Seoul: South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced plans to establish the Korean term "gim" as the globally recognized name for seaweed products to boost international exports. The ministry's efforts come in response to the various names used for gim in the global market, including nori, seaweed, and laver. According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry intends to promote "gim" through the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a body established by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1962 to develop food standards. The ministry emphasized that once "gim" is recognized globally, it will benefit from reduced tariff barriers, potentially increasing exports. South Korea has seen significant growth in seaweed exports, reaching $790 million in 2023, which is a 22.2 percent increase from the previous year. The country currently dominates over 70 percent of the global seaweed market. Gim products, often roasted with sesame seed oil and fine salt, are traditional side di shes in Korean cuisine and have become increasingly popular as snacks worldwide. In addition to promoting "gim," the ministry plans to introduce a grading system for seaweed products to provide consumers with more options and encourage producers to improve quality. South Korea also plans to expand production to meet growing global demand, including a pilot program for cultivating seaweed in offshore waters.