S. Korea's kimchi exports up 35% in first 4 months of 2021

South Korea's exports of kimchi reached US$61.1 million in the first four months of 2021 to advance 35 percent on-year, on the growing demand for healthier foodstuffs amid the pandemic.

Japan accounted for $31 million of the kimchi exports, followed by the US with $11 million, and Europe with $5.5 million, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish consisting of fermented cabbage, salt, and hot peppers. It is eaten with almost all meals.

Kimchi exports recorded a fresh high of $144 million in 2020, breaking the previous yearly record of $106.61 million set in 2012.