Jeonnam Province Strengthens Safety of Gim and Seaweed Products to Target Global Markets

Supporting Safety Inspection Fees for Seaweed Exporters
Jeonnam Province Enhances Global Competitiveness of Gim Products

Gim produced in Jeonnam is gaining great popularity overseas, including in Europe. The photo shows the packaging process for gim exports. Provided by Jeonnam Province.

Jeonnam Province is actively responding to the strengthening of global food safety standards by supporting the costs of safety inspections for export items such as gim and other seaweed, including tests for heavy metals and radioactivity.

Jeonnam Province is implementing the "Gim Export Safety Inspection Fee Support Project," which provides up to 20 million won per year in inspection fees to seaweed exporters and producers, including those exporting gim.

This new project, launched this year, aims to strengthen the export competitiveness of seaweed products from Jeonnam, such as gim, miyeok, and dashima, and to build trust with overseas buyers and consumers.

Safety inspections are conducted by testing and inspection agencies designated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety or by internationally accredited testing institutions (KOLAS), and cover items such as heavy metals, microorganisms, radioactivity, and artificial sweeteners.

As of the end of April this year, gim exports from the Jeonnam region reached $141 million, an increase of 33.1% compared to the same period last year. This figure demonstrates the growing competitiveness of Jeonnam gim in the global market.

In particular, China ($29.98 million, up 82.3%) and the United States ($38.45 million, up 35.2%) have led the expansion of exports. Demand for Jeonnam gim has also increased significantly in Asia and Europe, including Vietnam (up 63.1%) and Germany (up 101.4%). In addition, stable growth has been maintained in Japan (up 2.8%), Poland (up 8.2%), and the Netherlands (up 23.0%).

Shin Hyungon, Director of International Cooperation for Jeonnam Province, stated, "Seaweed products such as gim are enjoying great popularity in overseas markets among seafood products. Not only quality but also thorough safety verification is essential for entering international markets, so we will further strengthen the export foundation by supporting inspection costs."