Korean seaweed becomes star export, set to reach $1.1 bil.
A foreign tourist shops for seasoned seaweed products at a large supermarket in Seoul, Nov. 24. Newsis
Korea’s dried seaweed, often dubbed the “semiconductor of the sea,” is on track to reach $1.1 billion in exports this year as global demand surges, fueled by growing interest in health food and the continued popularity of Korean pop culture. However, industry officials warn that climate change and quality control remain key challenges as Korea seeks to maintain its position as the world’s top seaweed exporter.
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Customs Service on Dec. 17, Korea’s global exports of dried seaweed reached $1.04 billion, or 35,000 tons, as of the end of last month, marking the highest annual total on record. It is the first time Korea’s seaweed exports have surpassed the $1 billion mark. Compared with three years ago, when exports stood at $648 million, the figure represents an increase of about 60 percent.
The United States is Korea’s largest export destination for seaweed. Exports to the U.S. totaled $228 million this year, accounting for 21.9 percent of the total. Japan followed with $215 million, China with $104 million, Thailand with $89 million and Russia with $86 million. The government said a sharp rise in seaweed consumption in North America and Europe has been a major driver of export growth.
Exports have also benefited from recent tariff changes. A 15 percent tariff previously imposed by the United States on seasoned seaweed products was lifted starting Nov. 13 following trade negotiations. Seasoned seaweed is now the only seafood product exported to the U.S. that is tariff-free, and it accounts for about 94 percent of Korea’s seaweed exports to the country by value.
“With uncertainty in our largest export market resolved, it is reasonable to expect that exports could reach $1.1 billion this year if the current trend continues," a ministry official said.
A scene from "KPop Demon Hunters" / Courtesy of Netflix
The global popularity of Korean pop culture has emerged as another key growth engine. Seaweed drew international attention after appearing in the Netflix film "KPop Demon Hunters," where a gimbap (seaweed rice roll) scene sparked curiosity among viewers unfamiliar with the food. To capitalize on the trend, the government has allocated 1 billion won (about $730,000) next year to operate a seaweed promotion center at Incheon International Airport.
Despite the strong momentum, challenges remain. As export volumes grow, the need for stricter quality control has become more urgent. Industry experts have called for the introduction of a seaweed grading system similar to that used for premium Korean beef, which differentiates prices based on quality. Japan already operates such a system. A ministry official said, “An officially recognized grading system would strengthen exporters’ bargaining power,” adding that the government plans to launch a pilot program starting next year.
Climate change is another major concern. Seaweed thrives in low water temperatures between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius, making it vulnerable to rising ocean temperatures. The number of high-temperature sea alerts, issued when seawater temperatures exceed 28 degrees Celsius, rose from 22 cases five years ago to 71 last year, highlighting the accelerating impact of climate change.
In response, the government is developing heat-resistant seaweed strains and advancing land-based aquaculture technologies that allow production in controlled tank facilities on land. A ministry official said the government aims to commercialize land-based seaweed farming by 2029 and commissioned related research worth 35 billion won in January this year.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.