Seaweed (gim) exports last year reached USD 693 million (KRW 879.3 billion), up 15% from 2020. (iclickart) *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

By Lee Jihae

Seaweed (gim) exports last year rose 15% to USD 693 million (KRW 879.3 billion).

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on May 17 said such shipments from 2010-20 surged from USD 105 million (KRW 133.2 billion) to USD 693 million, a 560% jump over the 12-year period and seeing average annual growth of 19.7%. Export volume went from 9,600 tons in 2010 to 30,000 tons last year, up 212.5% over the same period and posting yearly average growth of 19.3%.

The number of export markets for the item nearly doubled from 64 in 2010 to 114 last year, with the top four buying countries -- the U.S., China, Japan and Russia -- accounting for 66% of overall gim volume.

Of the total, 59% of seasoned and dried seaweed were sold at home while the remaining 41% was exported. 

Jeollanam-do Province produced the overwhelming majority of 76% of all seaweed nationwide, followed by Chungcheongnam-do (7.6%), Jeollabuk-do (6.4%), Gyeonggi-do (4.7%) and Busan (2.6%).

Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Song Sang-Keun said, "Seaweed exports surpassed USD 300 million in 2015 and 600 million in 2020, and they amounted last year to USD 690 million in 114 countries," adding, "Seaweed is now proudly positioned on the international stage as our country's most exported food."

jihlee08@korea.kr