10 New Production Lines to Be Built by 2028
Aiming for the Global Market with a Kim Industry Cluster
Jindo County is expected to establish a strong foundation for strengthening the competitiveness of the seaweed industry through an investment agreement. Photo by Jindo County
Jindo County in South Jeolla Province has laid the groundwork to become the global "capital of the kim industry."
On September 24, Jindo County and South Jeolla Province announced that they had signed an investment agreement worth a total of 50 billion won with Sungkyung Food Co., Ltd., well known for its "Jidopyo Sungkyung Kim," and Geohae Co., Ltd. at the Jindo County Office.
Under the agreement, the two companies will establish 10 new dried kim production lines by 2028 and provide stable demand to local seaweed farms and dried kim producers in the region.
Looking ahead, Jindo County plans to create a comprehensive kim industry complex (kim integrated cluster) that will include seasoned kim manufacturing, cold storage facilities, and a convention center, with the strategy of both strengthening the competitiveness of the kim industry and pioneering the global market.
Over the past two years, Jindo County has ranked first nationwide in raw seaweed auction sales, establishing itself as the center of the kim industry. Last year, it was also designated as a "kim industry promotion zone" by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, although it faced challenges such as the disposal of unsold raw seaweed.
With this agreement, the expansion of processed product production capabilities is expected to complete the industrial ecosystem connecting raw seaweed, dried kim, and seasoned kim, leading to increased income for local residents.
Yook Hyunjin, CEO of Sungkyung Food Co., Ltd., and Kim Sungyun, CEO of Geohae Co., Ltd., stressed, "By combining Jindo County's raw seaweed and Sungkyung Food's manufacturing capabilities, we will expand K-Food exports and create a model for mutual growth with the local community."
Kim Heesoo, Governor of Jindo County, stated, "This agreement marks a turning point that will elevate the competitiveness of Jindo County's kim industry to the highest level in the country," adding, "We also expect to revitalize the local economy and create as many as 162 jobs."
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