A local company that developed high-value bio materials from sea cucumbers farmed in Goheung has won the top prize at a national marine startup competition.
The Marine Bio Division of the Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency announced that Haeshin Co., a beneficiary of the Jeonnam Marine and Fisheries Startup Investment Support Center, received the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Award in the commercialization category at the '2026 Marine and Fisheries Startup Contest.'
This year's contest featured over 460 teams from across the country. Haeshin showcased its 'sea cucumber wellness and beauty new material' derived from sea cucumbers directly farmed in the waters of Goheung, demonstrating its technological capabilities and commercialization potential.
The core technology involves ultra-low molecular peptides extracted from sea cucumbers. Haeshin proposed a business model that utilizes these sea cucumbers as high-value bio materials for functional foods and cosmeceuticals, based on its proprietary peptide extraction technology.
The company explained that it has established a 'full-cycle one-stop value chain' that manages the freshness and uniform quality of its products, from sea cucumber farming to bio-processing and extraction.
The Jeonnam Marine and Fisheries Startup Investment Support Center has provided Haeshin with commercialization funding, expert consulting, and assistance in developing domestic and international sales channels. The Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency, under the acting directorship of Yang Wan-gil, is also focusing on supporting the technological commercialization and market entry of local marine and fisheries companies.
Jung Woo-hyuk, head of the Marine Bio Division, stated, “Haeshin's achievement in transforming sea cucumbers into high-value bio materials is a representative outcome of fostering new marine and fisheries industries in Jeonnam. We will continue to provide on-site commercialization support to promising local companies with excellent technologies to enhance their global competitiveness.”
Kim Un-bong, CEO of Haeshin, expressed, “It is meaningful to receive a significant award in a reputable contest, thanks to the tailored support and research and development efforts from the promotion agency. We aim to elevate the sea cucumbers from the clean waters of Goheung into world-class wellness and beauty bio materials and become a global innovative company representing K-marine bio.”
Meanwhile, the Jeonnam Marine and Fisheries Startup Investment Support Center is a collaborative initiative among the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Jeollanam-do, and Mokpo City, with the Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency overseeing the project. It provides startup education, initial funding, technology development, investment attraction, overseas market expansion, and participation in domestic and international exhibitions for marine and fisheries companies in the region.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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