Korean Snack Craze: How Global Demand is Making Gim Unaffordable

Fri Feb 06 2026 01:10:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The rising global appetite for dried seaweed, or gim, has significantly increased its prices in South Korea, transforming this humble snack into a luxury item for many.

As the world's largest producer of gim, South Korea is witnessing soaring prices due to increased global demand, influenced by popular culture and international interest in Korean cuisine. What was once an affordable staple is becoming less accessible, with small sheets of gim now costing over 150 won each. Vendors and consumers express concern about the sustainability of prices as they navigate this unexpected trend.

Korean Snack Craze: How Global Demand is Making Gim Unaffordable

Black, crispy, and often flat and square, dried seaweed known as gim has long been a staple on everyday tables across South Korea. However, as global popularity surges, the prices of this once affordable item have become a serious concern for many.

Lee Hyang-ran, a vendor who has been selling gim for 47 years in a small market stall in Seoul, reflects on the changes. In the past, people from Western countries thought Koreans were eating something weird that looks like a piece of black paper. I never thought I’d be selling gim to them. But now, they all come and buy it, she says.

As South Korea's production and export lead in gim continues, the country's dried seaweed exports reached a staggering $1.13 billion in 2025, according to the Korea Maritime Institute. However, this increased demand has pushed prices up significantly, with a standard sheet rising from about 100 won ($0.06) in 2024 to over 150 won last month—a record high. Premium products now cost up to 350 won per sheet.

Consumers like Kim Jaela, who typically buys in bulk to stock up, are now reconsidering their purchases as prices climb. I can last with two packs of gim for a few weeks, but if prices continue to rise like this, I might not restock, she shares.

The growing global demand for gim is largely driven by cultural phenomena such as K-pop and K-dramas, leading to increased interest in Korean cuisine. Popular products, like Trader Joe's gimbap—a Korean rice roll wrapped in seaweed—have sold out rapidly upon release in the U.S. and worldwide.

Experts point to multiple factors influencing prices, including inflation and labor costs, but many agree that soaring global demand is a significant driver. The South Korean government and food companies are attempting to stabilize prices, but the market remains volatile.

Dried — South Korea is known as the world's largest producer and exporter of dried gim.

As the market thrives, Lee reflects on the rising interest in her products. Gim has been selling like hot cakes... the gimbap sheets are especially popular. I'm glad Korean gim is getting popular.