Korean Traditional Food 'Gim' Writes a Second Ramen Legend in the Global Market [AK Radio]

Traditional Korean Food 'Gim' Writes a Second Ramen Legend in the Global Market

Gim is emerging as a new export hero product of Korea. According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, last year’s Gim export value reached $790 million, surpassing 1 trillion KRW for the first time in history. This is the second largest scale in food exports after ramen.

The global Gim market has grown significantly from $440 million in 2014 to $1.08 billion last year. The average annual growth rate reached 10.5%, with Korean Gim accounting for 70% of the worldwide market. Along with the Korean Wave and the rising popularity of K-food, overseas demand for Gim is rapidly increasing.

Homeplus 'Gopchang Gim'

In line with this export boom, the government announced the "Gim Industry Competitiveness Enhancement Plan" on the 31st of last month. The core focus is on expanding production volume and advancing quality. This year, dry Gim production is expected to increase by 7% from last year to 160 million sheets (1 sheet equals 100 pieces), and the aquaculture area will expand by 2,700 hectares, equivalent to about 3,800 soccer fields. Additionally, there are plans to newly attempt offshore aquaculture on a scale of 1,000 hectares.

Noteworthy is the development of land-based Gim aquaculture technology. With rising water temperatures due to climate change threatening Gim production, land-based aquaculture could be an alternative to secure a stable production base. Currently, the optimal water temperature for Gim growth is below 10 degrees Celsius, but experts warn that if the current trend of rising temperatures continues, Gim aquaculture may become impossible on the southern coast in 80 years.

Along with expanding production infrastructure, industrial structure improvement is also being pursued. Key tasks include corporatization and scaling up of small-scale farms, introduction of smart aquaculture technology, and smartification of processing plants. In particular, logistics infrastructure expansion is underway with the construction of a production base distribution center in Jeonnam region, expansion of the Naju consumer distribution logistics center, and establishment of the Mokpo seafood export complex.

Branding strategies also stand out. The government is unifying the English name of Korean Gim as "Gim" and promoting standard certification by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Furthermore, a grading system will be introduced like that of Korean beef to strengthen quality control, and support will be provided for the development of various processed foods using Gim.

Especially noteworthy is that Gim is recognized not only as a simple food but also for its value as a health food. Fucoxanthin contained in Gim has anti-obesity, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects, and it is rich in calcium and vitamin A, which help the health of growing children and the elderly.

The development of the Gim industry is also expected to contribute to revitalizing fishing villages struggling with aging populations and population decline. The government plans to promote the influx of young labor through support such as rental aquaculture farms for young returnees to fishing.

To firmly establish Korea’s unique position in the global market for Gim, building a stable production base and strengthening quality competitiveness are essential. Active cooperation between the government and industry is more important than ever.