Josu Salts: Tides of Tradition, Crystals of Heritage
In Conversation with Hae-Sin and Parker of Josu Salts
In the vast, island-dotted landscape of Jeollanam-do, South Korea, a family legacy of salt making began during a tumultuous time of post-occupation reconstruction. What started as a means of survival and community rebuilding has now evolved into Josu Salts, an artisan salt brand bringing the pure, mineral-rich essence of Korean sea salt to tables across the US.
A Legacy Born from Resilience
Hae-Sin Thomas's great-grandfather had a vision. Returning to a Korea torn apart by Japanese occupation, he saw potential in the peninsula's abundant coastline. With nothing but determination and the surrounding seawater, he began creating salt farms on the small islands of Jeollanam-do, strategically building a business that would not only support his family but also contribute to his community's economic recovery.
"He was looking for a way to provide for his family, but also start creating some industry in Korea," Hae-Sin explains.
Remarkably, when he passed, he gave half of the land back to the municipality, designating it to fund scholarships for local children—a testament to the family's commitment to community.
From Family Farm to Artisan Brand
What sets Josu apart isn't just their history, but their commitment to minimal processing. Unlike many commercial salt producers who extensively refine their product, Josu maintains traditional harvesting methods that have changed little since the beginning.
Parker Thomas describes their process: "You basically let salt water into wide, flat ponds about four inches deep. And then you just wait." The salt is harvested manually, using giant squeegees to collect the crystals that form naturally under the sun. This method preserves the salt's complex mineral profile, which includes high concentrations of magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
More Than Just Salt
The name "Josu" is poetic—meaning "tidal" in Korean. It's both a literal description of their salt-making process (dependent on tidal movements) and a metaphorical representation of the family's generational connection to salt.
Their product line goes beyond pure sea salt. Collaborating with chefs and food artisans, they've created unique seasoned salts like a cinnamon-vanilla blend and a Kimchi blend. Each collaboration is carefully chosen, reflecting their commitment to quality and storytelling.
Challenges and Future
The salt industry isn't without its challenges. With the Korean government supporting renewable energy and converting salt ponds to solar farms, Josu's traditional salt-making faces potential disruption. Yet, they remain committed to their craft, exploring new markets and packaging innovations.
"Salt is literally the oldest commodity on the planet," Parker notes, acknowledging the difficulty of differentiating in such a saturated market.
A Taste of Terroir
What makes Josu truly special is their embrace of terroir—the idea that a product's flavor is intimately connected to its environment. Their salt doesn't just come from seawater; it carries the minerals of the specific mud in their ponds, the local climate, and generations of careful cultivation.
For food lovers seeking more than just a seasoning, Josu offers a story, a tradition, and a direct connection to a family's dedication to their craft.
Pro Tip: Try their kimchi salt on eggs or their aged salt side-by-side with their just salt to test your taste buds.
You can find Josu’s Salts at A Dash Of. Our collection will rotate over time so you can try our favorites.