South Korea’s exports of dried seaweed reached an all-time high this year, surpassing US$1 billion for the first time, driven largely by growing popularity in overseas markets, such as the United States. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s exports of dried seaweed, known as gim, surpassed $1 billion for the first time this year, buoyed by rising global demand and strengthened production capacity, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Sunday.
As of Nov. 20, exports reached $1.015 billion, up 13.2 percent from a year earlier and marking the highest figure since the government began tracking the category. The ministry attributed the surge to both improved product quality and rapidly expanding consumption in overseas markets.
Demand has grown especially sharply in North America and Europe, where seaweed snacks and sheets have become increasingly mainstream. Shipments to the United States rose 15.3 percent to $220 million, while exports to Japan climbed 13.8 percent to $210 million. Exports to China surged 36.6 percent, reaching $100 million. Thailand and Russia rounded out the top five destinations.
South Korea’s annual seaweed exports have climbed steadily in recent years — from $793 million in 2023 to $997 million in 2024 — but had never crossed the billion-dollar threshold until now.
The image shows dried seaweed products at a supermarket in Seoul. (Yonhap)
To support the fast-growing industry, the government expanded aquaculture licenses by 2,700 hectares, modernized processing facilities and invested in global marketing tied to the Korean Wave. It also helped producers obtain international certifications to meet global food-safety standards.
The ministry is now pushing for international standardization of seaweed products. At a recent meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Italy, member countries approved the start of work on global standards for seaweed quality, hygiene, labeling and testing — a move Seoul expects will further ease market entry and stabilize export growth.
“The milestone reflects a combination of government support and the innovative capacity of the private sector,” Oceans Minister Jeon Jae-soo said. “We will continue strengthening the global competitiveness of gim and other marine products.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
