Gwangiu Kimchi Festival

Gwangiu Kimchi Festival

October or November

The city of Gwangiu in South Korea holds an annual event to celebrate the nation's favorite condiment, kimchi. A fermented, pickled cabbage, kimchi is produced in the autumn in quantities to last through the winter.
The event, which typically runs from Wednesday to Sunday, celebrates everything kimchi. Visitors can learn about the history and different varieties of kimchi on video and through live demonstrations, sample freshly made kimchi, and purchase many types to try at home. The beloved pickle is also the subject of exhibitions about its history, globalization, and manufacture. There are competitions for the best kimchi and the best dish to eat with it. Novices can try their hand at making their own kimchi during a hands-on workshop. In addition to the food-related array of activities, the event treats participants to performances of music and dance ranging from traditional Korean to that of many other nations. Although kimchi has been a feature of Korean cuisine for thousands of years, the festival was launched in the last decade by the city of Gwangiu, which is known for its rich culinary tradition.

CONTACTS:
Korea National Tourism Organization
737 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 910
Chicago, IL 60611
800-868-7567 or 312-981-1717; fax: 312-981-1721
english.visitkorea.or.kr