This article was published on April 2, 2025, at 4:35 p.m. on the ChosunBiz RM Report site.
Due to rising sea temperatures caused by climate change, the environment for seaweed cultivation is deteriorating, prompting the government and major food companies to develop land-based seaweed farming technology. Once land-based seaweed farming is commercialized and less affected by the climate crisis and marine pollution, consumers will be able to enjoy seaweed at uniform quality and price throughout the year.
◇ Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries selects final contractors for land-based seaweed farming project this month
According to the related industry on the 2nd, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced new projects for the 'Sustainable High-Quality Seaweed Seed Production and Land-Based Farming Technology Development' in January. The final contractor will be selected this month, with plans to invest a total of 35 billion won over five years to promote research on land-based seaweed farming technology. The project consists of two tasks: 'Year-round supply and mass cultivation technology development of land-based seaweed seed' and 'Development of land-based seaweed farming systems and quality control technology for year-round production.' Participation from corporations is mandatory in a consortium format.
Land-based seaweed farming refers to the method of cultivating seaweed raw materials in facilities that create environments similar to the ocean indoors. Major food corporations are accelerating technology development through collaboration with local governments, research institutions, and others. CJ CheilJedang signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Jeollanam-do and Haenam-gun in February to participate in the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries project. The technological prowess of CJ CheilJedang, which began developing land-based farming technology, is expected to gain momentum in land-based seaweed farming combined with Jeollanam-do, which accounts for about 80% of the country's seaweed production and Haenam-gun, a representative seaweed-producing area in South Korea.
CJ CheilJedang began developing land-based seaweed farming technology in 2018 and successfully cultivated it in a tank in 2021. Last year, it secured a variety specifically for land-based farming and is currently developing it with the goal of commercialization by 2028. A representative from CJ CheilJedang noted, 'Seaweed cannot grow at high temperatures, so it's necessary to lower the water temperature even indoors.' They added, 'Cooling requires a lot of energy, but CJ CheilJedang has developed seaweed that grows well even at high temperatures, which is a differentiating point.'
Pulmuone began developing land-based farming technology in 2021. Last March, they obtained permission for land-based seawater aquaculture and are researching land-based seaweed farming in a pilot facility approved by the Pulmuone Technology Institute. In February, they signed an MOU with 11 institutions, including the Saemangeum Development Agency, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, Gunsan City, Korea Agricultural and Rural Infrastructure Corporation, and local fishermen's organizations, as well as Kongju National University and Pohang University of Science and Technology, to establish a partnership for the successful Saemangeum Global Seaweed Land Farming Project. They decided to additionally create land for land-based seaweed projects in the Saemangeum National Industrial Complex.
Dongwon F&B signed an MOU with the Jeju Technopark Lava Seawater Center last October to develop smart land-based farming technology utilizing Jeju lava seawater. Dongwon F&B is collaborating with the Jeju region, which has optimal seawater temperatures for seaweed farming, around 15 degrees Celsius. Dongwon uniquely operates a 'raw material quality inspector' in the country, thoroughly managing the quality of raw materials from spore dispersal to harvesting.
Daesang has been conducting a pilot project for establishing an eco-friendly land-based seaweed farming basis in cooperation with Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do, and Hana Fisheries since 2023. They successfully completed the first pilot cultivation last year and will finish the second pilot cultivation facility next month.
◇ Surface sea temperature in Korean waters rises by 1.36℃ over 55 years
According to a survey by the National Institute of Fisheries Science, the surface sea temperature in Korean waters has risen by about 1.36℃ over the past 55 years. This has reduced the duration of temperatures suitable for seaweed farming, which is between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius. As a result, the price of seaweed has also fluctuated significantly. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, the price of dried seaweed was 1,400 won for 10 sheets in February, marking increases of 26% from the previous year and 49% from the average year. Although there was an oversupply that caused prices to plummet and waste issues for fresh seaweed, it has recently begun stabilizing again.
Cultivating seaweed on land makes it easier to control the environment, including supply and temperature regulation. An industry representative stated, 'Land-based seaweed farming can precisely control environmental conditions to ensure optimal growth rates and reduce risks of diseases and pollution,' adding, 'Ultimately, it can continuously produce higher-quality seaweed.'
Once land-based seaweed farming is commercialized, it is expected to effectively respond to increasing global market demand. According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the seaweed export amount last year recorded approximately $997 million (1.3 trillion won), a 25.8% increase from the previous year.
In the National Assembly, the amendment to the 'Law on Promoting and Supporting the Seaweed Industry' is also pending a vote in the plenary session. The amendment specifies the definition of the seaweed industry to include the cultivation and production of seaweed seeds and adds seed support to the government's basic plan. It also establishes a legal basis for the national and local governments to promote research and development and dissemination projects aimed at improving the quality of seaweed farming and enhancing productivity.
An industry representative noted, 'Land-based seaweed farming is an important technology for securing stable production volumes and high-quality seaweed production, which will contribute to the development of the seaweed industry,' adding that 'It also opens up possibilities for land-based farming of other seaweeds.'