Hae Kang Co., Ltd., operating under its renowned brand "Haedong Changa," is a leading South Korean manufacturer and exporter of premium dried and seasoned seafood products. Based in Icheon-si, Republic of Korea, the company has built a strong domestic and international reputation for its authentic seafood offerings, particularly in dried anchovies, squid, pollack, and value-added seaweed snacks.
Company Overview
Founded with a deep-rooted commitment to traditional Korean seafood processing methods and modern hygiene standards, Hae Kang Co., Ltd. has become a trusted name in the seafood export industry. The company focuses on delivering high-quality, additive-free seafood snacks that are widely consumed as daily side dishes and healthy snacks across Asia and beyond.
Core Business
Hae Kang Co., Ltd. specializes in the production, packaging, and export of:
- Dried Seafood Products: including Dried Anchovy, Dried Squid, Shredded Dried Pollack, and Roasted Dried Filefish Fillet.
- Seasoned Seafood Snacks: such as Red and White Dried Shredded Squid and their signature product, Yukslang Gopchang Laver—a premium seaweed product made using beef intestines broth for added flavor.
Their offerings blend traditional Korean culinary methods with modern processing and packaging standards, ensuring extended shelf life and export compliance.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
The company’s flagship product, Yukslang Gopchang Laver, has carved a niche in the competitive seaweed snack market by utilizing a unique recipe based on gopchang (beef intestines) broth. This innovation not only enhances taste but also sets their product apart in a crowded marketplace.
Other unique features include:
- Use of natural drying processes without artificial additives.
- Strict quality control and hygiene standards in their HACCP-certified facilities.
- Focus on premium Korean-origin seafood, maintaining freshness and authenticity.
Export and Shipment Data
According to global trade data from ImportYeti and Volza, Hae Kang Co., Ltd. has been actively exporting to countries such as the United States, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia. Over the last 3 years, the company has completed:
- 120+ international shipments
- Exporting goods valued at over USD 4 million cumulatively
- Primarily in the category of dried anchovy and seasoned laver snacks
This performance reflects strong demand for their niche seafood offerings in both retail and wholesale segments.
Target Markets
Hae Kang targets health-conscious consumers and traditional food lovers in:
- North America: where K-food and seaweed snacks are seeing increased traction.
- East Asia: especially Japan and China, which have a high appetite for dried seafood.
- Southeast Asia & Oceania: with growing Korean food popularity.
- Korean diaspora markets worldwide.
Their multi-product SKUs are suited for supermarkets, gourmet stores, online specialty food platforms, and HORECA channels.
Certifications and Compliance
- HACCP Certified Facility for seafood drying and processing.
- KFDA compliant products ensuring food safety and quality.
- Adherence to export packaging and labeling standards for all key international markets.
Production Capabilities
Hae Kang’s facility in Icheon-si includes:
- Dedicated processing lines for drying, seasoning, and packaging.
- Cold storage infrastructure to maintain freshness.
- Flexible production to support both OEM/ODM contracts and in-house brands.
Financial Highlights
While exact revenue numbers are not publicly disclosed, the company’s visible shipment volumes and partnerships with major e-commerce channels like Naver Smart Store and food retailers in Japan indicate consistent business growth.
They have been featured in Korean domestic food exhibitions and are currently expanding into global trade shows, strengthening their B2B footprint.
Major Achievements
- Development of Yukslang Gopchang Laver, a category-first in flavored seaweed snacks.
- Export presence in 5+ countries including the U.S., Japan, Vietnam, and Australia.
- Featured on multiple food review and unboxing YouTube channels promoting Korean seafood.
- Consistent positive reviews on Korean e-commerce platforms for product taste and quality.
Customer Feedback
Customer testimonials, especially on Naver Smart Store and YouTube reviews, frequently highlight:
- "Rich flavor and excellent texture of the shredded squid."
- "The Yukslang Gopchang Laver is unlike any seaweed snack I’ve tried—savory and umami-rich."
- "Packaging is great for gifting and long-term storage."
These authentic voices underscore the brand’s appeal across demographics and regions.
Brand and Marketing
Operating under the brand Haedong Changa, the company leverages digital platforms like YouTube for product awareness and storytelling. Their growing online footprint complements physical trade participation and export expansion.
With continued focus on innovation, quality, and authenticity, Hae Kang Co., Ltd. is positioning itself as a premium Korean seafood exporter to the world.