Last year, Korea’s seafood and fishery food exports reached USD 3.33 billion (approximately KRW 4,901.4 billion), marking an all-time high.

On the 15th, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) announced that seafood and fishery food exports in 2025 increased by 9.7% from the previous year (USD 3.03 billion). In particular, gim, the country’s top export item, recorded USD 1.13 billion, up 13.7% from the previous year (USD 1 billion). Gim exports also reached a record high. Last year’s mackerel exports were USD 200 million, surging 128.8% year-on-year, while squid exports rose 48.7% to USD 110 million. In addition, exports of toothfish (up 6.4%), flatfish (up 9.0%), and crab meat (up 7.5%) also increased. The MOF analyzed that diverse product development targeting overseas consumers and growing demand driven by the Korean Wave were key factors behind the export growth.

By country, major export destinations such as Japan, China, and the United States all showed solid growth. Exports to Japan last year amounted to USD 680 million, up 3.1% from a year earlier, maintaining its position as Korea’s largest export market. China, the second-largest market, recorded USD 620 million, an 18% increase despite sluggish domestic demand, and the United States (USD 520 million) posted a 9% increase despite reciprocal tariffs imposed from April 2025.

The MOF plans to continue expanding exports this year by providing policy funds and export vouchers to exporting companies. It will also promote the “Sea-ports Project” linked to international sporting events, operate a “Gim Promotion Center” in airport duty-free shops, and strengthen localized promotional activities such as marketing in collaboration with Korean Wave stars.

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