Documentary Empathy 'The Day the Golden Fishing Grounds Open' The northernmost fishing villages of Daejin and Chodo on the East Sea are most eagerly awaiting April. This is because the Jeodo fishing grounds, which have been banned from fishing for three months since January, are finally opening. The Jeodo fishing grounds, also known as the golden fishing grounds, are known as the 'front' to the fishermen here. The Jeodo fishing grounds, which are the frontline seas that can only be entered after receiving special safety training from the Navy and Coast Guard every year -. The Jeodo fishing grounds, which the fishermen call the [front], are located between the fishing limit line (38 degrees 33 minutes north latitude) and the northern limit line (38 degrees 35 minutes north latitude), and are dangerous waters that are within firing range if the North fires artillery fire from the coast. This year, 142 ships and 245 people have registered to fish in these extremely dangerous waters. Those who go to the sea are grandmothers who are well over 60 years old, traditional divers who are approaching their 60th birthday, and octopus catchers and fishing boats. Why do they risk their lives and head to the Jeodo fishing grounds? “Today, we are going to Jeodo fishing grounds.” “The octopuses are all dead today.” The fishermen who go to the Jeodo fishing grounds have only one wish: to catch octopuses. There are over a hundred longline fishing boats that use pig fat to lure octopuses. In the deep seas, which are about 20 meters deep, the meoguri wearing iron helmets and even the haenyeo in the shallow seas search for octopuses. This is because octopuses are the biggest moneymakers. Every year, octopuses account for nearly 90% of the catch from this sea. This sea, where the most octopuses are caught in Korea, is the best fishing ground for fishermen. Who will catch the biggest giant octopus here this year? The haenyeo are preparing new wetsuits and the ship owners are busy repairing their boats in preparation for the opening of the Jeodo fishing grounds. On the day of the opening of the Jeodo fishing grounds, which was thoroughly prepared and waited for, the ships hurriedly set sail around 5 a.m. The ships that left the port wait in front of the fishing limit line and then take a roll call. At 6 a.m., the ships all start to run at full speed at the signal to open the Jeodo fishing grounds. It is a fierce competition to secure a good spot with lots of octopuses. The place to make a living, where fishing must be done under the strict security of 3 coast guard ships and 2 naval patrol ships in the northernmost fishing ground closest to North Korea. This captures the fierce moments of life that take place in this sea. #goldenfishingground #Jeodofishingground #fishinglimitline