South Korea Edible Seaweed Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Brown Seaweeds, Red Seaweeds, and Green Seaweeds), By Application (Food & Beverages, Feed, Pharmaceuticals, and Cosmetics & Personal Care), and South Korea Edible Seaweed Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts To 2035

South Korea Edible Seaweed Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Edible Seaweed Market Size was estimated at USD 222.4 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 10.71% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Edible Seaweed Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 681.4 Million by 2035

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, The South Korea Edible Seaweed Market Size is anticipated to Reach USD 681.4 Million by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 10.71% from 2025 to 2035. The market is driven by growing health consciousness and rising demand for nutrient-rich, low-calorie superfoods. Expanding applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, along with strong export demand, further fuel market growth.

Market Overview

South Koreas Edible Seaweed Market Size is rising steadily, supported by robust domestic demand and expanding global demand for high-nutrient, sustainable food. Seaweed is a mainstay ingredient in Korean food and regularly included in everyday meals, such as soups, rice dishes, and snacks. Due to rising health awareness, foods that are low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants such as seaweed are increasingly desirable. Like brown, red, and green seaweeds are utilized for various diet and functional applications, and its application goes beyond conventional food and beverages to contemporary ones like supplements, vegetable-based snacks, and functional foods. Nevertheless, the food and beverages industry is largest in consumption, but the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries are increasingly making use of seaweed for its bioactive compositions. Its innovative seaweed cultivation methods, favorable government policies, and robust export infrastructure are also factors behind the global leadership of South Korea in seaweed trade. Weather and season permitting, the industry is on the path to long-term growth through innovation and diversified usage.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea edible 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 edible 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 edible seaweed market.

Driving Factors

The edible seaweed market in South Korea is influenced by rising consumer sensitivity to the health benefit delivered by seaweed, including high levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Rise in demand for organic, low-calorie, and plant-based food has elevated seaweed as a superfood not only in domestic but also on international markets. Rising application in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and pet nutrition also propels the market. Heavy government patronage for aquaculture and advancements in seaweed processing further reinforce the expansion in the industry.

Restraining Factors

The South Korean market for seaweed edibles is restrained by climatic conditions of harvest, impacting routine supply. Seaweed quality and yield are influenced by pollution at sea and climate change. Furthermore, the uncertain price volatility of raw material and the low level of consumer awareness of distinctive types of seaweed contribute to market diversification limitations. Industrial uses on a large scale face challenges from the absence of standardized processing techniques.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea Edible Seaweed Market share is classified into type and application.

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

The South Korea edible seaweed market is segmented by type into brown seaweeds, red seaweeds, and green seaweeds. Among these, the brown seaweeds segment held the largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period Brown algae such as kelp and wakame share applications in soups, broths, and side dishes and are prized for their content of iodine, fiber, and antioxidants.

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

The South Korea edible seaweed market is segmented by application into food & beverages, feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics & personal care. Among these, the food & beverages segment dominated the market share in 2024. This is consistent with the traditional staple function of seaweed in Korean cuisine and its widespread application in international cuisines. Product innovation for seasonings, snacks, and health foods further broadens this category.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea edible 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

• CJ CheilJedang
• Daesang Corporation
• Sempio Foods Company
• Dongwon F&B
• Shinhan Seaweed Co., Ltd.
• Gim Factory Co., Ltd.
• 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 edible seaweed market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Edible Seaweed Market, By Type

• Brown Seaweeds
• Red Seaweeds
• Green Seaweeds

South Korea Edible Seaweed Market, By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Feed
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics & Personal Care