Kimchi Forum

A snowy landscape of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

If you've visited Korea, you must have tried real kimchi. I'm curious how it was different from what you imagined. I'd love for you to share a brief introduction of your experience visiting Korea!


*Kimchi Dumplings 김치만두

Ten years ago, driving a foreign car was seen as a symbol of success, but that perception has changed significantly. Nowadays, more and more people are choosing Hyundai's premium model, Genesis. The fierce dominance of German cars has been noticeably curbed by the rise of Hyundai Genesis. Personally, I also get the impression that people who drive a Genesis are often regarded as successful.

my late snack time at 16:30 with Kimchi

*The above photo is of the Han River, a representative landscape of Seoul, frozen during the winter.

For those who are unfamiliar, the winter weather in Korea involves a lot of snowfall, and the temperature typically drops to between -5°C and -10°C on average. In particularly colder regions, temperatures can even drop to -15°C or -20°C.

it is snowing a lot in South Korea
how is the weather there?

이 김치는 어제 만든 김치입니다.
그래서 숙성이 오래된 김치랑은 맛이 다릅니다.
하지만 그렇기에 이 김치는 우리가 흔히 아는 김치와는 맛이 많이 다릅니다.
나중에 이 김치를 (이 김치의 이름은 '겉절이' 입니다) 먹어볼 기회가 있으면 꼭 맛보세요.
만약 당신이 신 김치를 좋아하지 않는다면 분명 이 김치를 좋아할 겁니다.


This kimchi was made yesterday.
So, its taste is different from that of well-fermented kimchi.
However, because of this, the flavor of this kimchi is quite distinct from the kimchi we usually know.
If you get a chance to try this kimchi later (it's called "Geotjeori"), be sure to taste it.
If you don't like sour kimchi, you'll definitely enjoy this one.
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Show Your Kimchi! 🍲🌶� Kimchi enthusiasts! 👋

We all know how much fun and rewarding it is to make your own kimchi at home. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned kimchi maker, this is the perfect place to share your creations!

🎉 Show us your Kimchi!

How did you make it?
Any special ingredients or techniques you used?
What kind of kimchi did you make—traditional, spicy, or maybe a creative twist on the classic?
How's it turning out? Any surprises along the way?
📸 Feel free to share photos of your kimchi—before and after fermentation, or even a picture of you enjoying your homemade batch! Let's celebrate the love for this amazing fermented dish together!

Looking forward to seeing all the delicious, crunchy, spicy goodness you've created! 🍽�👨�🍳👩�🍳

Here's an explanation of the health benefits of kimchi from a food and nutrition science perspective:

1. Improved Gut Health
Kimchi is a fermented food rich in probiotics, particularly lactic acid bacteria. These probiotics help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and improve the overall gut microbiome. Consuming kimchi can help maintain gut health and may prevent issues like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2. Immune System Boost
Kimchi is packed with vitamins such as vitamin C and A, which play essential roles in strengthening the immune system. Kimchi's ingredients, including cabbage, garlic, ginger, and red chili pepper, have been shown to support immune function, helping to resist infections and reduce inflammation in the body.

3. Antioxidant Properties
Kimchi contains various vegetables and seasonings that are rich in antioxidants. These compounds, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, help combat free radicals in the body, potentially preventing cell damage, slowing down aging, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

4. Cholesterol Reduction and Cardiovascular Health
Some studies suggest that the fermented components of kimchi may help lower blood cholesterol levels, potentially improving cardiovascular health. While kimchi is relatively high in sodium, the fermentation process may alter some of the sodium, reducing its negative impact on heart health.

5. Weight Management
Kimchi is a low-calorie food, making it beneficial for weight management and dieting. The fermentation process helps with digestion, and consuming kimchi can promote satiety, potentially preventing overeating.

6. Blood Sugar Control
The garlic and chili peppers found in kimchi are believed to help regulate blood sugar levels. Some studies have indicated that kimchi may help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, making it potentially beneficial for people managing diabetes.

7. Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects
The probiotics and other microorganisms created during kimchi fermentation have antibacterial properties. These microbes can help suppress harmful bacteria in the gut, contributing to infection prevention and general immune system support.

Kimchi prices in Korea are quite high, and even regular people feel the burden. 
The price is around 16,000 KRW (11 USD)per kilogram, and a 10-kilogram container of Kimchi costs about 40,000 KRW (28 USD). 
For those who were curious about the price of Kimchi, here is a reference.