In a remarkable surge fueled by the global fascination with Korean culture, South Korean kimchi exports achieved an all-time high, reaching 44,041 tons in 2023. This marks a substantial 7.1% increase from the 42,544 tons exported in 2021, as reported by BusinessKorea, a reputable monthly magazine.
Kimchi, a traditional Korean dish renowned for its preparation involving the fermentation of cabbage or other vegetables, found its way to 92 countries last year. Notably, the United States and Japan emerged as the top consumers of South Korean kimchi, with the United States importing over 10,000 tons and Japan surpassing 20,000 tons in 2023. The upward trajectory of kimchi exports to the United States is evident, escalating from $14.8 million in 2019 to an impressive $29 million in 2022, according to figures reported by The Korea Daily.
Experts are drawing a correlation between this exponential increase in kimchi exports and the escalating global popularity of Korean entertainment content, encompassing the realms of K-pop and K-dramas. Forbes highlights a staggering 200% surge in U.S. viewership of Korean dramas from 2019 to 2021, with hits like “Squid Game” dominating Netflix viewership charts in the United States.
Simultaneously, health-conscious consumers are driving the kimchi craze, recognizing its potential health benefits, particularly as a fermented food that enhances the diversity of digestive tract microbes.
Patrice Cunningham, the Founder and CEO of Tae-Gu Kimchi based in Washington, shared insights into the burgeoning popularity of kimchi in the United States. As the global appeal of Korean culture continues to grow, both through entertainment and a rising awareness of health-conscious dietary choices, the demand for this iconic fermented dish seems poised to further expand on the international stage.
