Wando Specialty Products to Be Exported to the US... $18.6 Million Export Agreement Signed

County Secures Hosting Rights for Next Year's 'Jangbogo Hansang Awardees World Conference'

Wando County in Jeonnam has achieved significant results by expanding the export channels of its specialty products to the United States at the '3rd Jangbogo Hansang Awardees World Conference' held in New York and Washington, DC, and has also succeeded in securing the hosting rights for next year's world conference in Wando.

According to the county on the 15th, the event was co-hosted by Kim Minseon, Dean of Long Island Conservatory, and Jang Yongjin, Chairman of Kiss Beauty Group. Over 70 people attended, including Shin Woochul, Mayor of Wando County, Kim Yanghun, Chairman of Wando County Council, Kim Deokryong, Chairman of the Jangbogo Global Foundation, Jang Hansang Award winners, and representatives from Wando's export companies.

Wando County attended the '3rd Jangbogo Hansang Awardees World Conference' held in New York and Washington DC, USA. Photo by Wando County

The conference began on the 9th with a 'Korean Culture Day' commemorative event at the Madison Building of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, where local lawmakers were introduced to Wando's specialty products such as abalone slices, seasoned seaweed, and seaweed products, highlighting their quality and taste.

At the exhibition and export consultation held at the headquarters of Kiss Beauty Group in Long Island, New York, nine export companies from Wando participated and held a total of 49 export consultations with buyers from the eastern United States. As a result, export agreements totaling $18.6 million were signed, including $2 million with Unmunju America, $1 million with Korepia, and $1 million with Kylobal. This has laid the foundation for Wando's abalone, seaweed, processed flatfish products, and seaweed-based cosmetics to enter the US market in earnest.

Additionally, the county was invited by Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader, to visit the US Capitol and received a merit award for contributions to Korea-US friendship and cooperation in celebration of the '2025 Washington, DC Kimchi Day.' Discussions were also held on US tariff policies, expanding work visas for Korean youth, and other cooperation measures between Korea and the US.

Mayor Shin Woochul stated, "This New York event has provided an opportunity to further expand our global network," and added, "We will successfully host next year's world conference in Wando to enhance Wando's brand value and contribute to revitalizing the local economy."

Meanwhile, the county plans to promote local specialty products and expand its global network by linking the 4th Jangbogo Hansang Awardees World Conference with the 'Pre Wando Seaweed Expo.'