S. Korea targets $1.8b in seaweed exports by 2030, vows to keep domestic prices in check

The government is overhauling the entire seaweed supply chain — from production and storage to processing and retail — to prevent rising exports from driving up domestic prices. The plan aims to hit $1.8 billion in seaweed exports by 2030 while keeping prices stable at home.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on Thursday announced the "Seaweed Export Supply Chain Innovation Plan." Seaweed has become South Korea's flagship seafood export, posting a record $1.13 billion in export revenue last year. The ministry projects that global demand for dried seaweed, buoyed by the spread of hallyu, will reach 210 million bundles — one bundle equals 100 sheets — by 2030.

The supply side, however, poses a challenge. Domestic dried seaweed output has hovered around 150 million bundles per year in recent years. Production swings sharply with weather conditions such as strong winds and water temperature, and the absence of a stockpiling and storage system to manage supply has kept price volatility high. Wholesale prices for dried seaweed surged 94.7 percent over the past three years, while retail prices rose 48.2 percent.

In response, the government will first move to expand the production base. It plans to increase aquaculture acreage based on recent production and export trends and inventory levels, and will also pursue offshore farming in waters deeper than 35 meters. The government also plans to develop land-based aquaculture technology capable of year-round production and distribute new heat-tolerant varieties to strengthen resilience against climate change. A contract production regime between fresh seaweed farming households and processors will be introduced to reduce price volatility.

Storage and stockpiling capacity will also be expanded. The government plans to build dried seaweed storage infrastructure capable of holding more than 50 million bundles — roughly 30 percent of annual output — by 2028. The plan includes expanding the food distribution center in Naju, establishing a new production-area distribution hub in Sinan, and building a new central-region distribution center.

The government will also pursue adding dried seaweed to its strategic reserve program. Under the scheme, it would buy dried seaweed during periods of high production to support prices and release stocks when supply falls short. Low-interest loans will also be available to support private-sector purchasing.

The retail distribution structure will also change. The government plans to introduce an AI-based grading system for dried seaweed and establish an "International Dried Seaweed Exchange" — a working title — where graded seaweed would be traded. The aim is to standardize and bring transparency to what is currently an informal, person-to-person trading system.

The processing industry will also undergo a phased push toward automation. The rollout will begin with foreign-object inspection machines and automatic packaging equipment, then expand to smart factories, and ultimately advance to full process automation powered by physical AI. The seafood export complex in South Jeolla Province will serve as a testbed for seaweed processing automation.

Through these measures, the government aims to build a stable annual production system of at least 180 million bundles by 2030 and achieve $1.8 billion in seaweed exports. At the same time, it plans to use its stockpiling and storage capacity to ensure that rising exports do not translate into higher domestic prices.

"Seaweed has become the defining product of K-seafood, loved by people around the world," Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo said. "By building a stable supply chain and advancing the industry, we will make sure Koreans can enjoy seaweed without financial burden, and further raise the standing of Korean seaweed in global markets."