The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Czech Republic successfully organized the 2025 K-Food Festival: Kimchi at the National Agricultural Museum (Národní zemědělské muzeum Praha) from November 12 to 13, 2025. The two-day cultural event was specifically designed to introduce visitors to the rich history and profound cultural significance of kimchi, Korea's most iconic fermented food, while sharing the deeper meaning behind kimjang culture—the cherished Korean tradition of communal kimchi preparation for the winter months.
Participants at the festival were given hands-on opportunities to create their own authentic kimchi, specifically whole cabbage kimchi, under the guidance of experienced instructors. The event featured live cooking demonstrations that showcased popular Korean dishes incorporating kimchi, including kimchi stew (kimchi-jjigae) and tofu with kimchi. These interactive cooking sessions allowed attendees to witness firsthand the versatility of kimchi in Korean cuisine and learn traditional preparation methods passed down through generations.
Through these comprehensive cultural activities, festival-goers experienced the fundamental principles of Korean fermentation techniques, gained insight into the underlying philosophy of Korean culinary traditions, and discovered the communal spirit that forms the backbone of Korean food culture. The hands-on approach enabled participants to understand not just the technical aspects of kimchi-making, but also the social and cultural dimensions that make this fermented vegetable dish so central to Korean identity.
The festival served as an important cultural bridge, allowing Czech citizens and international visitors to connect with Korean heritage through one of its most representative culinary traditions. By focusing on kimchi and the kimjang tradition, the event highlighted how food serves as a powerful medium for cultural exchange and understanding between nations, while preserving and sharing Korea's intangible cultural heritage with a global audience.
