Korea Food Guide · Guide 03

Kimchi

Kimchi is Korea's most famous traditional food. It is made by fermenting vegetables with seasonings. The most common type is: Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Baechu Kimchi) Kimchi is served with almost every Korean meal. Many Koreans eat kimchi every day.

Kimchi — ASK KOREA infographic
01 — Overview

Quick Summary

Kimchi is Korea's most famous traditional food. It is made by fermenting vegetables with seasonings. The most common type is: Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Baechu Kimchi) Kimchi is served with almost every Korean meal. Many Koreans eat kimchi every day.

Key takeaways

  • Try several kinds of kimchi.
  • White kimchi is best for beginners.
  • Kimchi tastes different depending on age and fermentation.
  • Fresh kimchi and aged kimchi taste very different.
02 — Full Guide

The Complete Guide

What is Kimchi?

Kimchi is Korea's most famous traditional food.

It is made by fermenting vegetables with seasonings.

The most common type is:

Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Baechu Kimchi)

Kimchi is served with almost every Korean meal.

Many Koreans eat kimchi every day.

Why do you need to know about Kimchi?

Many visitors think:

  • Kimchi = Spicy cabbage
  • But kimchi is much more than that.
  • There are hundreds of different kinds of kimchi.
  • Kimchi is one of the most important parts of Korean food culture.

Tradition

Kimchi has been eaten in Korea for hundreds of years.

Side Dish Culture

Kimchi is usually served as a side dish.

It is often included automatically in restaurants.

Flavor

Kimchi adds:

  • Spicy flavor
  • Sour flavor
  • Crunchy texture
  • to meals.

Baechu Kimchi

Cabbage Kimchi.

The most common type.

Kkakdugi

Cubed radish kimchi.

Often served with soups.

Baek Kimchi

White kimchi.

Not spicy.

Popular with children and foreigners.

Yeolmu Kimchi

Young radish kimchi.

Popular during summer.

How Many Types of Kimchi Are There?

There are hundreds of different types of kimchi in Korea.

Different regions and seasons often have their own styles of kimchi.

Some are spicy, while others are mild or not spicy at all.

This surprises many first-time visitors.

Is Kimchi Spicy?

Not always.

Some kimchi is spicy.

Some kimchi is mild.

Some kimchi is not spicy at all.

White Kimchi is a good choice for beginners.

How Do You Eat Kimchi?

Kimchi is usually eaten:

  • With rice
  • With BBQ
  • With noodles
  • With soups
  • With fried rice

Fresh Kimchi vs Aged Kimchi

Fresh Kimchi (Freshly Made)

  • Crunchier
  • Milder
  • Less sour
  • Aged Kimchi (Well Fermented)
  • Softer
  • More sour
  • Stronger flavor
  • Many Korean dishes use aged kimchi for cooking.

Kimchi Fried Rice

One of Korea's most popular comfort foods.

Kimchi Stew

A spicy stew made with kimchi.

Very popular among locals.

Kimchi Pancake

A crispy pancake made with kimchi.

Common Mistakes

  • Thinking all kimchi tastes the same
  • Thinking kimchi is always very spicy
  • Eating too much kimchi on the first try
  • Assuming kimchi is the main dish

Do Koreans Really Eat Kimchi Every Day?

Many Koreans eat kimchi regularly.

Kimchi is commonly served with:

  • Rice
  • Soups
  • BBQ
  • Noodles
  • However, not every Korean eats kimchi with every meal.

Important Korean Words

Korean English

Kimchi

Cabbage Kimchi

Radish Kimchi

White Kimchi

Kimchi Stew

Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Pancake

Pro Tips

  • Try several kinds of kimchi.
  • White kimchi is best for beginners.
  • Kimchi tastes different depending on age and fermentation.
  • Fresh kimchi and aged kimchi taste very different.

Fun Fact

Many Korean households have a special refrigerator called:

Kimchi Refrigerator

designed specifically for storing kimchi.

This surprises many foreigners.

User Question

"What is Kimchi?"

AI Answer

Kimchi is Korea's most famous fermented vegetable dish. The most common type is cabbage kimchi, but there are many varieties. It is usually served as a side dish and is a central part of Korean food culture.

ASK KOREA Essential Tip

  • If you think you don't like kimchi,
  • try at least three different types first.
  • Most visitors discover that every kimchi tastes different.
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