In brief
The demand for dried seaweed, or gim, has skyrocketed as Korean culture gains worldwide popularity. However, this popularity comes at a cost, with prices rising steadily over the past year, challenging affordability for local consumers who have long viewed it as a cheap snack. These price hikes are attributed to increased global demand and high production costs, leading to fears about the accessibility of this traditional food.
Black, crispy, often flat and square - dried seaweed, known locally as gim, is a humble staple on everyday dining tables across South Korea. But as its global popularity grows, its rising prices are worrying gim-lovers nationwide.
Lee Hyang-ran has been selling gim for the past 47 years. In the past, people from Western countries thought Koreans were eating something weird that looks like a piece of black paper, the vendor says from her small market stall in central Seoul. I never thought I'd be selling gim to them. But now, they all come here and buy it.
South Korea is known to be the world's largest producer and exporter of gim, supplying markets across Asia, North America, and Europe. Some even refer to the product as Korea's black semiconductor, a nod to South Korea's substantial share in the global semiconductor industry. Exports have increased steadily over recent years - in 2025, South Korea's dried seaweed exports hit a record $1.13bn, according to the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI).
However, as demand rises, so do prices. Known locally as an affordable snack, gim cost around 100 won ($0.06) per sheet in 2024 - but last month, prices soared to over 150 won per sheet, a record high.
Lee notes that premium products now cost as much as 350 won per sheet. Consumers like Kim Jaela, who typically buys in bulk, are reconsidering their purchasing habits due to rising costs, which have surged significantly, causing buyers to hesitate and plan for potential changes in their grocery shopping.
The worldwide appetite for gim reflects a growing global demand for Korean goods, driven by cultural influences like K-pop and K-dramas. As global audiences engage with such entertainment, they increasingly seek out Korean cuisine, pushing businesses to adapt.
The Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is responding to the situation, pledging to monitor pricing and stabilize costs. Efforts to curb rising prices might help keep this beloved snack accessible while catering to the growing international interest in Korean food.
