The United States has blocked imports of sea salt products from Taepyung, South Korea’s largest salt farm, following allegations of forced labor. This marks the first time a trade partner has imposed such a measure against the longstanding issue of forced labor on salt farms in South Korea’s remote islands.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a withhold release order, citing credible evidence indicating the use of forced labor at Taepyung, located in the island county of Sinan—home to most of South Korea’s sea salt production. Under this order, all sea salt products from the farm will be held at U.S. ports of entry.
Taepyung produces around 16,000 tons of salt annually, accounting for approximately 6% of South Korea’s total output. The farm leases most of its salt fields to tenants and has faced repeated allegations of forced labor, including incidents in 2014 and 2021.
This action is unprecedented as it is the first instance of a foreign government suspending imports from a South Korean company over forced labor concerns. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged the situation, stating that relevant agencies have been working on improving labor conditions at Taepyung since 2021. While no direct evidence has been provided, the ministry believes that none of the current salt is sourced from forced labor and plans to engage in discussions with U.S. officials to address the issue.
The fisheries ministry also intends to review measures to seek the lifting of the U.S. order.
The forced labor problem on Sinan’s salt farms was first exposed in 2014 when dozens of victims, mostly with disabilities, were rescued after an investigation. Despite legal actions and government acknowledgment of responsibility, forced labor persists.
U.S. Customs identified multiple indicators of forced labor at Taepyung, including abuse of vulnerability, deception, movement restrictions, retention of identity documents, harsh working conditions, intimidation, physical violence, debt bondage, and wage withholding.
Lawyer Choi Jung Kyu, part of a group that petitioned for the U.S. action, expressed hope that the import ban will pressure South Korea to strengthen measures against forced labor and human rights abuses.
Choi’s law firm and other advocacy groups urged the South Korean government to implement harsher penalties for trafficking and forced labor crimes, along with better support for victims, including employment and housing assistance.
Many victims were lured to the islands by brokers hired by salt farm owners, subjected to grueling labor, and confined without adequate pay. The issue resurfaced in 2021 when workers at Taepyung were found to have endured forced labor and wage theft.