Kimjang (김장): The Art of Making Kimchi Together
Kimjang (김장) is the traditional Korean practice of preparing and preserving large quantities of kimchi before the winter season. More than just food preparation, Kimjang is an important cultural event that brings families, neighbors, and communities together.
🥬 Origins and Meaning
In the past, fresh vegetables were scarce during Korea’s harsh winters. To survive, Koreans developed ways to preserve vegetables by fermenting them with spices. This led to the birth of kimchi — Korea’s beloved fermented side dish.
Kimjang refers to the communal process of making kimchi in late autumn (usually in November), just before winter sets in. It’s a time to stock up enough kimchi to last through the cold months — sometimes hundreds of cabbages are prepared!
🏠 How Koreans Celebrate Kimjang
- ✅ Gathering Together: Families and neighbors gather to make kimchi together, often outdoors or in large kitchens.
- ✅ Preparing Ingredients: Napa cabbage is salted and washed; seasonings include red chili flakes (고춧가루), garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and other vegetables.
- ✅ Sharing the Work: Everyone helps with stuffing the cabbage leaves with spicy filling and packing them into containers for fermentation.
- ✅ Enjoying Fresh Kimchi: Right after the work, people enjoy a special meal together, often with fresh kimchi (겉절이) and boiled pork (보쌈).
🍽️ What is Kimchi?
Kimchi (김치) is Korea’s iconic fermented side dish made from vegetables, seasonings, and spices. While napa cabbage kimchi is the most famous, there are over 100 different varieties, including radish kimchi (깍두기) and cucumber kimchi (오이김치).
📅 When Does Kimjang Happen?
Kimjang usually takes place in late November, before winter fully arrives. The exact timing depends on the region and weather conditions.
| Year | Typical Kimjang Period |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Mid to Late November |
| 2026 | Mid to Late November |
🎉 Fun and Surprising Facts
- 🔹 In 2013, Kimjang was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list as an important Korean cultural practice.
- 🔹 Many Korean companies and schools host communal Kimjang events for employees and students.
- 🔹 Kimjang is not just about food — it strengthens community bonds and fosters a spirit of sharing.
🌍 Modern Changes
While traditional Kimjang is still practiced, some modern families buy kimchi from markets or use kimchi refrigerators for easy storage. However, many people still value the communal spirit of Kimjang and take part in it whenever they can.
💭 Final Thoughts
Kimjang is a beautiful Korean tradition where food, culture, and community come together. If you ever get the chance to participate in Kimjang, don’t miss it — you’ll experience the warmth of Korean hospitality and the delicious joy of homemade kimchi!
Have you ever tasted freshly made kimchi? Would you like to join a Kimjang event?