North Korea launches ‘kimchi battle’ in winter…”We are busy making kimchi in every house”.

North Korean residents are seen gathering together to make Kimchi. (Image courtesy of propaganda media ‘Among Our Nation’)

North Korea has been broadcasting images of its citizens participating in the annual ‘Kimjang’ event, the tradition of making Kimchi for winter. This not only ensures food supplies throughout the cold season but also preserves a significant cultural tradition.

The propaganda media ‘Among Our Nation’ reported on November 19th under the title “Unique Kimjang Season Scenery of the Korean Nation” that “every year around this time, you can see housewives are busy making Kimchi in every household.” They further added that “the scene of Kimjang season, where well-prepared Kimchi is shared among neighbors, contributing to their harmony, is probably the most colorful scene of this season.”

The media emphasized that “Kimchi is an indispensable side dish in our people’s diet,” and “the Korean nation has always felt that a meal is not complete without Kimchi, regardless of whether there are other side dishes or not. Whether the meal is extravagant or simple, Kimchi was never left out.”

They also mentioned that “this year, the scene of making Kimchi is unfolding in households across our republic, adding charm to the season of November,” and “the lively scene of Kimjang season is unfolding everywhere, from Songhwa and Hwasung streets in Pyongyang to homes in various places, and laughter can be heard in every house and village.”

The media also reported that after Kimjang, they roast sweet potatoes to eat without seasoning, calling it “the best part of the unique Kimjang season of the Korean nation that embodies the scent of autumn and the charm of winter.”

North Korean residents are seen gathering together to make Kimchi. (Image courtesy of propaganda media ‘Among Our Nation’)

Given that winters in North Korea are colder and longer than in South Korea, Kimchi plays an important role in the diet. When Kimjang season comes, it’s known that people even take time off work to participate in the community Kimjang event, which is often referred to as ‘Kimjang battle.’

However, in recent years, Kimchi factories have been established throughout North Korea, and factory-made Kimchi seems to be becoming more popular.

The Chosun Sinbo, the newspaper of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), promoted the Ryukyung Kimchi Factory located in Hwasung District, Pyongyang last month.

This factory, which was completed in 2016, initially produced six types of Kimchi, but according to the report by Chosun Sinbo, it currently produces 26 types of Kimchi.

This suggests that the demand for processed food is increasing, especially in large cities in North Korea. The Chosun Sinbo also reported that Kim Jong-un, the Secretary of the Workers’ Party, personally ordered to increase the variety of Kimchi, promoting the idea that the supreme leader is proactive in responding to ‘current trends.’

sseol@news1.kr