Seoul
Imports of kimchi, the spicy fermented cabbage that is Korea’s national dish, have surpassed exports for the first time, officials said this week. Most of the imports come from China. Chinese-made kimchi is half the price of local brands, and while most grocery shoppers still prefer the authentic Korean version of kimchi, many company and school cafeterias have been buying the cheap stuff. Korean newspapers pronounced the trend a disgrace. The Korean Daily Herald called it “as odd as Italy importing spaghetti from India.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellationCartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop sceneIn the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
