Geohistorical evolution of kimchi as an ethnic food

• Published in: Journal of ethnic foods Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 1 - 12
• Main Authors: Kwon, Dae Young, Chung, Kyung Rhan, Daily, James W., Park, Sunmin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BioMed Central 10.03.2025; BMC; 한국식품연구원
• Subjects: Gastronomy; Geohistory; Kimchi; Origins; Review Article; Serendipity; Social Sciences; Vegetable fermentation; 식품과학; Origins; Serendipity; Vegetable fermentation; Geohistory; Kimchi; Gastronomy
• ISSN: 2352-619X; 2352-6181; 2352-619X
• DOI: 10.1186/s42779-025-00271-9

Kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish, holds a pivotal role in this culinary tradition, serving not only as a flavor enhancer but also as a crucial source of nutrition. Despite kimchi’s significance in Korean dietary culture, its origins and historical evolution have often been subject to misinterpretation. This is largely due to an overreliance on non-scientific, humanities-based approaches to studying kimchi’s history, coupled with a lack of interest from the scientific community in exploring its origins. Our approach challenges existing errors and historical misinformation by applying scientific methodologies to the study of kimchi’s origins. We examine how factors, such as climate, available ingredients, fermentation techniques, and cultural practices, contributed to kimchi’s development. Additionally, we consider the broader context of human migration patterns and agricultural advancements in the Korean peninsula. Through this multidisciplinary lens, we aim to demonstrate that kimchi is not merely a food item, but a reflection of Korea’s unique geographical and cultural landscape. This gastro-geohistorical review critically examines historical interpretations of kimchi, offering nuanced insights into its complex historical development and highlighting its significance in Korean and global culinary contexts. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, we provided a more rigorous understanding of kimchi’s origins and historical trajectory. By offering a scientifically grounded narrative of kimchi’s origins, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how geographical factors and cultural practices intersect in shaping distinctive food traditions. It also highlights the importance of applying rigorous, multidisciplinary approaches to food history research.