A delegation from the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA) recently visited Wando, South Korea’s leading seaweed production region. (Image courtesy of Wando County)
WANDO, Nov. 20 (Korea Bizwire) – A delegation from the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance (ASSA) recently visited Wando, South Korea’s leading seaweed production region, signaling growing international interest in the Asian nation’s marine farming expertise.
The 15-member delegation, led by ASSA representative Jo Kelly, toured seaweed farms, processing facilities, and the Marine Bio Research Center in Wando, local officials announced on November 19. The visiting group included aquaculture entrepreneurs, university professors, and marine science researchers.
The visit, supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, aims to establish a framework for bilateral cooperation in aquaculture technology and seaweed research and development between the two countries.
During their visit, the Australian delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the seaweed industry at the Wando County office before touring tot seaweed (also known as hijiki) farms, the Jeollanam-do Marine Bio Research Center, the Jeollanam-do Maritime and Fisheries Science Institute’s Seed Research Center, and seaweed processing facilities.
“We were particularly impressed by Wando’s environmentally sustainable seaweed farming methods and related industries,” said Kelly. “We hope this visit will strengthen the competitiveness of the seaweed industry in both countries.”
Wando County Mayor Shin Woo-cheol emphasized the visit’s significance in showcasing the region’s superior seaweed production systems and expressed commitment to future research collaboration with Australia.
Wando stands as South Korea’s largest seaweed producing region, accounting for more than 50% of the country’s kelp, tot, and green laver production.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
