UK Media Highlights Crisis for Korean Kimchi as Cheaper Chinese Imports Flood Market
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
The Guardian reports that domestic Korean kimchi is being undercut by much cheaper Chinese imports, pushing local producers to the brink. In 2025, imported Chinese kimchi for restaurants costs about 1,700 won per kg versus 3,600 won per kg for Korean-made kimchi. Many small Korean kimchi makers (about 75% have four or fewer employees) cannot compete with large-scale Chinese production, and rising cabbage prices due to climate change have made the situation worse. From January to October 2025 Korea imported $15.9 million worth of kimchi while exporting $13.7 million, leaving a trade deficit. To protect the industry, the Korea Kimchi Association has launched a 'kimchi voucher' pilot paying 1,280 won per kg to restaurants that switch back to domestic kimchi, and has asked for stricter pre-import customs valuation to curb underreported prices. The government is pursuing a Kimchi Industry Promotion Plan, offering certification for restaurants using domestic kimchi, support for cabbage farmers (weather and pest control help), releasing government-stocked cabbage to stabilize prices, extending export shelf life research, and stepping up crackdowns on false origin labeling.
