World Institute of Kimchi

The World Institute of Kimchi was established by the South Korean government in 2010 as part of its efforts to promote the country's cultural heritage and boost its economy. Kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish and a symbol of the country's identity, has been a staple of Korean cuisine for centuries. However, with the rise of globalization and the popularity of Western foods, the consumption of kimchi began to decline. To address this, the government invested over 20 billion won (approximately 18 million USD) in the institute, which was established in Gwangju, a city located in the southwestern region of South Korea.

The institute's primary objective was to conduct research on kimchi and develop new technologies to improve its quality and taste. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed with experts in food science, microbiology, and related fields, the World Institute of Kimchi aimed to preserve and promote kimchi while adapting it to contemporary preferences. On July 15, 2009, the institute's location was selected in Imam-dong, Nam District, Gwangju, and on September 17, 2009, it was formed within the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

To further strengthen its research capabilities, the World Kimchi Research Center was established and affiliated with the Korea Food Research Institute following the approval of the 132nd regular board meeting of the Industrial Technology Research Association on December 23, 2009. The culmination of these efforts led to the official registration and establishment of the World Kimchi Research Institute on January 1, 2010. Subsequently, on March 10, 2010, the institute's opening ceremony took place in the main auditorium of the Korea Food Research Institute.

In the years that followed, the institute experienced significant developments and changes. On October 31, 2012, the office building of the institute was relocated to its current location. On March 23, 2013, the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning changed the department in charge, with Park Wan-soo, previously serving as the acting-chairman, being appointed as the chairman of the World Institute of Kimchi. The jurisdiction of the institute was placed under the Ministry of Science and ICT on July 26, 2017. Furthermore, the institute received international recognition when it was designated as an internationally recognized testing agency (KOLAS) on October 24, 2017.

The government's recognition of the institute's capabilities extended beyond testing, as it was also designated as an excellent animal testing facility by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on January 30, 2018. Additionally, on April 30, 2019, the World Institute of Kimchi was designated as an agency for testing and inspection of food, etc. (self-quality consignment inspection) by the Gwangju Regional Food and Drug Administration. These designations further solidified the institute's role in ensuring the quality and safety of kimchi and related food products.

The World Institute of Kimchi's mission is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of kimchi, as well as to develop new technologies and products related to the dish. The institute's research focuses on several areas, including:

Kimchi production technology: The institute studies the fermentation process of kimchi and develops new methods to improve its quality and taste.

Kimchi health benefits: Kimchi is known for its health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and aiding digestion. The institute conducts research on the nutritional and medicinal properties of kimchi.

Kimchi culture: Kimchi is an integral part of Korean culture and society. The institute studies the history and cultural significance of kimchi and promotes its awareness and appreciation both in Korea and abroad.

Since its establishment, the World Institute of Kimchi has made significant contributions to the study and promotion of kimchi. Some of its notable achievements include:

Development of new kimchi products: The institute has developed a range of new kimchi products, including instant kimchi powder, kimchi juice, and kimchi sauce. These products are not only more convenient to use but also help to expand the market for kimchi.

Kimchi preservation technology: The institute has developed new technologies to preserve kimchi for longer periods without compromising its quality and taste. This has helped to increase the shelf life of kimchi and make it more accessible to consumers around the world.

Kimchi education: The institute offers courses and workshops on kimchi-making and culture for both domestic and international visitors. This has helped to promote the awareness and appreciation of kimchi as a cultural heritage of Korea.

International collaborations: The institute has collaborated with various research institutions and organizations around the world to share knowledge and expertise on kimchi. This has helped to promote the internationalization of kimchi and increase its popularity outside of Korea.

The World Institute of Kimchi continues to strive towards its mission of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of kimchi. Some of its future directions include:

Kimchi standardization: The institute is working towards standardizing the production process and quality of kimchi, in order to ensure consistency and quality across different manufacturers and products.

Globalization of kimchi: The institute aims to promote the globalization of kimchi by introducing it to new markets and cultures. This involves adapting kimchi to local tastes and preferences and developing new kimchi products.

Microbial functional research, new process fermentation research, cultural convergence research, industrial technology development, hygiene safety, and analysis research.

• R&D Headquarters
• Microbial Functional Research Center
• New Process Fermentation Research Center
• Cultural Convergence Research Center
• Industrial Technology Research Center
• Hygiene Safety Analysis Center
• Strategic Planning Division
• Planning and Budget Office
• Future Strategy Office
• Small and Medium Business Support Office
• Management Support Department
• HR and Finance Team
• Purchasing Computing Team
• Safety Facility Management Team

• World Institute of Kimchi website