South Korea's seafood exports reached an all-time high of $3.33 billion last year, driven by rising demand for dried seaweed products. The figure marks a 9.7 percent increase from 2024, according to government data.
South Korea's seafood exports reached an all-time high of $3.33 billion in 2025, fueled by strong overseas demand for dried seaweed products, government data showed on Thursday.
The figure represents a 9.7 percent rise from $3.03 billion in 2024, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Exports of dried seaweed, known as "gim" in Korean, surged 13.7 percent year-on-year to a record $1.13 billion, driven by robust international interest.
Shipments of mackerel jumped 128.8 percent to $200 million, while squid exports climbed 48.7 percent to $110 million.
By destination, exports to the United States increased 9 percent to $520 million, led by popular seasoned gim, tuna, and oysters, despite U.S. tariff measures. Shipments to Japan grew 3.1 percent to $680 million, and to China rose 8 percent to $620 million.
"Last year's export performance, achieved amid uncertainties in the global trade environment, demonstrates the competitiveness of our seafood products," acting Oceans Minister Kim Sung-bum said in a press release. This milestone underscores the resilience of South Korea's seafood sector in a challenging global market.
