The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK) has launched the “Global Kimchi Day” website to commemorate Kimchi Day, celebrated in cities worldwide on November 22.
🔗 Kimchi Day Promotional Website: http://kimchiday.prkorea.com/
Kimchi Day was officially designated as a national commemorative day in South Korea in 2020, making it the first case where a specific food was recognized as the basis for an official observance. The date, November 22, was chosen to symbolize the fact that each ingredient (1) in kimchi combines to provide more than 22 health benefits, including immune-boosting, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer effects.
Since its designation, Kimchi Day has been officially recognized in various countries and cities, beginning with California in August 2021. As of today, it has been adopted in four countries and 14 cities worldwide.
The international spread of Kimchi Day can be attributed to increased recognition of kimchi’s health benefits, particularly its immune-boosting properties, which gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the global rise of Hallyu (the Korean Wave) has contributed to a greater interest in Korean cuisine, further elevating kimchi’s popularity.
As awareness of kimchi continues to grow, more cities and countries have expressed interest in officially recognizing Kimchi Day. The establishment of Kimchi Day also signifies a broader effort to respect and celebrate the culture of Korean expatriates living abroad.
California was the first location outside Korea to establish Kimchi Day, with a Korean American legislator leading the initiative. In the UK, the Royal Borough of Kingston—which has the largest Korean community in Europe—recognized Kimchi Day as an opportunity to deepen cultural understanding of Korea.
This year’s celebration holds particular significance as it marks the 10th anniversary of “Kimjang Culture” being recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. Additionally, with Kimchi Day’s growing presence in the United States, a resolution to designate Kimchi Day at the federal level is expected to be adopted in the U.S. Congress on December 6, 2023.
To further expand global awareness of Kimchi Day, VANK has developed a dedicated website featuring three main sections:
📌 What is Kimchi Day?
Explains the significance of Kimchi Day and why it was designated on November 22.
Highlights the 2013 UNESCO recognition of Kimjang Culture.
📌 Global Kimchi Day Celebrations
Showcases how different countries and cities have recognized Kimchi Day.
Provides a brief history of efforts by Korean expatriates, organizations, and institutions to establish Kimchi Day worldwide.
Offers official proclamation texts as references for cities interested in adopting Kimchi Day.
📌 Health Benefits of Kimchi
Introduces key health benefits of kimchi in an accessible way to appeal to a broad audience.
Through this initiative, VANK aims to raise awareness of Kimchi Day as a celebration of Korean heritage and to encourage more cities and countries to recognize and embrace it as part of a global cultural exchange.
With 7.5 million Korean expatriates worldwide, VANK hopes to see international cooperation in expanding Kimchi Day’s recognition.
In a related effort, VANK signed a partnership agreement with the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) on June 7, 2023. Under this agreement, both organizations will collaborate to:
— Promote the globalization of K-Food
— Enhance the global brand value of K-Food
— Support the Green Food Day campaign, encouraging sustainable, low-carbon dietary habits
As part of this initiative, VANK and aT are working together to promote Global Kimchi Day, further solidifying K-Food’s reputation worldwide.
With these efforts, VANK continues to advocate for Korea’s rich culinary heritage and strengthen global appreciation for kimchi.