K-Gim Did It Again!

-Gim exports hit a record high, reaching KRW one trillion for two consecutive years.
- A PR event will be held to provide homemade gim snacks while also promoting measures to stabilize domestic gim prices.

 The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF, Minister Kang Do-hyung) announced on Tuesday, November 26, that gim (Korean edible seaweed) exports have exceeded KRW 1 trillion for the second consecutive year and broken the all-time export record (USD 850 million) as of October. The ministry held an event at Lotte Mart Zetaplex in Seoul Station at 3 PM on the same day to celebrate the record-high gim exports.

 Accounting for over 70% of the global gim market, Korea has seen its gim exports increase more than sevenfold from USD 110 million in 2010 to USD 790 million in 2023, with the number of export destinations expanding from 64 countries in 2010 to 122 countries in 2023. This year, the country is expected to achieve its highest-ever export performance (approximately USD 1 billion), a 27% increase compared to the previous year thanks to strong overseas demand driven by the improved recognition of Korean gim and support for export companies entering foreign markets.

 This event occurred at Lotte Mart Zetaplex in Seoul Station, a popular store for foreigners and locals (with about 35% of sales coming from foreign customers). It promoted Korea's gim brands by operating a gim-themed photo zone for foreign tourists and providing various experiences such as gim cooking demonstrations and gim snacks. In addition to promoting the global status of Korean gim, the event also highlighted policies to ensure stable domestic supply.

 “The government has been implementing comprehensive policies across production, processing, and export to support Korean gim exports, and this event—which celebrates the achievements of Korean gim exports—is truly meaningful. We will continue to enhance the value-added potential of K-GIM in the global market and strengthen our export competitiveness while also focusing on production support to stabilize the domestic market,” said Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung.