Kimchi Day: November 22김치의 날

In Korea

Korea added Kimchi Day to its Kimchi Industry Promotion Act in February 2020 and held the first one on November 22, 2020. It was the country’s first statutory day for a food. [1][4][5]

What 11/22 stands for

The agriculture ministry’s explanation: 하나하나 — each (1) and every (1) ingredient of kimchi, such as cabbage, garlic and red pepper — comes together to deliver 22 benefits. You will also see “11 ingredients and 22 health benefits” in some US resolutions and articles, but that isn’t how the ministry put it. [2][3]

In the United States

No federal Kimchi Day exists: resolutions were introduced in the US House in 2022 (H.Res.1245) and 2023 (H.Res.280), and neither was adopted. [16][17] These states and cities have recognized the day:

Korean press reports also list Michigan and Texas; we couldn’t find their records.

Around the world

• Argentina — national recognition in 2023.
• São Paulo, Brazil — the city, in 2023.
• Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, London — 2023.

From Korean press reports. [18]

Ways to mark it

• Pick up a jar of kimchi — our Jongga kimchi page covers storage, sourness and whether it is vegan.
• Make your own: kimchi needs coarse gochugaru, the Korean chili flakes.
• Cook with sour kimchi — kimchi-jjigae and kimchi fried rice are classic uses.

Ideas, not anyone’s official programme.

Questions

When is Kimchi Day?

November 22 every year. In 2026 it falls on a Sunday.

What does 11/22 mean?

Korea’s agriculture ministry explains it as each (1) and every (1) ingredient of kimchi coming together to deliver 22 benefits. Some US resolutions say “11 ingredients and 22 health benefits”, but that isn’t how the ministry put it.

Is Kimchi Day a national holiday in the US?

No. Some states and cities have recognized it, and Hawaii made it a day by law in 2024, but resolutions introduced in the US House in 2022 and 2023 were not adopted.