The world is paying increasing attention to seaweed farming as a sustainable food source for the future and a solution to climate change. Korea is a globally recognized leader in seaweed farming, having achieved seaweed exports totaling USD 1.04 billion.

The Seaweed Research Institute traces its origins to the Jeollanam-do Fisheries Experiment Station, established in 1924. It was reorganized as the Mokpo Fisheries Research Institute under the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute in 1985, later becoming the Seaweed Research Center of the National Institute of Fisheries Science in 2004, and finally, the Seaweed Research Institute in 2023. With nearly a century of history, the Institute has continuously supported the development of Korea’s seaweed industry as a specialized research institution.

As the country's only specialized seaweed research institute, it plays a leading role in developing new seaweed varieties, advancement of aquaculture technologies, and technical support for fisheries operations. The Institute also plays a leading role in future-oriented research areas such as seaweed-based blue carbon.

In addition, the Institute operates the largest seaweed genetic resource bank in Korea. Through the conservation and management of genetic resources, as well as their deposit and distribution, the Institute contributes to seaweed breeding research, new variety development, and on-site dissemination, thereby supporting the stable growth of the seaweed aquaculture industry.

Looking ahead, the Seaweed Research Institute remains committed to developing superior seaweed varieties and forward-looking aquaculture technologies to respond to climate change and secure future food resources, while fostering seaweed aquaculture as a sustainable, high-value-added industry.

Thank you.