Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has designated Nov. 22 as Kimchi Day. The government of the U.S. state issued a news release with a screen capture from a kimchi cooking video by first lady Yumi Hogan on her YouTube account "Yumi Cooks." (Screen capture from website of Maryland state government) 

By Yoon Sojung

Gov. Larry Hogan of the U.S. state of Maryland has proclaimed Nov. 22 as Kimchi Day.

His nickname is "Korea's son-in-law" since his wife is Yumi Hogan, who is of Korean descent.

The state government on Nov. 21 said in a news release, "Governor Larry Hogan today proclaimed November 22, 2022, as Kimchi Day to recognize the importance of this popular Korean dish, and to further celebrate Korean culture in Maryland."

First lady Yumi Hogan has promoted kimchi through her "Yumi Cooks" series, it said, adding, "Government House is the first and only governor's mansion in the nation with a kimchi refrigerator." 

Gov. Hogan was quoted as saying, "Proclaiming the first Kimchi Day in state history is another way to celebrate our incredible Korean-American community and its many contributions," adding, "Our administration is proud of the special bond we have with Korea, and all we have been able to do to make those cultural and economic ties even stronger."

The news release added, "Kimchi has become a popular dish in Korean cuisine and is known across the globe for its unique lacto-fermentation process and distinct flavor." 

"Our administration is proud of the special bond we have with Korea, and has worked hard to make that bond even stronger through productive trade missions, new sister-state relationships, and partnerships between Maryland and Korean universities."

"Maryland is honored to join states around the nation, the Republic of Korea, and members of the Korean American community in celebrating Kimchi Day in order to promote Korean culture and cuisine," it added.

In 2020, the Korean government made Kimchi Day on Nov. 22 a legal anniversary day to reflect on the cultural value and significance of the iconic condiment and promote its excellence. 

The U.S. states of California, Virginia and New York previously passed bills on designation of Kimchi Day, and Congreso de la Nacion Argentina (Congress of the Argentine Nation) last year declared Kimchi Day on Nov. 22.

arete@korea.kr