Get Ready for the Kimchi Craze: Agoda shares five tasty Kimchi Day destinations for family travellers

For family travellers looking for a unique seasonal experience this month, Agoda shares a selection of mouth-watering gourmet spots to visit during Kimchi Day. The annual holiday, which was set by law in 2020 and is celebrated on November 22, raises awareness of kimchi’s cultural importance and nutritional value.

Although kimchi is recognized as one of Korea’s most famous traditional dishes, there are many different ways to prepare it.  Its characteristics and taste often reflect distinct regional features, sometimes because of region-specific specialty ingredients. From Incheon’s Ganghwa turnip kimchi to Yeosu’s dolsan gat kimchi, follow Agoda on a country-wide kimchi exploration that’s fun for the whole family.

Seoul – A bite of tradition in the heart of the capital: Studying kimchi history in Insadong

CNN once called the Museum Kimchikan, located in the peaceful and cozy alley of Insadong, one of the World’s Top 11 Food Museums. The museum tells the story of kimchi through a combination of historical artifacts and digital media sources. It also offers unique experiences such as a booth to taste kimchi varieties and a kimchi-making class for children. But there’s more to do for the family in Insadong. How about experiencing the Ssamji-gil and Annyeong Insadong shopping areas, or a chance to walk around the streets in traditional hanbok?

Incheon – Visit the traditional market for Ganghwa turnip kimchi and fresh raw fish

Incheon is home to the famous Ganghwa turnip kimchi, made of Ganghwa Island’s regional specialty ingredient. Ganghwa turnip kimchi, known for its unique tangy bitterness can be easily found in local traditional markets such as the Ganghwa Pungmul Market. Fresh local food unique to the city such as raw scaled sardines are also a must-try at the market. Ganghwa Island is also a great place to learn history with children. After looking around the market, consider visiting nearby historical and cultural sites, including the Ganghwa Goryeo Palace Site, Ganghwa Anglican Church, Yongheunggung Royal Residence and Gyeonggijeon Shrine, as well as the Ganghwa Dolmen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yeosu – Enjoy the one-and-only dolsan gat kimchi at the heart of its origin

Travellers cannot miss out dolsan gat (mustard leaf) kimchi when talking about Yeosu. Dolsan gat is easily harvested in Yeosu thanks to Yeosu’s warm climate and rich soil, and naturally dolsan gat kimchi has become the city’s representative regional food. Visit the Dolsan Gat Kimchi Village, also known as Jukpo Village, to experience making dolsan gat kimchi yourself with fresh local ingredientsto take home.. It is a great chance to learn the gimjang culture whether you are a solo traveller or travelling with friends or children. The village is also full of natural surprises. Witness beautiful sunrises from the Hyangilam Buddhist temple, located in Impo Village right next door to Jukpo Village. In fact, the temple is known to be one of the four best places to watch the sun rise across Korea. The Dolsan Bridge located at the entry to the village offers a fantastic skyline view.

Jeonju – Reviving Korea’s traditional gimjang (kimchi-making) culture

In Jeonju, famous as a “town of taste” and for embodying Korean tradition, travellers can experience the tradition of gimjang. The “2023 Jeonju Gimjang Culture Festival” will be held on 24 and 25 November at the Jeonju Sports Complex, offering 400 families the chance to experience gimjang using local ingredients, as well as social kimchi giveaway events and traditional games. To relax after the festival, a recommendation is Deokjin Park, where visitors can appreciate the end of autumn foliage. Kids will love it for the traditional swings and spacious bridges to run around on. The Yeonhwajeong Library within the park offers a tranquil, scenic view.

Taean – Tasting boiled gegukji (crab soup) kimchi on the shores of Anmyeondo Island

Visit Taean to taste gegukji, the famous type of kimchi known for the unique way in which it is consumed. Originating from the Seosan and Taean areas of South Chungcheong Province, this local variation is particularly distinct from versions found in other regions. Gegukji kimchi is made with crab called neungjaengi, then fermented and boiled into a soup. The dish was first created in the old days when food was scarce, but it has now become a dish that represents the region. Travelalong the coast of Taean, to easily find restaurants that specialize in gegukji. For those looking for a gourmet trip to Anmyeondo Island, one recommendation is to taste gegukji kimchi while strolling along the sea near Kkotji Beach. Aside from this culinary delight, other fun activities for family, including explore the wonders of the Taean Dinosaur Museum, crossing the Baekhwa Mountain Cloud Bridge for a breathtaking sky-high view of the entire Garorim Bay and Baekhwa Mountain landscape and stroll through the Anmyeondo Recreational Forest.