samsam Moolsan Magazine, What Kind of Company is Samsam Moolsan?

Gyeongnam Domin Ilbo, ‘꿀맛’ 나는 청정바다 통영산 굴 출하 (Tongyeong Oysters from Clean Waters Begin Shipping)

Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, How to Safely Eat Oysters in Winter