In order to sustainably develop the Korean fisheries sector for the benefit of fishermen and the environment, fishing communities must play a significant role via a self-governance system of resource management under supervision of the Korean government. Government intervention in coastal fisheries of Korea thus far has shown multiple negative aspects including lack of confidence on the part of fishermen, and voluntary restructuring plans in coastal fisheries are needed. The number of communities participating in a self-governance system in Korean coastal fisheries increased dramatically in its first decade, to 16 times that at its introduction. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.