'All-Time High' Kim Export... Achieving 1 Trillion Won for 2 Consecutive Years

Cumulative Export Amount of 1.19 Trillion KRW by October This Year
Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries: "We Will Achieve a Record High of 1 Billion USD This Year"

Seaweed exports recorded $850 million (approximately 1.1932 trillion KRW) from January to October this year, achieving over 1 trillion KRW for the second consecutive year.

Korean seaweed exports, which account for more than 70% of the global seaweed market, have increased more than sevenfold from $110 million in 2010 to $790 million in 2023. Getty Images

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that it will hold a promotional event on the 26th at Lotte Mart Zeta Plex Seoul Station branch to celebrate the record-breaking seaweed export performance.

According to the Ministry, Korea's seaweed exports, which account for more than 70% of the global seaweed market, have increased more than sevenfold from $110 million in 2010 to $790 million in 2023. The number of export countries also expanded from 64 in 2010 to 122 in 2023. A ministry official stated, "This year, due to the enhanced recognition of Korean seaweed, strong overseas demand, and support for exporters entering foreign markets, we expect to achieve a record-high export performance of about $1 billion, an increase of approximately 27% compared to the previous year."

The event was held at Lotte Mart Zeta Plex Seoul Station branch, a popular location for both foreigners and locals (foreign sales account for about 35%). A seaweed-themed photo zone was operated targeting foreign tourists, and various experiences such as seaweed cooking demonstrations and seaweed snack offerings were provided to promote Korean seaweed brands. In addition to highlighting the global status of Korean seaweed, the event also promoted policies for stable domestic supply.

Kang Do-hyung, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "The government has been implementing comprehensive policies covering production, processing, and export to support Korean seaweed exports, and this event celebrating the great achievement in seaweed exports is meaningful. Moving forward, we will continue to enhance the added value of K-Seaweed in the global market and strengthen export competitiveness while also focusing more on production support to stabilize the domestic market."