Gwangcheon, in Hongseong County, South Chungcheong, has been a laver hub since the Joseon era. Dried laver processed along the south and west coasts gathered in its market, and the town's name became shorthand for quality.[2]
The founder of Gwangcheon Kim Co. was himself a wholesaler supplying dried laver to that market. Since incorporating in 1996 the company has grown from one factory to five, and under CEO Kim Jae-yu it is now one of Korea's largest laver makers.[1][2][3]
From side dish to global snack
QHow much of the business is overseas?
AGwangcheon KimIndustry reports put overseas sales at about 60% of revenue. The company exports to 60–70 countries including the US, China and Japan, and received a USD 50 million export award in 2021.[1][3]
QWhy build factories in the US?
AGwangcheon KimTo respond quickly to large local retailers. Plants in Cerritos on the West Coast and Baltimore on the East Coast supply "Made in USA" products to warehouse clubs, alongside a seaweed snack line aimed at the US snack aisle.[3]
"Gwangcheon Kim, recognized by the world, will lead K-food with taste and health"
— Headline of a Hongseong Shinmun interview (translated)[4]
Hands-on from raw laver to packaging
QHow is quality managed?
AGwangcheon KimThe company controls the chain from buying raw laver to processing and distribution, and holds HACCP, ISO 22000 and BRC certifications to meet demanding overseas buyers.[3]
QWhat comes next?
AGwangcheon KimGwangcheon Kim has been reported to be preparing a KOSDAQ listing, with proceeds expected to go to smart-factory expansion and global marketing.[3]
How laver sells at the airport
- Character packaging lowers the barrier for travelers trying laver for the first time.
- Lunchbox packs and stick flakes are eaten right away in hotels and on planes.
- The place name itself tells the origin story.
With Dananuri, into travelers' shopping baskets
Even for a brand that exports to some 70 countries, duty-free is a different stage: tens of thousands of international travelers pass through the airport every day, choosing gifts against the clock. Dananuri has worked with Gwangcheon Kim to shape its classic laver and character gift lines for duty-free shelves, and handles listing, logistics and sales alongside the brand.
Through Dananuri, Gwangcheon Kim now offers 11 SKUs on Lotte and Shilla online duty free — a chance to be the last gift packed in a traveler's bag before leaving Korea.
Gwangcheon Kim
In duty-free with Dananuri
Products Dananuri supplies to Lotte and Shilla online duty free. Tap a product for price comparison and store links.
Gwangcheon Kim
Gwangcheon Olive Seaweed (Full Sheet) 5P
Reference price · subject to change
$9.10-35%
Gwangcheon Kim
Gwangcheon Juljuli Seaweed
Reference price · subject to change
$9.10-35%
SeaweedView details →Gwangcheon Kim
Gwangcheon Olive Green Tea Seaweed 18P
Reference price · subject to change
$11.05-35%
SeaweedView details →Gwangcheon Kim
Gwangcheon Kakao Choonsik Seaweed Original 18P
Reference price · subject to change
$11.05-35%
Gwangcheon shows that a region can be a competitive edge. That is why Dananuri goes looking for regional brands.
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If you have great ingredients and a true story, Dananuri will set the duty-free stage, from listing review to in-store sales.
Sources
Reports and materials cited in this story. Each link opens the original.
- [1]홍성신문
광천김, 세계 속에서 날개 달았다 ↗ - [2]에코저널
네니아 제품 생산지를 찾아서 4… 광천김 ↗ - [3]더바이어 · 2026-01-28
매각 대신 상장?…K-김 ‘수출 주도’ 광천김의 빅피처는 ↗ - [4]홍성신문
“세계가 인정한 광천김, 맛과 건강으로 K-푸드 이끌겠다” ↗
