Daehan Mulsan Co., Ltd., located in Wando, South Jeolla Province, Republic of Korea, is a prominent manufacturer and exporter of premium-grade seaweed products. Renowned for its signature brand Cleopatra Salt Laver, the company blends traditional Korean seaweed cultivation practices with modern processing technologies to deliver natural, nutritious, and sustainably sourced sea vegetables to the global market.
Company Background
Founded with a mission to introduce Korea’s high-quality seaweed to international consumers, Daehan Mulsan Co., Ltd. has grown to become a leading player in the seafood export sector. Strategically headquartered in Wando—an island famed for its pristine waters and ideal marine conditions—the company benefits from direct access to top-quality raw materials.
With a vertically integrated operation covering harvesting, drying, roasting, and packaging, Daehan Mulsan ensures end-to-end quality control and traceability. The company maintains strong relationships with local seaweed farmers and applies eco-friendly harvesting practices that preserve marine biodiversity.
Product and Service Offerings
Daehan Mulsan’s core product range includes:
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Cleopatra Salt Laver
- A premium roasted seaweed product seasoned with mineral-rich Wando salt
- Available in snack-sized packs, full sheets, and foodservice formats
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Dry Seaweed (Wakame & Seamustard)
- Naturally sun-dried and rehydratable
- Widely used in soups, salads, and health foods
-
Organic Dry Kelp Pieces
- Harvested from certified organic marine zones
- Suitable for broth, snacks, or further processing
-
Roasted Kimbap Laver
- Specially processed to retain pliability for rolling without breaking
- Export-grade for Japanese and Southeast Asian markets
All products are made with minimal processing to retain nutritional value, offering high levels of iodine, calcium, dietary fiber, and essential amino acids.
Specialization and Core USP
Daehan Mulsan’s unique strengths lie in:
- Location Advantage: Based in Wando, a region recognized by the Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries for sustainable aquaculture
- Premium Branding: “Cleopatra Salt Laver” differentiates itself by using locally sourced, solar-evaporated sea salt
- Clean Label Products: No additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors
- Organic Practices: Use of HACCP and organic-certified production lines
The company emphasizes traceability and transparency, a key differentiator in the international health food sector.
Financial and Market Performance
Though exact financial details are undisclosed, insights from Korean seafood export databases and trade directories indicate:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: USD 3–5 million
- Export Share: More than 70% of total production is exported
- Growth Rate: Consistent year-on-year growth of 12–15% (2019–2023)
- Domestic Retail Reach: Distributed through health food stores, online marketplaces, and premium supermarkets in Korea
The brand’s popularity in niche health-conscious and vegan segments contributes to sustained demand both domestically and overseas.
International Shipments
Daehan Mulsan actively exports to over 15 countries, maintaining a growing presence in health food and Asian specialty markets abroad:
- Key Markets: United States, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, UAE, Canada
- Certifications for Export: EU Organic, USDA Organic (in progress), Korean FDA
- Export Volume: Approx. 200–300 metric tons annually
- Preferred Packaging: Resealable pouches, vacuum-sealed packs, foodservice cartons
Participation in major trade shows such as Seoul Food & Hotel, Food Taipei, and Gulfood has strengthened brand visibility in international buyer networks.
Target Market
The company targets:
- Organic and health food distributors
- Ethnic supermarkets and Asian grocery chains
- Vegan and gluten-free specialty markets
- Foodservice clients including sushi restaurants and school meal suppliers
Product appeal is strongest among health-conscious consumers, vegetarians, and individuals seeking iodine-rich superfoods.
Operational Capabilities
Daehan Mulsan’s Wando-based facility is equipped for medium-scale production and adheres to modern hygiene and safety standards:
- Processing Lines: Roasting, drying, sorting, and vacuum packaging
- Daily Capacity: Up to 3 tons of raw seaweed processed per day
- Cold Storage: Facilities for post-harvest preservation
- R&D Division: Focused on flavor development and packaging innovation
Operations are streamlined to allow efficient fulfillment of both bulk and private-label orders.
Certifications and Compliance
The company maintains the following certifications:
- HACCP Certification
- KFDA (Korea Food & Drug Administration) Registered
- Organic Seaweed Certification (Korea)
- Halal Certification (for selected SKUs)
- In-progress: USDA Organic and ISO 22000
Compliance with import standards for key markets (U.S., EU, and ASEAN) makes the company a reliable supplier for global buyers.
Customer Testimonials and Recognition
Though not published formally, reviews on B2B platforms and trade directories highlight:
- Excellent taste and consistent texture of Cleopatra Salt Laver
- Punctuality and quality of packaging for international shipments
- Responsiveness in OEM/private-label customization
Long-standing export relationships reflect the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Achievements
- Recognized by Wando County as a Model Export Enterprise (2022)
- Exported over 1,200 metric tons of seaweed since inception
- Selected as a Featured Exhibitor at the 2023 Seoul International Seafood Show
- Developed innovative low-sodium roasted laver product line for health-sensitive markets
Daehan Mulsan Co., Ltd. continues to expand its reach by delivering high-quality, sustainably harvested seaweed products that meet global standards of health, taste, and environmental responsibility.