Premium Gwangju Kimchi to Be Served on American Tables

Three Local Companies Export 1.5 Tons of Four Types of Kimchi
Expanding Market Across the Americas with Los Angeles as a Hub

Photo of Gwangju Kimchi export. Provided by Gwangju City

On July 2, the Gwangju City Government announced that it had exported 1.5 tons of Gwangju Kimchi, valued at $13,000, to the United States. Three companies from the Gwangju region participated in this export: Haedamchon Co., Ltd., Chaejayeon Co., Ltd., and Bitgoeul Kimchi.

The exported products targeted the local premium market and included Baechu Kimchi (napa cabbage kimchi), Gat Kimchi (mustard leaf kimchi), and Chonggak Kimchi (young radish kimchi), with Pa Kimchi (green onion kimchi) being newly introduced. The price per kilogram was 7,000 KRW for Baechu Kimchi, 8,000 KRW for Gat Kimchi, and 18,000 KRW for Pa Kimchi.

This export was particularly meaningful because it was achieved despite uncertainties caused by changes in tariff policies under the Trump administration. The growing demand for Gwangju Kimchi in the United States, along with cooperation from the World Institute of Kimchi and the Global Korean Cuisine Federation, contributed to making this export possible. The city plans to continue expanding its market share in the United States by following up this first shipment with a second export in October.

Joo Jaehee, Director of the Economic and Startup Bureau, stated, "Gwangju Kimchi is recognized in the U.S. market for its high-quality, traditional Jeolla-style fermented food and distinctive flavors. We will further strengthen the global presence of Gwangju's agricultural products by expanding the market throughout the Americas, with Los Angeles as a hub."

Meanwhile, Gwangju Kimchi has been exported annually to the Los Angeles area in the United States since 2022. This year, in addition to kimchi, Bugak (crispy vegetable chips) products have also entered the U.S. market, diversifying the export portfolio of Gwangju's agricultural products.