CNN named Korean kimchi dumplings, or mandu, as one of the 35 most delicious dumplings in the world. (Image courtesy of Prof. Seo Kyoung-duk)
SEOUL, Apr. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – In a recent travel feature, CNN named Korean kimchi dumplings, or mandu, as one of the 35 most delicious dumplings in the world. This recognition is seen as a valuable counterpoint to China’s ongoing efforts to claim ownership of kimchi, the iconic Korean dish.
“CNN’s inclusion of kimchi mandu as one of the world’s greatest dumplings serves as a compelling rebuttal to China’s ‘kimchi diplomacy’ campaign,” said Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University in Seoul widely known for his social activism.
In the article published on March 28, CNN described Korean kimchi dumplings as more akin to the manti dumplings of Central Asia than their Chinese or Japanese counterparts. “Koreans stuff finely chopped kimchi, a food found everywhere in Korea, into their dumplings. It was perhaps inevitable they would invent kimchi mandu,” the network commented.
Seo highlighted CNN’s acknowledgment that “kimchi is a food found everywhere in Korea” as evidence of the network’s accurate understanding of Korea’s kimchi culture.
China has persistently argued that Korean kimchi originated from its own pao cai pickled vegetables, in a phenomenon dubbed “kimchi diplomacy.” However, this recognition from CNN bolsters efforts to globally promote Korean cuisine beyond just kimchi itself.
“Moving forward, we plan to introduce the world to a wide range of kimchi-based Korean dishes, from kimchi fried rice and kimchi-rolled noodles to kimchi mandu,” Seo stated.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
