Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Namdo Soban Inc., based in Mokpo-si, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, is an innovative food manufacturing and export company known for reimagining traditional Korean flavors into modern snack and specialty food formats. With a philosophy rooted in honoring the culinary heritage of Korea’s southern coastal region, Namdo Soban delivers a diverse and inventive range of sea-based and fusion food products. The company combines artisanal production methods with scalable processing, targeting both domestic gourmet markets and international retail and foodservice sectors.

Core Business and Product Offering

Namdo Soban Inc. specializes in producing value-added food products that are grounded in Korean tradition but formatted for global, health-conscious consumers. Its portfolio includes:

• Ecklonia Cava Pesto
  A unique seaweed-based pesto made from Ecklonia cava (brown algae), known for its umami-rich profile and functional health properties.

• Pasta Squid Snacks (available in Cheese, Snowing, and Pizza flavors)
  Crunchy squid-based snacks with pasta textures, targeting young consumers and global snack lovers.

• Roasted Beef Hot Pepper Paste
  A savory Korean condiment combining roasted beef and spicy gochujang, used as a dipping sauce or marinade.

• Squid Tempura (Original and Wasabi Flavors)
  Crispy squid snacks deep-fried to perfection with authentic seasoning profiles.

• Bagle Chips
  Flavored toasted bagel slices in variants including Honey Butter, Garlic, Cheddar Cheese, and Cinnamon.

• Tteokbokki with Squid / Spicy Sichuan-Style Squid
  A modern ready-to-eat meal format of Korea’s popular street food, paired with tender squid and bold sauces.

• O-Jing Chew
  A chewy, high-protein squid snack designed for convenience and prolonged flavor release.

• Dried Pollack Snack
  Available in Butter, Red Pepper Paste, Coconut, and Spicy Soy Sauce flavors, catering to gourmet snack enthusiasts and Hallyu (Korean Wave) fans.

• Basak Fish Snack / Basak Spicy Fish Snack
  Thin, crispy seafood chips offering high protein content with a low-fat profile.

Specialization and Unique Strengths

• Seafood and Snack Fusion: Combines Korean seafood with trending global snack formats, creating a fusion line that stands out in both Asian and Western markets.
• Functional Ingredients: Focuses on ingredients such as Ecklonia cava, dried squid, and pollack for their nutritional properties including omega-3, antioxidants, and protein.
• Flavor Innovation: Known for integrating regional Korean spices with globally popular flavor cues such as wasabi, honey butter, and pizza seasoning.

Export and Global Market Reach

Namdo Soban is actively expanding into international markets through trade expos and government-supported export programs:

• Export Markets: Japan, United States, Singapore, Vietnam, and select European countries
• Distribution Channels: Specialty Asian grocery stores, health food distributors, gourmet gift sets, online retail platforms
• Trade Participation: Showcased at FOODEX Japan, Seoul Food Expo, and supported by KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency)

The company has seen growing demand from global Korean diaspora populations and Hallyu-driven consumers seeking authentic Korean taste experiences.

Target Market

Namdo Soban serves:

• Premium retail buyers specializing in Asian fusion and Korean snacks
• HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Catering) distributors looking for gourmet condiments and seafood snacks
• Online retailers and D2C channels focusing on Korean lifestyle and cultural foods
• Export agents looking for novel K-food brands with shelf-ready packaging

Operational Capabilities

• Facility Location: Mokpo-si, strategically positioned near coastal fishery hubs and logistics ports
• Production Capacity: Scalable batch processing with HACCP compliance and ability to handle both high-mix and high-volume SKUs
• Private Label Services: Available for select product lines, including custom flavor and packaging development
• Cold Chain Support: Refrigerated and frozen shipping for sensitive items like tteokbokki and seafood sauces

Certifications and Quality Standards

• HACCP Certified Facility
• KFDA (Korean Food and Drug Administration) Approval
• Compliant with export regulations for Japan, Southeast Asia, and North America
• Working toward Halal Certification for Middle Eastern and Muslim markets

Recognition and Testimonials

“Namdo Soban’s Ecklonia pesto is unlike anything else we’ve seen—an innovative way to introduce seaweed into gourmet kitchens.”
– Buyer, Specialty Foods Retailer, Singapore

“The texture and flavor of their squid pasta snacks really appeal to the Gen Z and Millennial demographic. They’re flying off the shelves.”
– Category Manager, Korean Grocery Chain, California

Industry Engagement and Awards

• Participated in K-Food Export Expansion Programs under Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation
• Finalist in 2022 Korea Food Industry Innovation Awards
• Partnered with Jeonnam Bioindustry Foundation for the R&D of functional food ingredients

With a deep respect for culinary tradition and an eye toward global consumer trends, Namdo Soban Inc. is redefining the Korean snack experience. The company stands out for its commitment to ingredient quality, bold flavors, and international market readiness, making it a compelling partner for global food buyers seeking the next wave of K-food innovation.