As the popularity of the Pyeongchang Alpine Kimchi Festival continues to surge among both domestic and international visitors, the event opened on the 4th and is reaching its first peak ahead of the weekend from November 6 to 8. Kimchi-making culture, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is securing its place in globalization through the Pyeongchang festival.

This year, in response to public support, the kimchi-making experience capacity has been expanded, and dining areas have been separated to enhance comfort. Cabbages pickled in deep-sea water sold out as soon as the festival opened, reflecting this year's heated enthusiasm. With an increasing number of foreign participants each year, a dedicated kimchi-making experience zone for beginners—many of whom are foreigners—has been set up to leap forward as a global festival. Promotion of local agricultural and specialty products has also been expanded, including a new Pyeongchang apple promotional event. The 9th Pyeongchang Alpine Kimchi Festival is being held at the Jinbu-myeon Civic Gymnasium until November 16.

Centered around kimchi-making experiences utilizing clean Pyeongchang alpine cabbages and local agricultural specialties, a variety of attractions, food options, and farm-product sales events have been prepared. Notably, this year’s kimchi-making capacity has been increased by about 20% compared to last year, and 20 additional kimchi-making workstations have been installed to improve visitor convenience.

The operating space has also been improved by separating the kimchi-making experience area from the food zone, allowing visitors to enjoy the activities and meals in a more pleasant environment. New programs are also being introduced, including kimchi-making experiences for foreigners and foreign YouTubers, as well as an event inviting single-person youth households from urban areas. Through this, the festival plans to promote Korea's kimchi-making culture at home and abroad, spreading a community culture of making and sharing kimchi together across generations and national boundaries.

Pyeongchang residents feeding freshly made kimchi to foreign guests The kimchi-making experience, highlighting the excellence of Pyeongchang alpine cabbages, is the core of the festival. Grown at an average altitude of 700m, alpine cabbages feature firm textures and a savory taste due to large daily temperature ranges.

Major agricultural products such as cabbages, radishes, green onions, hot peppers, and mustard greens are sourced from Pyeongchang, while other seasoning ingredients are also prepared domestically. In particular, the premium kimchi-making experience using deep-sea salt-pickled cabbages increased its prepared quantity by about 40% compared to last year, but sold out entirely on the first day of reservations, proving its high popularity.

The festival features participation from about 100 farms, including those producing pickled cabbage, hot peppers, green onions, mustard greens, and the Apple Research Association, promoting the excellence of local produce. Visitors can sample and purchase Pyeongchang apples, and directly experience the excellence of Pyeongchang agricultural products through the Daegwallyeong Hanwoo special sales booth and local specialties. The festival’s food market also offers boiled pork slices (suyuk), acorn jelly, and dumpling soup utilizing Daegwallyeong Hanwoo broth.

Jang Dong-shik, Chairman of the Pyeongchang Alpine Kimchi Festival Committee, said, “The Pyeongchang Alpine Kimchi Festival is an event that promotes the excellence of local agricultural products and shares affection with neighbors through kimchi-making. As we have expanded experience capacities, facilities, and prepared various programs this year, we hope many visitors will enjoy Pyeongchang’s excellent agricultural products and traditional kimchi culture together.”

He added, “I recommend a trip where you tour Pyeongchang’s beautiful tourist attractions such as Odaesan and Daegwallyeong in the morning to fully enjoy the late autumn atmosphere, and visit the festival grounds in the afternoon to experience making kimchi with your family. I hope you can create special memories solving both the joy of autumn travel and winter kimchi preparations all at once in Pyeongchang.”

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]