23-07-2025
More than seaweed: Unwrapping gim in 2 minutes
Once a savory companion to rice on Korean tables, Korean dried seaweed, or gim, has risen to global fame. Yet do you really know about it -- and if so, how much?
Discover more below: The expanding role of gim in Korea's economy, and, in parallel, the nation's growing role in harnessing it for a more sustainable food future and climate action.
What is gim?
A type of dried edible seaweed commonly used in Korean cuisine
Seaweeds used belong to the red algae genera such as Pyropia and Porphyra
Its key export role earned it the nickname 'black semiconductor,' echoing the importance of microchips in Korea's economy
Culinary versatility
Gim is a key ingredient in gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), a popular Korean food, especially in the US
Used as a topping for rice bowls, soups and noodle dishes, or enjoyed as a snack
Its versatility extends to fusion dishes like pizza and even ice cream
Globally gaining attention as a sustainable superfood that requires no land, fertilizer or freshwater, while benefiting ocean ecosystems
Export performance
A key role in Korea's seafood exports, making up nearly one third of the nation's $3.03 billion seafood export revenue in 2024
Export value reached $997 miliion in 2024, up 25.8 percent on-year
Korea holds over 70 percent of the global seaweed market
In the first quarter, gim exports reached $281 million, up 21.1 percent on-year
Top destinations are the US ($57.9 million), China ($51.1 million), Japan ($34.4 million), Thailand ($34.2 million)
Government vision
Companies leading innovation in land-based farming:
New gim varieties
Rising sea temperatures, up 1.36 degrees Celsius over the past 55 years, have shortened seaweed harvesting seasons
A 35 billion won ($25.2 million) national project running through 2029 aims to develop year-round seed strains and build controlled marine farming systems
Companies leading innovation in land-based farming:
CJ CheilJedang: Secured a land-farming gim variety in 2023; targeting commercialization by 2028
Daesang: Pilot production started in 2023
Pulmuone: Operates land-farming research facilities since 2021
Climate solution
