South Korea Seaweed Market- Trend Analysis & Forecasts

South Korea seaweed production reached ** thousand tonnes in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of **% from 2025 to 2030. South Korea is a dominant player in the global seaweed market, contributing significantly to both production and trade. The country’s well-established aquaculture sector, technological advancements, and strong domestic demand drive market growth. With rising global consumption of seaweed-based products in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, South Korea is expected to maintain its leadership position. The market is poised for steady expansion, supported by sustainable harvesting practices and government policies promoting seaweed cultivation and export.

Market/ Product Overview

The South Korea seaweed market has experienced remarkable growth due to increasing domestic and international demand. Seaweed, a staple in Korean cuisine, is also gaining global popularity due to its nutritional benefits and applications in various industries. The market is segmented into red, green, and brown seaweed, with red seaweed leading due to its use in nori production. The industry benefits from a strong supply chain, efficient processing facilities, and government support for sustainable seaweed farming. Export trends indicate rising demand from key markets, including the United States, China, and European nations. South Korea’s advanced processing techniques and quality standards give it a competitive edge in the international market. However, challenges such as climate change impacts on cultivation and fluctuating market prices remain concerns.

South Korea Significance in the Global Seaweed Supply

South Korea plays a crucial role in the global seaweed supply chain as one of the top producers and exporters. Its geographic location and marine biodiversity provide ideal conditions for large-scale seaweed farming. The country is a major supplier of dried and processed seaweed, with significant exports to Japan, China, the United States, and Europe. Advanced harvesting techniques and investments in R&D have strengthened its position. South Korea's expertise in high-quality seaweed processing, packaging, and distribution makes it a reliable supplier in the global market. Additionally, the country's regulatory framework ensures sustainable harvesting practices, making its seaweed products more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.

Seaweed Price Setting Power of South Korea

South Korea holds considerable price-setting power in the global seaweed market due to its dominance in production and exports. The country’s ability to maintain high-quality standards allows it to command premium prices, especially for processed and value-added seaweed products like roasted nori and seaweed snacks. Domestic policies, international demand, and currency exchange rates influence price trends. Additionally, South Korea's ability to adjust production levels based on market demand helps stabilize prices and maintain its competitive advantage.

South Korea Seaweed Supply & Demand Trend

South Korea's seaweed production has expanded significantly due to advances in aquaculture and government incentives. The country produces several varieties, including nori (Pyropia), kelp (Laminaria), and sea mustard (Undaria). Coastal regions such as Wando, Jeollanam-do, and Busan are major production hubs, benefiting from favorable marine conditions. Investment in sustainable farming techniques, such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), has increased yields while minimizing environmental impact. Production cycles are well-managed, ensuring a consistent supply throughout the year. The adoption of smart farming technologies, including AI and IoT-based monitoring systems, is further optimizing production efficiency.

Domestic demand for seaweed in South Korea remains strong, driven by traditional consumption patterns and the rising popularity of functional foods. Seaweed is a dietary staple, commonly consumed as nori sheets, seaweed soup, and seasoned snacks. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking organic and low-sodium seaweed options. Additionally, the growing influence of Korean cuisine worldwide has boosted demand for seaweed-based ingredients. The foodservice industry, including restaurants and packaged food manufacturers, significantly contributes to domestic consumption. Functional applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are also expanding, further stimulating demand.

Market Growth Factors

The South Korean seaweed market is driven by multiple factors, including increasing health awareness, technological advancements in seaweed processing, and government initiatives supporting sustainable aquaculture. Rising global demand for plant-based and superfood ingredients has positioned seaweed as a key component in various industries. The country's strong R&D investments in seaweed-derived bioplastics and biofuels further enhance growth prospects. Additionally, the expansion of online retail platforms has improved accessibility to seaweed products, increasing domestic and international sales.

Market Restraints & Challenges

Despite strong growth, the seaweed market faces challenges such as environmental concerns related to overharvesting and climate change effects on marine ecosystems. Seasonal fluctuations in seaweed availability impact production stability. The industry also contends with competition from alternative seaweed-producing nations such as China and Indonesia. Regulatory challenges regarding food safety standards and export restrictions can affect market expansion.

