3 weeks ago
South Koreans eating less kimchi despite global popularity surge: data
Kimchi is a spicy pickled cabbage dish that people in South Korea have eaten for a very long time.
It is famous all over the world now.
But new research shows that fewer people in South Korea are eating kimchi than before.
In 2010, about 12 out of every 100 people said they had not eaten kimchi in the last day.
By 2024, that number grew to about 23 out of every 100 people.
The biggest change was among young adults between ages 20 and 39.
Many people still like kimchi, but now they eat it in cooked meals like kimchi stew instead of as a side dish.
Scientists who did the study say eating habits are changing and want health experts to encourage balanced diets.
The article also says South Korea earned a lot of money from tourists in June because so many people enjoy Korean pop culture.
The share of South Koreans who reported eating no kimchi in the previous 24 hours rose from 11.7 percent in 2010 to 22.7 percent in 2024.
Non-consumption rose from 10.2 to 20.6 percent among men and from 13.1 to 24.8 percent among women over the same period.
Kimchi consumption as a side dish declined in most age groups, falling most sharply among people aged 20-39, from 82 to 66 percent.
More South Koreans now eat kimchi as an ingredient in cooked dishes such as kimchi jjigae stew, and lower-income groups consume more kimchi than the highest-income bracket.
Separately, South Korea's tourism balance posted a US$596.6 million surplus in June, a pandemic-era record, helped by the popularity of Korean pop culture.
- Who
- Researchers from Chung-Ang University, Jeju National University, and the World Institute of Kimchi, analyzing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
- What
- A study found a growing share of South Koreans are not eating kimchi, while South Korea's tourism balance reached a record surplus in June
- Where
- South Korea
- When
- Data from 2010 to 2024; tourism figures for June, reported on Sunday
- Why
- Researchers point to broader shifts in meal composition and eating habits; tourism gains were driven by the popularity of Korean pop culture
Key facts
- Study period
- 2010-2024
- 24-hour non-consumption rate (2010)
- 11.7%
- 24-hour non-consumption rate (2024)
- 22.7%
- Men's non-consumption rate
- 10.2% to 20.6%
- Women's non-consumption rate
- 13.1% to 24.8%
- Ages 20-39 side-dish consumption
- 82% to 66%
- June tourism surplus
- US$596.6 million
- Average foreign tourist spending
- US$1,397 per person
Quotes
Joint research team
Researchers from Chung‑Ang University, Jeju National University and the World Institute of Kimchi
“The trend observed in kimchi consumption indicates broader shifts in overall meal composition and eating habits, the joint research team said.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Related news
Pakistan Families Cut Essential Foods as Food Insecurity Deepens
Out-of-home F&B volume dips 8.6%, value rises 0.5% in FY26
South Korea Tightens Chinese Cabbage Checks After Formaldehyde Scandal
South Korea Inflation Hits 3.1% as Fuel, Mobile Fees Rise
Indore's Gen Z Embraces Korean Culture Through Music, Food, Fashion
