Gwangju's seafood processing revenue surpassed 2.6 trillion won last year, marking a record high. Notably, the growth of seaweed products was prominent, with Mokpo recording the highest revenue among regions.
According to Gwangju's seafood processing industry statistics released on September 7, 2025, the total revenue from seafood processing reached 2.6397 trillion won, an increase of 181.5 billion won (7.4%) from the previous year's 2.4582 trillion won.
Since recording 1.5235 trillion won in 2020, Gwangju has maintained its position as the top producer in the country for six consecutive years. Last year, Gwangju accounted for 29.8% of the national seafood processing revenue, which totaled 8.867 trillion won.
The main driver of revenue growth was seaweed. The revenue from dried seaweed reached 1.2413 trillion won, an increase of 203.1 billion won (20%) from the previous year, while seasoned seaweed saw revenue rise to 564.8 billion won, up 116.3 billion won (26%). The combined increase from these two products alone amounted to 319.4 billion won.
Despite a decrease in revenue from some products like sea mustard, squid, and kelp, the overall performance improved due to the growth of the seaweed processing industry.
Although the total production volume of seafood processing decreased by 1% to 233,000 tons due to high temperatures, the revenue reached an all-time high. The increase in revenue from high-value products like seaweed helped boost overall performance.
Following seaweed, the revenue from Pacific saury was recorded at 198.4 billion won, with sea mustard at 95.8 billion won and tuna at 86.8 billion won.
By city and county, Mokpo led with 544.1 billion won, accounting for 21% of the total. Haenam followed with 457.7 billion won (17%), and Goheung with 340.9 billion won (13%).
In terms of production volume, Goheung topped the list with 68,000 tons, making up 29% of the total. Mokpo produced 34,000 tons (15%), while Wando recorded 24,000 tons (10%). Mokpo's revenue share was notably higher than its production volume ranking, highlighting the added value of its seafood processing industry.
Son Yeong-gon, head of the seafood distribution and processing division in Gwangju, stated, “Despite challenging conditions such as high temperatures, the revenue from local seafood processing products, centered around seaweed, has reached a record high. We will continue to expand related infrastructure to develop Gwangju as a hub for K-seafood production and export.”
Meanwhile, Gwangju plans to promote the growth of K-seaweed across the seafood sector by establishing seafood export complexes, building large-scale logistics centers, and expanding processing facilities. The aim is to transition from a production-focused seafood industry to a high-value industry that integrates processing, logistics, and exports, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of local seafood products both domestically and internationally.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.