South Korea Seaweed Industry: Supply Chain Constraints & Challenges

Bottlenecks in the South Korean seaweed supply chain include logistical challenges in transportation and storage, particularly for fresh seaweed products. Processing and packaging facilities require continuous upgrades to meet increasing demand. Additionally, labor shortages in the aquaculture sector present hurdles in maintaining consistent production levels. The industry is investing in automation and digital tracking solutions to streamline the supply chain and enhance efficiency.

South Korea Seaweed Segmentation Details

The South Korea seaweed market is primarily segmented by type into red, brown, and green seaweed, each serving distinct purposes across end-use industries. Red seaweed, particularly Pyropia (commonly used for nori), holds the largest market share, accounting for over **% of the total seaweed production, driven by its integral role in Korean cuisine and its widespread use in sushi production for both domestic consumption and export. Brown seaweed varieties such as Laminaria (kelp) and Undaria (wakame) follow, representing around **% of production, widely utilized for soups, broths, and as ingredients in functional foods and health supplements due to their rich iodine and alginate content. Green seaweed comprises the remaining **%, primarily used in salads and processed snacks.

By application, the food and beverages segment dominates, absorbing more than **% of the seaweed market volume in South Korea. Seaweed is a dietary staple, commonly found in products like seasoned seaweed snacks, dried seaweed sheets, and miyeok-guk (seaweed soup), with consumption increasing due to its health benefits, including high fiber and antioxidant content. In the pharmaceutical sector, seaweed extracts are used in nutraceuticals and dietary supplements, contributing roughly **% to the market. The cosmetics industry, which accounts for around **% of seaweed usage, utilizes seaweed-derived compounds for their moisturizing and anti-aging properties in skincare formulations. The agriculture and bioplastics segments, though still emerging, are gaining traction due to the growing interest in natural fertilizers and sustainable packaging solutions, together making up about **% of the market. This diversification in end-use industries highlights seaweed's expanding role beyond traditional food products, reinforcing South Korea’s leadership in both innovation and volume in the global seaweed market.

South Korea Seaweed Trade (Export & Import) Trend

South Korea is a leading exporter of processed and raw seaweed, with key markets including Japan, the United States, and China. Export volumes have consistently increased due to growing international demand. Import trends indicate selective sourcing of specific seaweed varieties not readily available domestically. Government policies promoting export diversification are expected to enhance trade growth further.

In 2024, South Korea's seaweed exports—primarily consisting of products intended for human consumption—reached a total value of approximately US$ 476.61 million. These exports include dried seaweed, roasted seaweed (nori), and seasoned varieties that are widely used in culinary applications such as sushi, snacks, soups, and garnishes. South Korea’s seaweed is recognized globally for its high quality, safe processing standards, and consistent supply, making it a preferred choice in international markets.

The majority of these exports were directed toward key Asian and Eurasian markets, with Japan being the largest importer due to its cultural and culinary reliance on seaweed-based products. Thailand and China followed, driven by growing demand for seaweed snacks and health-focused foods. Russia also emerged as a significant importer, reflecting the increasing penetration of Korean food products and healthy eating trends in the region. This strong export performance underlines South Korea’s pivotal role in the global seaweed supply chain and its ability to meet international demand for both traditional and value-added seaweed products.

South Korea Seaweed Market Competitive Analysis

The market is highly competitive, with domestic companies investing in product innovation and sustainable practices. Key players focus on value-added seaweed products to cater to health-conscious consumers. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions are shaping the competitive landscape, with companies expanding their global reach through exports and collaborations.

List of Key Companies (Suppliers/ Processor/ Exporters),

■ CJ CheilJedang Corporation
■ Taokaenoi Food & Marketing PCL
■ Haepyo Co., Ltd.
■ Wando Seaweed
■ Shinsegae Food
■ Kwangcheonkim Co., Ltd.
■ Sempio Foods Company
■ Seoul Trading USA, Inc.
■ Daesang Corporation
■ Dongwon F&B Co., Ltd.
■ Chongga Kimchi Co., Ltd.
■ Ocean Harvest Technology
■ Orion Corporation
■ Seaweed Solution Co., Ltd.
■ Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group

Future Outlook

The South Korea seaweed market is poised for steady growth, driven by increasing global demand, technological innovations, and expanding applications in various industries. Sustainability initiatives and government support will further bolster production and exports. The market is expected to witness higher adoption of eco-friendly packaging and novel seaweed-based products.