Korean Gim Exports Surpass $1 Billion, Becoming a New K-Food Icon
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
South Korea’s gim (edible seaweed) exports topped $1.015 billion as of November 20, marking a 13.2% increase from last year. Exports rose from $793 million in 2023 to nearly $997 million last year, and have now exceeded $1 billion before year-end. The United States was the largest market at $220 million, followed by Japan ($210 million), China ($100 million) — which saw a 36.6% jump — Thailand ($88 million) and Russia ($85 million). The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries expanded cultivation licenses, modernized processing facilities, and supported international certification to boost supply and quality. Product innovation (like gim snacks and seasoned gim tailored to foreign tastes) and K-content marketing helped drive demand. At the Codex Alimentarius meeting in Italy on December 10, international standards for gim products were approved, which should further facilitate global trade. The minister credited government support and private-sector innovation for the achievement and pledged continued efforts to enhance competitiveness of Korean seafood.
