South Korea: Demand for seaweed explodes overseas

Exports of Korean seaweed, also known as ‘black semiconductor’, are increasing significantly. However, as the popularity of seaweed grows overseas, there are concerns that it may raise domestic prices and put a burden on dining prices. According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the export value of Korean seaweed last year exceeded 1 trillion won, achieving the largest export performance ever among single seafood products. The amount of seaweed exports has increased by an average of 8% per year over the past 10 years, and the number of exporting countries has nearly doubled from 64 countries in 2010 to 124 countries last year. Unlike semiconductors, whose exports were sluggish last year, Kim's performance led to the nickname ‘black semiconductor’. The success of Korean seaweed was possible thanks to the active development of export markets. It was successful in exporting not only to countries where seaweed is familiar, such as China and Japan, but also to the United States, ...