Analyzing Backward and Forward Linkages of Seafood and Related Industries in Busan Using Social Accounting Matrix

This study constructed a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) model to analyze the economic importance and inter-industry linkages of Busan’s seafood and related industries. By disaggregating these seafood and related sectors into 13 sectors, it compared backward and forward linkages and identified key sectors. This level of sectoral separation represents a clear improvement over previous studies and is the first to be conducted using a regional SAM-based model. The results show that Wild Capture Fishery sector contributes to regional consumption through relatively high regional value-added and income distribution. In contrast, Fishing Net & Rope sector ranked lowest in both backward and forward linkages, indicating its output is driven by exogeneous demand and value-added in outside the region. Key sector analysis revealed that Aquaculture, Seafood Processing, and Retail Trade sector have strong linkages in both directions. Wild Capture Fishery sector was identified as having strong forward linkage, while its normalized total backward linkages were comparatively weaker.