Kimchi imports reached all-time high records in October

Kimchi, South Korea's popular traditional side dish, reportedly hit a new all-time high record for imports. The new high record was set in October despite the inflation in the country that is getting out of hand already.

Based on the government data that was shown to the public on Wednesday this week, the inbound shipments of the spicy kimchi side dish made a record $17.02 million in October. The Korea Customs Service said this result shows a 50.9% increase compared to 2021 in the same period.

In comparison to the September records, the number also showed an increase of 16.2%. This is the first time that the country’s monthly imports of kimchi were able to go past the $17 million mark. According to Yonhap News Agency, the record surge in kimchi imports last month was related to the increasing prices of cabbage which is the main ingredient.

It was noted that prices of other ingredients for making kimchi have also gone up that even the local restaurant owners were forced to buy cheaper imports from other countries that also produce the side dish. Some families are also shifting to cheaper brands that were made overseas.

Daesang FNF and other leading kimchi manufacturers in South Korea have also raised their prices by as much as 10% in September and October. All of them cited inflation and rising costs. These price hikes are the second time this year.

Meanwhile, Korea is celebrating its third Kimchi Day next week and it is expected to be celebrated in many nations as well due to its increasing popularity around the world. Aside from the spread of Kpop and K-culture, the published health benefits from kimchi is another reason why it is being patronized outside of Korea.

The Korea Times reported that even the states of New York, California, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have declared Nov. 22 as their own Kimchi Day. Meanwhile, for this year’s festivity, it will be celebrated at Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul on the same day as overseas. People can expect a kimchi cooking competition and other activities at The Plaza Seoul hotel as well.

Photo by: Jeong HO Suh/Pixabay