The Bibigo Market in Paris that ran from July 25 to Aug. 11 last year has visitors ordering foods with kimchi including mandu (dumplings), jumeokbap (rice balls) and corn dogs. (CJ Cheiljedang)
By Yoo Yeon Gyeong
Kimchi exports last year broke all-time records in value and volume.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on Jan. 12 said such overseas shipments in 2024 set a record-high USD 163.6 million (KRW 240 billion), up 5.2% from 2023.
Overseas shipments of kimchi grew 6.9% over the period to 47,100 tons. They went from 39,700 in 2020 to 42,500 in 2021, up 7.1%, dipped 3.2% in 2022 to 41,100 and rebounded 7% in 2023 to 44,000.
The number of export markets for kimchi rose from 85 in 2020 to 95 last year, with Japan, the U.S., Netherlands, Canada and Australia forming the top five in volume in that order.
Once only in demand abroad from ethnic Korean or Asian regions, kimchi has diversified its export markets apparently thanks to development of corporate sales channels and Korean government support.
A ministry official said, "Distributors in the U.S. like Costco and Walmart have expanded their presence to introduce a variety of kimchi products, fueling a steady rise in such exports throughout the year."
"Hansik (traditional cuisine) restaurants have grown more popular in Europe and recipes that use kimchi in the host country's cuisine have spread, so kimchi exports to countries such as the Netherlands, U.K. and France have grown."
dusrud21@korea.kr
