The Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) on June 2 released the book "Kimchi in the Eyes of the World," a collection of non-Korean experiences with kimchi culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. (KOCIS)

By Yoon Hee Young

The Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS), an affiliate of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, on June 2 released the book "Kimchi in the Eyes of the World."

This collection of non-Korean experiences with kimchi culture was produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The book offers engaging and various content including stories of non-Koreans who love kimchi, the taste and effect of the spicy condiment, kimjang culture listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, eating kimchi with people worldwide, and Korea's solidarity and harmony with the world achieved through kimchi.

Starting with columns written by specialists, the book is divided into six categories: kimchi making by four foreign embassies in Seoul, 18 articles by Korea.net Honorary Reporters, 35 kimchi-making events at Korean Cultural Centers (KCCs) worldwide, foreign reports on kimchi and a Q&A.

British journalist and author Tim Alper said in a column posted on Korea.net that the secret ingredient of kimchi is "the taste of community spirit."

Eighteen Honorary Reporters shared their first experiences with kimchi, showing the process of making it and their kimchi-related recipes through articles, photos and cartoons.

The Q&A contains accurate information on how kimchi, an authentically traditional Korean food, differs from China's pao cai.

The book is also in both Korean and English for use by students of Hangeul amid surging global demand for learning the Korean language.

KOCIS Director Park Jung-Youl said, "Through this book, I hope that more countries can experience our kimchi and share the cultural values contained in it."

The book will be distributed to KCCs abroad and foreign embassies in Seoul as well as appear on the official websites of KOCIS (www.kocis.go.kr) and Korea.net.

hyyoon@korea.kr