New York third US state to recognize kimchi's Korean origin

Korean food is all about ingredients, which alongside various fermentation techniques, have made kimchi a global side dish enjoyed not just as central part of Korean cuisine but also as a health food.

In line with the growing popularity of K-pop and K-drama worldwide, the traditional fermented Korean food has also seen its status elevated even in the political arena.

Last week, New York became the third US state to designate Nov. 22 “Kimchi Day” to commemorate and promote the consumption of the Korean staple.

In a resolution the New York General Assembly passed on Feb. 17, the congressmen said they made the decision in recognition of the excellence of kimchi as a health food.

The resolution, proposed by Assemblyman Ron Kim, also specified that South Korea is the country of origin of kimchi and endorsed the traditional culture and process of preparing kimchi inscribed in 2013 on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It also said kimchi contains probiotics, calcium and vitamins and boosts bodily immunity.

Earlier this month, the US state of Virginia passed a bill at its General Assembly meeting, designating Nov. 22 Kimchi Day, following California, which passed a related resolution in August 2021.

The latest designation of Kimchi Day by New York State comes amid continued attempts by some Chinese media claiming the Korean dish is Chinese, a move that has sparked strong criticism as many people regard it as Korea's soul food and often link it to the nation's identity.

Some people, both Koreans and foreigners, also recently expressed anger over China's use of hanbok, the traditional Korean clothes, during the Beijing winter Olympics opening ceremony.

SOARING KIMCHI DEMAND OVERSEAS

Korea launched its first Kimchi Day in 2020 to promote the consumption of the fermented dish.

According to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., the country chose the month and the date to signify that there are 11 main ingredients, including cabbage and radishes, in the fermented food, which has 22 health benefits such as enhanced immunity and antioxidants when consumed.

Selected by many food experts as the most enjoyed K-food overseas, exports of the spicy condiment have also risen steadily.

The US became Korea’s second-largest destination of kimchi exports after Japan, with $28.25 million in 2021, up 22.5% from the previous year. That’s a 10-fold increase from $2.79 million a decade ago.

Korea’s total kimchi exports totaled a record $160 million last year, posting its first trade surplus of $19.2 million in 12 years.

Write to Jin-gyu Kang at josep@hankyung.com
In-Soo Nam edited this article.