South Korea's Kimchi Craze

Kimchi is a widely known dish of South Korea. We've seen it in dramas, we've tasted it at Koreans restaurants and many of us have even bought some at supermarkets to taste at home!

But did you know that there are many different variations of kimchi? We'll cover other types of kimchi in Korea made with different vegetables and ingredients.

Plus, we'll show you strange versions of kimchis even locals here find unusual. What could they be made of? We'll soon find out!

Finally, we'll also explore eccentric combinations of food and kimchi! Do you dare try any of them?

Do Koreans Really Eat Kimchi Every Day?

Let's take a look at the meme of a conversation between a Korean and a Japanese.

Generally speaking, most Koreans do eat kimchi every day, although the frequency may differ by person.

Eating out at a local Korean restaurant, you'll definitely get a kimchi side dish or two. Eating at a Korean household, you'll most likely get kimchi served with the main dish, rice, soup and other side dishes.

So yes, kimchi is very deeply planted into everyday life of Koreans. Would one get sick of eating kimchi this often? Maybe so, but it's rarely the case as there are so many different types of kimchis to choose from!

Types Of Kimchi

There are hundreds of variations of kimchi, so even locals don't get to try all during their lifetime.

We are going to introduce the well-known types which work as great starters for those who are looking to explore the vast world of kimchi.

1. Baechu Kimchi (배추 김치)

Baechu kimchi refers to the world renowned cabbage kimchi.

As the most basic form of kimchi, it's really easy to spot in Korea.

It is made of salted napa cabbages along with spicy seasonings such as gochujang (red pepper paste) and chili pepper powder.

2. Baek Kimchi (백김치)

Baek kimchi, 'baek' meaning 'white' in Korean, is made without chili pepper. This non-spicy kimchi tastes fruity and sour!

3. Dongchimi (동치미)

Dongchimi is a non-spicy, soupy kimchi.

It is made by soaking radish into salt water. 'Dong' means winter in Korean, so we know it's mostly consumed on cold winter's days.

4. Chonggak Kimchi (총각 김치)

Chonggak kimchi is kimchi made of ponytail radish.

It is one of the most popular kimchi in Korea next to baechu kimchi.

5. Kkakdugi (깍두기)

Kkakdugi is made of radish cut into bite-sized cubes.

It's the most common kimchi in Korean after baechu kimchi. It's usually served with soups like seolleongtang. Delish!

6. Oi Sobagi (오이소박이)

Oi sobagi, or cucumber kimchi, is made by mixing chopped cucumbers with seafood and chili paste.

It is widely consumed in spring and summer.

7. Yeolmu Kimchi (열무김치)

Yeolmu kimchi is made of yeolmu radishes, and it's got a nice crunch to it while being not too spicy.

It's perfect if you're looking to try kimchi that's mildly flavourful.

8. Buchu Kimchi (부추김치)

Buchu Kimchi is made with Asian chives, which are buchu in Korean. They have a very refreshing taste with a mix of green onion and chives, that's lively and spicy.

9. Gat Kimchi (갓김치)

Gat kimchi has a bit more intense flavour compared to the other types of kimchi. They are made with mustard leaves and stems.

Strange Kimchis That Are Unheard Of

Korea's love for kimchi ranges so far that they started making kimchi with everything!

There is even a kimchi game in Korea you play when drinking with friends.

The game goes like this. You say a fruit or vegetable that you think cannot be made into kimchi. Google to see if such kimchi exists, and if it does, you drink.

Many now think that it is nearly impossible to find an ingredient that has not been made into kimchi. What do you think? Let's find out together.

1. Mango Kimchi (망고 김치)

2. Strawberry Kimchi (딸기 김치)

3. Peach Kimchi (복숭아 김치)

4. Broccoli Kimchi

5. Watermelon Kimchi

6. Chocolate Kimchi

7. Grape Kimchi (포도 김치)

8. Orange Kimchi (귤 김치)

9. Pomegranate Kimchi (석류 김치)

10. Aloe Kimchi (알로에 김치)

If you want to find out for yourselves, play the game and let us know how it goes!

Unique Combinations Of Kimchi

There are many great pairings you can do with kimchi including; seolleongtang (broth soup) and kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), bulgogi and baechu kimchi, samgyeopsal (pork belly) and grilled baechu kimchi, and many more.

But there are also some shocking combinations that some people find delightful and many unpalatable.

1. Cheesecake & Kimchi

This combination has become popular since celebrity chef Lee Yeon-bok (이연복) said that it is delicious to eat cheesecake and kimchi together on a TV show.

Those who tried this combination said that kimchi surprisingly cancels out the greasy taste of the cheesecake well.

2. Donut & Kimchi

This is not a common combination, but older generations quite enjoy eating donuts with kimchi because they think donuts are too sweet.

3. Sweet Potato & Kimchi

The combination of kimchi and sweet potato is quite popular in Korea.

Many Koreans love to eat sweet potato with kimchi because if you eat sweet potato alone, it tends to be dry, but the juicy texture of kimchi complements it.

4. Banana & Kimchi

Eating a banana with kimchi has lately become a thing in Korea.

Many say it is spicy at first bite, but the sweetness of the banana slowly emerges, making the combination delightful.

Did you enjoy exploring different parts about kimchi? Which combination or kimchi would you like to try next? Let us know in the comment section below!