The third annual Seoul Kimchi Festival is set to kick off its three-day run on Nov. 4 at Seoul Plaza.

Organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the festival aims to provide citizens and tourists with a better understanding of how to make kimchi and the importance of its tradition. 

 
“Gimjang,” or making kimchi, has long been an important tradition for families across the nation. It involves more than just making kimchi together. It is a tradition that strengthens family ties and sees the handing down of kimchi recipes across generations.

The event is expected to involve more than 4,000 participants who will gather at the plaza near Seoul City Hall to make kimchi with ingredients such as pickled radish, organic cabbages and chili pepper spices.

On Nov. 4 and 5, a master chef of kimchi will deliver lectures, workshops and consultations on how to make kimchi. English interpretation will be available during the event for foreigners.

The government-sponsored festival is part of its effort to promote the tradition of gimjang, which has been recognized by the United Nation’s cultural agency, UNESCO, as a world heritage asset. 

Seoul is also co-hosting the festival in Japan on the same day, inviting around 1,000 people residing there to participate in the event held at Tokyo’s Shinjuku.

The opening ceremonies in Seoul and Tokyo will be broadcast live by MBC, a television channel here.

By Bak Se-hwan (sh@heraldcorp.com)