Seaweed Production Companies in Korea: An Overview

Abstract

Korea is one of the top four seaweed-producing countries in the world FAO(2017) . In 2017 Korea produced 1,351,258 tons of seaweed out of worldwide production of 30,136,389 tons (wet wt.) This increased to 1,812,765 tons in 2019. Although Saccharina japonica accounts for the largest production biomass (662,557 tons), Pyropia is the most economically important seaweed species in Korea, accounting for 66% of the total seaweed production value. In recent years, industry growth has been achieved through the adoption of technologies that lead to increased productivity. These technologies have been applied across all areas of the industry, from strain selection to the hatchery and growing technologies, harvesting and processing. Although productivity has increased, the number of licensed farms and area of seaweed cultivation has remained reasonably constant. Research continues to support the development of seaweed varieties that support industry growth. These include varieties that have longer growing seasons, are more resilient to climate change, and have a higher proportion of functional ingredients. These new varieties will increase the industry’s value without the need to increase production area or biomass. Further developments in terms of technology and regulation are expected in the future as the Korean seaweed industry develops in line with eco-friendly and health-conscious consumers’ demands.