Mokpo City Achieves Record-High Seaweed Export Value

Record High of 175 Million Dollars Achieved Last Year

In 2025, the export value of seaweed from Mokpo City, South Jeolla Province reached a record high of 175 million dollars (approximately 250 billion won), marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year.

According to the city, this figure is the highest among all local governments nationwide. In particular, the export value of dried seaweed maintained its top national ranking for the fourth consecutive year, once again demonstrating the competitiveness of the seaweed industry.

Korean seaweed has recently established itself as a global food product, with exports steadily expanding. As of 2025, the nationwide export value of seaweed surpassed 1.133 billion dollars, setting an all-time high, and seaweed is now recognized as a leading promising export item.

The city has fostered the seaweed industry as a core strategic sector, and Mokpo seaweed has grown to account for about 97% of the region's total seafood exports, becoming a flagship export product.

To achieve this, the city has implemented systematic development policies across the entire seaweed industry, including the designation of specialized seaweed institutions, the establishment of seaweed industry promotion zones, the introduction of a dried seaweed exchange, and efforts to attract the establishment of the National Seaweed Industry Promotion Institute.

The Mokpo Seafood Support Center was designated as the nation's first specialized seaweed institution by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The center is currently developing AI solutions to establish quality grading standards for dried seaweed by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into seaweed industry data.

In addition, in 2025, the center obtained accreditation as an internationally recognized testing agency (KOLAS), providing a foundation for local seaweed processing companies to secure the quality reliability required for entry into overseas markets.

Furthermore, in 2026, the completion of the seafood export complex and the opening of the dried seaweed exchange are scheduled. This core project is being promoted by the city with support from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and South Jeolla Province.

The seafood export complex, with a total project cost of 113.7 billion won, will provide 36 spaces for seafood export companies, including those exporting seaweed. Within the complex, a 1,300-square-meter dried seaweed exchange will also be established.

The dried seaweed exchange will serve as the control tower for dried seaweed distribution, responsible for enhancing transaction transparency, standardizing quality and safety management, and establishing a distribution information management system. The exchange is scheduled to begin pilot operations in November.

With the recent increase in exports of seasoned seaweed driving up demand for dried seaweed, the city believes that the opening of the exchange will mark an important turning point in strengthening the overall competitiveness of the seaweed industry.

The city plans to continue promoting high value-added initiatives and enhancing export competitiveness to foster seaweed as a global future food industry, beyond its status as a local specialty.