IMSIL & SAMCHEOK, Nov. 22 (Korea Bizwire) – November 22 marked Kimchi Day in South Korea, with major agricultural regions hosting festivals to honor the country’s iconic dish and support local farmers.
In Jeollabuk-do’s Imsil County, the 9th Imsil Crunchy Kimchi Festival transformed the Imsil Cheese Theme Park into a hub of kimchi-making activities. Visitors prepared their own kimchi using premium salted cabbages and seasoning ingredients sourced from nearby farms. The event also offered convenient pickup and delivery options through a drive-thru system.
Meanwhile, in Gangwon Province, the 3rd Samcheok Kimchi Festival was held at the Samcheok Culture and Arts Center Plaza, showcasing high-altitude napa cabbages grown in the region. Over 2,000 participants, including local farmers, families, and international exchange students, joined the festivities to celebrate Korea’s kimjang culture.
Attendees not only crafted fresh kimchi but also enjoyed traditional pairings such as Korean beef (hanwoo) and seafood tastings. A standout feature was the donation of 1,000 kilograms of freshly made kimchi to underserved communities, along with giveaways of napa cabbage to participants.
“Through the Kimchi Festival, we hope to promote Kimchi Day and the cultural significance of kimjang, while also boosting demand for locally grown produce and contributing to the regional economy,” a Samcheok city official said.
These celebrations reflect a broader effort to preserve South Korea’s culinary heritage while supporting sustainable agriculture and community well-being.
Image credit: Imsil-gun, Samcheok-si, Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com