New Land-Based Farming Project Aims to Ensure Year-Round Supply of Korean Seaweed for Global Markets
CJ Foods is set to take a major step toward the commercialization of land-based seaweed cultivation with plans to begin construction of a dedicated gim production facility in Cheonan, South Korea, this August. The project is designed to support the growing global demand for gim, a popular Korean seaweed product widely used in snacks, sushi rolls, and traditional dishes such as gimbap.
The new facility marks the next phase of CJ Foods’ long-term investment in advanced seaweed cultivation technologies. Since 2018, the company has been developing methods to cultivate gim on land as an alternative to conventional ocean farming, which is increasingly affected by rising sea temperatures and environmental challenges. The company previously achieved successful cultivation in laboratory-scale tanks and later developed a proprietary gim variety optimized for land-based production.
Scheduled for completion during the first half of 2027, the Cheonan facility will feature multiple cultivation tanks and integrated production systems. Once operational, it will enable CJ Foods to produce gim throughout the year under carefully controlled conditions, overcoming the seasonal limitations associated with traditional sea-based harvesting. The company expects this approach to deliver consistent quality, enhanced flavor, and improved supply reliability.
A key advantage of the project is its use of proprietary technologies developed by CJ Foods. These include life-cycle control systems for seaweed cultivation, specialized nutrient media designed to optimize growth, and advanced quality management processes. The company has also developed methods aimed at reducing waste, preventing heavy metal accumulation, and improving overall production efficiency.
The seaweed produced at the facility will be marketed under the company’s well-known brand, bibigo, and supplied to international markets, including the United States. The investment aligns with the increasing global popularity of Korean cuisine and the rapid growth of seaweed-based food products among health-conscious consumers.
Beyond commercial production, CJ Foods plans to collaborate with local governments and fishing communities to establish a broader land-based cultivation ecosystem. The initiative is expected to strengthen supply chain resilience while supporting sustainable food production and innovation within South Korea’s expanding food export sector.
As demand for Korean food continues to rise worldwide, the new facility could play an important role in securing a stable and sustainable source of premium gim while helping position CJ Foods at the forefront of future food production technologies.