'K-Jeonnam Seaweed' Launches, Aiming for the Global Market

Jeollanam-do is accelerating the globalization of the seaweed industry by launching the premium seaweed brand 'K-Jeonnam Seaweed'. Provided by Jeonnam Province

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Jeollanam-do has officially launched its efforts to globalize the seaweed industry by introducing the premium seaweed brand 'K-Jeonnam Seaweed', made from Gopchang Dolgim harvested in the tidal flats of Shinan.

Jeollanam-do is the largest production area in the country, accounting for over 80% of Korea's total seaweed output. The province also boasts 90.4% of the tidal flats designated as UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites, providing optimal conditions for seaweed cultivation.

As the value of local creators and local economies is rising worldwide, the growth potential of Jeonnam seaweed is limitless.

With the launch of this brand, Jeollanam-do aims to foster Jeonnam seaweed as a flagship product of "K-Food loved by the world" and to widely promote the value of seaweed-which is known as the "black semiconductor" in the global market-by implementing a premium product strategy.

Additionally, Jeollanam-do has produced a K-Jeonnam Seaweed pamphlet that tells the story of the history and value of seaweed, making it easy for overseas buyers and consumers to understand and enjoy its appeal.

The pamphlet features a section titled "Why Is It Called Gim?" explaining that in around 1640, Kim Yeoik in Gwangyang, Jeonnam, first developed the method for cultivating seaweed, and that the product came to be called "gim" after his surname. It also cites a 1714 record by Heo Sim, then magistrate of Gwangyang County, stating, "He was the first to begin seaweed cultivation and develop its farming methods, providing people with excellent food; surely, this is an uncommon insight." This passage emphasizes Jeonnam as the birthplace of the world's first seaweed farming.

The pamphlet also includes infographics illustrating the nutritional content of seaweed, its benefits for health, dieting, and growth, as well as global uses such as seaweed chips, gimbap, and seasoned seaweed flakes, enhancing visual understanding.

'K-Jeonnam Seaweed' is produced by Shinan Cheonsa Seaweed Co., Ltd., which was selected for the Jeonnam Seaweed Commercialization Development and Marketing Support Project. Part of the sales proceeds will be used for Jeollanam-do's social contribution projects at the end of the year.

On September 13, Jeollanam-do operated a promotional booth at the Seoul Africa Festival, introducing the history, nutrition, and health benefits of seaweed and holding a tasting event for K-Jeonnam Seaweed, which received a positive response from visitors. Going forward, the province plans to expand online and offline marketing by entering overseas permanent sales locations, H Mart's online mall, Weee, and Amazon's Jeonnam Brand Pavilion, and to increase experiential promotions that incorporate global consumption trends such as gimbap, seaweed chips, and seaweed snacks.

Next year, Jeollanam-do will hold a large-scale promotional event to commemorate entry into major global retailers and will implement multifaceted promotional strategies, including SNS viral marketing using overseas influencers, to firmly establish 'K-Jeonnam Seaweed' in the minds of buyers and consumers around the world.

The product can be purchased through the manufacturer, Shinan Cheonsa Seaweed Co., Ltd., and starting in November, it will also be available on the company's own online mall and Namdo Marketplace, as well as other online stores.

Shin Hyungon, Director of International Cooperation at Jeollanam-do, stated, "The seaweed industry is a key growth driver for Jeonnam's fisheries sector and the K-Food with the greatest growth potential in the global market. The launch of K-Jeonnam Seaweed will promote Jeonnam, the birthplace of seaweed, to the world market, continuously lead and promote K-Food exports, and make a significant contribution to stabilizing the income of farmers and fishermen and revitalizing the regional economy."

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