Now In Korea
K‑Food Star Seaweed Booms in Exports as Makers Hit the Market
Creatrip Team
a month ago
South Korea’s seaweed (gim) industry is enjoying record exports but faces a paradox: soaring overseas demand has not translated into easy profits, prompting major manufacturers to seek buyers. From January to September this year, seaweed exports reached $882 million—on track to surpass last year’s record—driven by popularity of seasoned seaweed (jomin‑gim) as a snack in the U.S. and rising demand across Asia. Korea now holds over 70% of the global seaweed market. Yet structural limits—high fixed costs in farming, processing and logistics; rising input prices; aging fishing villages and labor shortages—keep margins tight. Expanding abroad also requires costly investments in automation, warehouses, certifications and local marketing. Large companies are building direct sales channels, while smaller makers remain in OEM roles and struggle to cover inspection and certification fees. As valuations climb with export growth, owners and investors see a prime chance to sell, driving M&A moves (e.g., top maker Gwangcheon selected advisors in June; Seonggyeong signed an MOU with Samchully Group). Industry observers say the wave of sales signals both the sector’s maturation and a likely reorganization around well‑capitalized firms and global distribution networks.
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