Choi Seok-ho (pictured), a member of the California House of Representatives, has proposed a resolution on “California Kimchi Day. The main point is that the California Legislature will declare November 22nd as ‘Kimchi Day’.
Rep. Choi Seok-ho said in a telephone conversation with this magazine, "It means that kimchi gives more than 22 health effects (22 days) by mixing more than 11 kinds (November) of various seafood including salt, seasoned vegetables, and salted fish with main ingredients such as cabbage and radish “November 22 was designated as Kimchi Day.” He explained, “Korea established November 22 last year as ‘Kimchi Day’ as a legal anniversary, with the intention of commemorating kimchi in California, where most Koreans live.” did. He continued, “It will be a good opportunity to inform the residents of Korea’s good customs.”
In the resolution, it was stipulated that ‘kimchi is a traditional Korean food’. Voting is scheduled for August 23rd.
It is also intended to correct misinformation that kimchi originated from other countries, such as China, and to re-emphasize that kimchi is a representative food of Korea. Choi's office plans to hold a large-scale K-food event in front of the main office building after the resolution is passed on August 23 along with the organizations that participated in the resolution. It is explained that through the K-Food event, it will be a place to introduce the excellence of Korean food as well as kimchi to the provincial legislature and staff.
The resolution stated, “The demand for kimchi in California is rapidly increasing. It is also a popular item at Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s.” “From 2012 to 2019 (business review site) Yelp, searches for Korean restaurants increased by 34%. Kimchi contains vitamins A, C, and K and is helpful in preventing stroke, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.”
Also, on November 22, officials from the Los Angeles Cultural Center will hold an event to make kimchi in the courtyard of the residence of the Consulate General of Los Angeles. Rep. Choi said, "12 organizations, including the Los Angeles Cultural Center, cooperated in promoting the resolution."
Kimchi is the only fermented vegetable certified as an international food by the International Food Standards Committee (CODEX) in 2001. The Codex is a place where more than 180 member countries participate to set international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. If recognized here, it is recommended that each country apply it as a guideline when managing food.