Proposal for Korean-Style Labeling Nine Years Ago, Now Dominates 70% of Global Seaweed Market
A Model for Overcoming Population Decline
"Job Creation and Influx of Young People"
Wando County in South Jeolla Province was recognized for its role in leading the globalization of seafood products and received the Grand Prize in the Economic Revitalization category at the '2025 Korea Local Guardians Awards.' The county announced on the 29th that it was honored at the award ceremony held recently at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul.
The 'Korea Local Guardians Awards' is co-hosted by News1 and the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, and supported by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korean Association for Local Government Studies. The award selects and honors local governments and companies that have contributed to revitalizing local communities and addressing population issues.
Wando County received the Grand Prize in the Economic Revitalization category at the '2025 Korea Local Guardians Awards.' Photo by Wando County
In 2016, Wando County officially proposed the Korean-style labeling 'K-GIM' for seaweed to the central government, taking a leading role in global branding of seafood products. Since then, the county has actively pursued initiatives such as establishing export-only processing plants, strengthening hygiene and quality control, operating overseas market development teams, and implementing the K-Sea Food branding strategy.
These efforts have led to an increase in seafood exports from Korea. In 2024, the total export value of Korean seafood reached 3.03 billion dollars, with seaweed exports alone hitting a record high of 997 million dollars, accounting for about 70% of the global market share. Wando County has also diversified its export portfolio by establishing export systems for various seafood products, including abalone, kelp, and seaweed fulvescens.
Additionally, the county has expanded public-private cooperation networks such as the Jang Bogo Global Foundation and the Jang Bogo Hansang Awards, actively engaging in exchanges with overseas buyers and developing new sales channels. These export achievements have contributed to local job creation and the influx of young people, and Wando County is now regarded as a sustainable development model that addresses population decline and aging.
County Governor Shin Woochul stated, "This award recognizes that the proposal for Korean-style seafood labeling has become a driving force for the development of Korea's seafood industry," adding, "We will continue to do our best to promote sustainable fisheries and revitalize the local economy."
Meanwhile, the county is preparing to become a global seafood city by focusing on high value-added seafood products, fostering eco-friendly aquaculture industries centered on 'K-GIM,' and introducing digital export platforms.
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