Korea’s Kimchi, Now for Everyone.
The Korean Canadian community in Vancouver joined in on the wholesome fest of kimchi making to celebrate World Kimchi Day (November 22). In the second year of the Kimchi Sharing Festival held at the Korean Community Centre (1320 E Hastings St) on Nov 19, Korean Canadians and local Vancouver residents learned how to make kimchi and shared their love for Korean food and culture.
Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish of salted and fermented vegetables, such as napa cabbage and Korean radish. It has long been a Korean tradition where families and friends gather during November for cabbage harvest and to make a year’s worth of kimchi. It is also worth noting that Kimchi making or kimjang has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Item of Humanity since 2013.
Hosted by the Vancouver Women’s Association and the Democratic Peace and Unification Advisory Council and sponsored by the Vancouver Consulate General, they hope to enhance Korean cultural experience and strengthen ties between Korean Canadian and Vancouver community.
Chairman Michelle Kim and the members of other host organizations prepared kimchi making by salting the cabbages the previous day and were followed by participants putting the salted cabbages and pastes together the next day. They demonstrated true teamwork and cooperative spirit in kimchi making, which is an integral part of Korean culture.
The event was also delighted with traditional Korean cultural performances by Han Chang-hyun’s Traditional Culture Research Institute and Kim Young-joo’s Korean Traditional Dance Research Association.
Following the demonstration and experience of making kimchi throughout the Kimchi Festival, the kimchi made on this day was delivered to help communities in need. Inquiries or questions regarding the event can be made at vkcws.info@gmail.com.
