Korean Gim (Seaweed) Exports Top $1 Billion for First Time
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Korean gim (김, dried seaweed) has become a global hit, with export revenue reaching a record $1.015 billion as of Nov. 20 — a 13.2% increase year-on-year. Strong demand from North America and Japan drove growth, with U.S. shipments up 15.3% ($220 million) and Japan up 13.8% ($210 million). China imports surged 36.6% to about $100 million; Thailand and Russia are also key markets. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries credits higher product quality, expanded aquaculture licenses (+2,700 hectares), modernized processing, and Hallyu-linked marketing for the rise. International standardization efforts advanced at the Codex meeting in Italy to set global rules for quality, hygiene, labeling, and testing, which should further support exports. Private firms are developing land-based indoor gim farming (육상양식) to enable year-round, biosecure production without stressing marine ecosystems; national R&D projects were awarded to industry players. Domestic prices for dried gim have climbed sharply—up 35.1% vs. two years ago and 82.9% vs. ten years—reflecting the export boom.
