South Korea Commercial Seaweed Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Red Seaweed, Brown Seaweed, Green Seaweed), By Application (Food & Beverages, Animal Feed, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Others), and South Korea Commercial Seaweed Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Commercial Seaweed Market Size Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Commercial Seaweed Market Size was estimated at USD 584.2 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 2.58% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Commercial Seaweed Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 773.2 Million by 2035

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Commercial Seaweed Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 773.2 Million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 2.58% from 2025 to 2035.The market is driven by rising demand for edible seaweed in traditional and packaged foods, along with growing health awareness and functional uses. Increasing support for sustainable aquaculture and expansion into cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications further fuel market growth.

Market Overview

South Korea commercial seaweed market is an enterprise engaged in seaweed breeding, harvesting, processing, and selling different types of seaweed such as red seaweed, brown seaweed, and green seaweed. The market is an important segment for the food, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries in the country. South Korea is among the largest seaweed-producing countries in the globe with a rich history of seaweed use coupled with sophisticated aquaculture practices. The UK sector is expanding with rising demand for seaweed food items like dried sheets and flavored snacks fueled by consumer realization of the nutritional value of seaweed. Application of seaweed in cosmetics, health supplements, and agriculture is also changing very quickly. Seaweed is appreciated for natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. Governmental support, research and development effort, and investments in aquaculture with sustainable practices are fueling industry growth. Resilient to seasonal and environmental pressures, commercial seaweed is a leading and new industry in the ocean economy of South Korea.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea commercial seaweed market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea commercial seaweed market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the South Korea commercial seaweed market.

Driving Factors

South Korea commercial seaweed business is driven by rising demand for nutritious edible seaweed in traditional foods and processed foods. Health-conscious consumers continue to favour seaweed soups, snacks, and health foods. Rising applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture further boost market growth. Government incentives to sustainable aquaculture, export promotion, and investment in seaweed research are fueling the industry. A synergy of a robust domestic consumption and increasing global demand has to be the driver of long term market growth.

Restraining Factors

South Korean seaweed market is restrained with limitations like environmental sensitivity such as change in water temperature and pollution, to yield and quality.  Supply consistency is limited by seasonal harvesting, and operational constraints are imposed by labour shortages and rising production costs. Costly producers also put pressure on prices and export competitiveness.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea commercial seaweed market share is classified into product type and application.

• The red seaweed segment held the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea commercial seaweed market is segmented by product type into red seaweed, brown seaweed, and green seaweed. Among these, the red seaweed segment held the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Red seaweed, mainly consumed in Korean cuisine, hold significant market shares in local markets and exports, particularly as snack and dried sheet.

• The food and beverages segment dominated the market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea commercial seaweed market is segmented application into food & beverages, animal feed, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and others. Among these, the food and beverages segment dominated the market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Seaweed is a staple in daily Korean meals and has experienced increasing demand in snacks, soups, sauces, and functional foods in the local and overseas markets.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea commercial seaweed market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Cargill Incorporated
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• Gelymar S.A.
• Acadian Seaplants Limited
• Algaia SA
• CP Kelco U.S., Inc.
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at South Korea, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South Korea commercial seaweed market based on the below-mentioned segments

South Korea Commercial Seaweed Market, By Product Type

• Red Seaweed
• Brown Seaweed
• Green Seaweed

South Korea Commercial Seaweed Market, By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Animal Feed
• Agriculture
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics
• Others