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South Korea's Kimchi Industry Struggles Amid Rising Imports

12/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

South Korea's kimchi industry faces pressure as imports from China rise and undercut local products.
Kim Chieun, a factory owner in Incheon, says restaurants prefer imported kimchi, reducing domestic sales.
In 2025, South Korea imported kimchi worth $159 million, mainly from China, while exports reached $137 million.
Efforts are underway to support local production, including a voucher scheme for restaurants to use Korean kimchi.

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Story summary

South Korea's kimchi industry faces pressure as imports from China rise and undercut local products.
Kim Chieun, a factory owner in Incheon, says restaurants prefer imported kimchi, reducing domestic sales.
In 2025, South Korea imported kimchi worth $159 million, mainly from China, while exports reached $137 million.
Efforts are underway to support local production, including a voucher scheme for restaurants to use Korean kimchi.