Referred to as the "semiconductor of the sea," Korean seaweed continues its robust growth after achieving KRW 1 trillion in exports as a single item for the first time in 2023. This year, exports increased by 14% year-on-year until September, nearing the USD 1 billion (approximately KRW 1.437 trillion) mark. Korean seaweed, captivating global palates with various forms such as gimbap and seaweed snacks, is at the heart of this remarkable achievement, with the Korea Fisheries Trade Association, celebrating its 40th anniversary next year, playing a central role.

Established in 1986 as the Korea Fisheries Export Association and rebranded in 2011, the association supports the overall export and import of Korean fisheries, including overseas market development for seafood, seaweed export and marketing, and FTA low-tariff quota import auctions. With 333 member companies, it directly contributes to the income growth of fisheries exporters and fishermen. Notably, in 2021, it was officially designated by the government as a "seafood export support organization" and the "Korean seaweed export coordinating body to Japan," and in 2024, it will be designated as a "seaweed industry specialist organization," expanding its scope of activities.

Chairman Bae Ki-il (CEO of Sehwa Seafood Co., Ltd.), who has led the association since 2010 and succeeded in his sixth consecutive term this year, explained the secret to Korean seaweed's success as "the result of combined efforts from seaweed producers, seafood processors, and the government." Chairman Bae, who received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit in April last year, is credited with modernizing Korean seafood processing facilities. From 2010 to 2020, the processing equipment project supported 312 companies with KRW 8.797 billion, distributing 718 units of the latest processing equipment, including foreign matter sorters and metal detectors.

This year's notable achievements of the association include supporting the export of Korean seaweed and dried kelp. In May, a Korean seaweed bidding and consultation meeting resulted in a record contract of KRW 207.2 billion, and in October, a consultation meeting for Korean dried kelp led to a KRW 300 million export contract.

Regarding the kelp consultation meeting, Chairman Bae stated, "After persistent negotiations with Japanese kelp-related organizations, we succeeded in holding an on-site consultation meeting for the first time in five years since 2020," and expressed plans to "gradually increase export volumes and play a pivotal role in revitalizing our kelp exports."

Meanwhile, the "2025 Busan International Seafood EXPO" is scheduled to be held from November 5 to 7 at BEXCO in Busan. Hosted by Busan City and organized by the Korea Fisheries Trade Association, the EXPO will feature 460 companies from 30 countries, with 1,200 booths. Chairman Bae predicted, "With the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, domestic and international attention is focused, and the largest-ever results are expected," adding, "The relocation will serve as a catalyst for the EXPO, providing a platform for new opportunities and visions in the fisheries industry."

Challenges remain to be addressed. The spread of low-cost Chinese imitations is threatening the premium image of Korean seaweed. Chairman Bae expressed concern, saying, "There is a worry that low-quality imitations may damage the trust we have built," and emphasized that "the government should actively support the use of 'GIM,' the Korean expression for seaweed, to develop K-GIM as a national brand."

Chairman Bae expressed his ambition, stating, "As the Korea Fisheries Trade Association celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, we will continue to lead overseas export marketing and spearhead the globalization of various seafood products, including abalone and oysters, in addition to seaweed."

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