Kimchi is more than just a fermented food—it is culture itself, embodying the life and emotions of the Korean people. This traditional food, passed down through generations, now graces dining tables worldwide and stands proudly at the center of global food trends. Kimchi is being reinterpreted in restaurants across different countries, utilized in various research and industries, and meeting people around the world in new forms.
This documentary follows kimchi’s cultural depth and international expansion, as well as the challenges encountered in this process. Director Yoon Ji-an, who began making kimchi herself while living in Japan because she missed the authentic taste, realizes that food is indeed ‘identity.’ Subsequently, she begins sharing the appeal of kimchi and other Korean cuisine with the world through her YouTube channel.
Following Ji-an’s perspective, we explore kimchi’s history and present, as well as the new possibilities unfolding in the global arena.
This work asks through kimchi — What culture should we preserve, and how should we connect with the world?
Directed by Jian Yoon (South Korea)