BANGKOK, Thailand – The Korean Cultural Center in Thailand recently hosted the 2025 Kimjang Day at Koreatown in Bangkok to celebrate the traditional art of kimchi making for the 3rd consecutive year.
The vibrant cultural gathering attracted over 250 participants, including local residents and high-ranking representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The event focused on blending authentic Korean heritage with local flavors by using premium napa cabbage imported from Haenam, along with a variety of fresh vegetables sourced directly from Thai markets.
Ambassador Park Yongmin opened the festivities by highlighting the status of kimchi as the first Korean culinary export to achieve true global recognition. He explained that the dish serves as a powerful symbol of the Korean homeland and that the communal act of making it fosters a unique sense of unity and shared identity. The Ambassador expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to share this tradition with the people of Bangkok, noting the city’s influential position as a world leader in food culture.
The spirit of the event was further emphasized by Korean Cultural Center Director Sunju Lee, who described the kimjang tradition as a reflection of the deep-rooted values of sharing and community support. She confirmed that the Center will remain dedicated to organizing similar activities to ensure that Thai audiences have consistent access to authentic Korean cultural experiences. Beyond the preparation of the kimchi itself, guests were invited to enjoy a curated selection of traditional Korean dishes that are historically paired with the fermented specialty.
The celebration was rounded out by a series of traditional performances designed to usher in the New Year. Attendees witnessed ancient rituals intended to clear away negative energy and bring blessings for the coming months.
The program also featured lively folk performances and a traditional lion dance, which added to the festive atmosphere of the community gathering. (NNT)
