By Honorary Reporter Ayushi Kharayat from India

The Korea Kimchi Festival, the biggest event of its kind in India, was hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) in New Delhi on Nov. 23 at the convention center Yashobhoomi in the Indian capital. 

Lee Dong-hwan, mayor of Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province; Indian TV personality in Korea Abhishek Gupta; Park Bong-young, a renowned dancer and choreographer from 1 Million Dance Studio in Seoul; and KCC Director Hwang Il Young helped prepare batches of kimchi under the guidance of master Hansik (traditional cuisine) chef Jang Yun Jeong, who provided invaluable advice about making kimchi.

The workshop shed light on kimjang, or the culture of preparing and sharing kimchi ahead of winter. In 2019, Korea proclaimed Nov. 22 as Kimchi Day as November typically marks the ideal time for kimjang, which in 2013 was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

A highlight of the workshop was vegan kimchi, which was made to adapt to Indian dietary preferences. Made with ingredients like kimchi cabbage, radish, and gochugaru (red pepper powder), this version allowed vegetarian participants to enjoy the spicy side dish.

Over 300 people attended the festival and many even took home kimchi they made. 

KCC Director Hwang said, "We wanted to showcase how Korea's most traditional dish kimchi can find harmony in Indian society and deepen cultural ties between our two countries."

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.