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🇰🇷 South Korea /Economy & Trade

South Korea's Jeollanam-do Province achieves record 1 trillion won in raw seaweed sales

From Hankyoreh · (6m ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Jeollanam-do Province in South Korea has achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 1 trillion won in wholesale value for 'mul-gim' (raw seaweed) for the first time.
  • Despite a slight decrease in production volume compared to the previous year, the wholesale value has significantly increased due to rising global demand and higher prices.
  • The province plans to continue improving its seaweed farming infrastructure and quickly restore fishing grounds after the season ends.

Hankyoreh reports on a landmark achievement for South Korea's Jeollanam-do Province, which has crossed the 1 trillion won threshold in wholesale value for 'mul-gim' (raw seaweed) for the first time in its history. This significant economic milestone reflects the growing global demand for Korean seaweed and the province's robust production capabilities.

Jeollanam-do has opened the era of 1 trillion won in wholesale value for mul-gim for the first time in history.

Announcing the historic financial achievement for the province.

While the total production volume for the 2026 crop is slightly down by 8.8% compared to last year, the wholesale value has surged by 21.3% to over 1.01 trillion won. Hankyoreh attributes this impressive financial growth to increased international demand and a subsequent rise in seaweed prices. This trend aligns with national data showing a record-breaking $1.13 billion in seaweed exports last year, with strong growth in markets like the United States and Japan.

Despite a decrease in production volume compared to last year, the wholesale value has increased due to expanded global demand and rising prices.

Explaining the reasons behind the increased wholesale value.

Jeollanam-do, which accounts for 78% of the nation's seaweed production facilities, has been actively investing in sustainable aquaculture practices. The province has focused on improving production bases through initiatives like eco-friendly farming environments, support for certified buoys, and effective management of fishing grounds and facility capacities. Hankyoreh notes that these efforts are crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of Korean seaweed on the global stage.

Seaweed recorded its highest-ever export value of $1.13 billion last year, a 13.7% increase from the previous year, strengthening its international competitiveness driven by expanding overseas demand in the U.S. and Japan.

Providing national context on seaweed export growth.

Looking ahead, the province is committed to swift post-season management, including the removal of facilities and restoration of fishing grounds, to ensure a strong foundation for the next production cycle. This achievement underscores the economic importance of seaweed farming for the region and highlights South Korea's dominant position in the global seaweed market, as reported by Hankyoreh.

Jeonnam Province's seaweed production facilities account for 78% of the national total as of the 2026 crop.

Highlighting the province's significant share in national seaweed production.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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