Celebrating Korea’s Sea Planting Day: Planting the Future Beneath the Waves

May 10 marks Korea’s Sea Planting Day, a day dedicated to restoring marine forests, protecting coastal ecosystems, and recognizing the vital role seaweed plays in the future of our oceans.

At F&W, this day carries special meaning.

For us, seaweed is not simply a marine resource. It is a climate solution, a coastal livelihood, a foundation for aquaculture, and a bridge between Korea’s long maritime heritage and the next generation of sustainable ocean technology.

Why Sea Planting Day Matters

Just as forests on land absorb carbon, provide habitats, and support biodiversity, marine forests create life beneath the sea. Seaweeds provide shelter and food for marine organisms, improve water quality, and help maintain the health of coastal ecosystems.

In Korea, where coastal communities have cultivated seaweed for generations, the ocean has always been more than a place of harvest. It is a place of stewardship.

Sea Planting Day reminds us that healthy oceans do not happen by chance. They are built through care, restoration, science, and long-term commitment.

From Seaweed Cultivation to Climate Innovation

During our recent field work in Jeollanam-do, our team observed one of the most important early steps in seaweed aquaculture: the preparation of seeded materials before full grow-out.

In Korean aquaculture, this stage is sometimes referred to as gaishik. For international audiences, it can be understood simply as an early cultivation stage, where young seaweed begins adapting to the farming environment before entering the main growth phase.

This process is delicate. The young seaweed must adjust to local seawater conditions, including temperature, nutrients, sunlight, and the surrounding marine environment. This adaptation period can take time, and careful handling at this stage is essential for healthy growth.

Standing on the deck, surrounded by ropes, nursery frames, seawater, and coastal landscapes, we were reminded that every large-scale ocean solution begins with small, careful steps.

Jeollanam-do’s Ocean Advantage

Jeollanam-do is one of Korea’s most important regions for seaweed cultivation, with deep coastal knowledge, marine infrastructure, and generations of aquaculture experience.

At F&W, we believe this foundation can support the next chapter of sustainable seaweed innovation.

Our work focuses on developing Asparagopsis-based solutions for methane reduction in livestock, using seaweed to help address one of the most urgent climate challenges in agriculture. By connecting Korea’s seaweed expertise with global climate needs, we aim to build a full-cycle model that includes seed, cultivation, processing, feed application, and measurable environmental impact.

Planting Seaweed, Growing Possibility

Sea Planting Day is not only about planting seaweed. It is about planting possibility.

It is about restoring marine ecosystems.

It is about supporting coastal communities.

It is about transforming aquaculture into climate infrastructure.

As we celebrate Korea’s Sea Planting Day, F&W renews its commitment to building a future where seaweed contributes to healthier oceans, more resilient coastal economies, and a lower-carbon world.