Jeonnam's Agricultural and Marine Products Go Global... Record-High Exports

USD 790 Million Achieved as of November Last Year
Expansion of Gim and Rice; Balanced Growth in New Southern and American Markets

Export Share of Agricultural and Marine Products from Jeonnam by Country. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On January 8, Jeonnam Province announced that its agricultural and marine product exports reached a record high of USD 793.75 million from January to November 2025. This figure represents a 13.0% increase compared to the same period in 2024, nearly double the national average growth rate of 6.5%.

This achievement is attributed to the expansion of exports of key products such as gim (dried seaweed), rice, confectionery, and duck feathers. Exports grew steadily not only in traditional major markets like Japan, the United States, and China, but also in emerging New Southern markets such as Vietnam and Thailand.

By product, gim exports amounted to USD 395.77 million, accounting for 49.9% of the province's total agricultural and marine product exports. This is an 18.8% increase over the same period in 2024. Rice exports reached USD 57.81 million, up 62.7%; confectionery exports rose by 105.0%; and kiwi exports surged by 1,955.0%.

By country, exports to Japan were USD 195.27 million, to the United States USD 154.83 million, and to China USD 125.38 million. Of the exports to China, gim accounted for 37.0% or USD 46.83 million, marking a 64.8% increase from 2024.

Performance was also notable in emerging Southeast Asian markets.

Exports to Thailand rose by 36.4% to USD 13.66 million, with gim exports increasing by 72.1%. Gim exports to the Philippines soared by 257.5%, and duck feather exports to Indonesia grew by 72.0%.

Exports to Europe also increased by 24.3%. Driven by higher exports of gim and instant coffee products, exports to Germany reached USD 6.04 million and to Poland USD 13.91 million.

By city and county, Mokpo led with USD 166.98 million, accounting for 21.0% of the total, followed by Naju with USD 132.05 million, Goheung with USD 108.84 million, and Sinan with USD 96.91 million.

Most cities and counties recorded double-digit growth rates, including Yeonggwang (254.4%), Hwasun (174.9%), Hampyeong (161.4%), Muan (63.1%), Yeosu (48.1%), Damyang (46.3%), and Haenam (44.6%).

Shin Hyun-gon, Director of International Cooperation for Jeonnam Province, stated, "The competitiveness of strategic products such as gim and rice, along with efforts to diversify export markets, have produced tangible results." He added, "In 2026, we aim to reach USD 1 billion in exports by supporting direct payment programs for specialized agricultural and marine export products, expanding overseas online and offline sales networks, and intensifying marketing in emerging countries."