Why is 'Kimchi-yong Baechu' labeled as 'Chinese cabbage?'... Seokyeongdeok points out Google's notation

Kimchi and Its Chinese Translation as Paochai (泡菜)
Professor Seokyungdeok Urges Correction of Errors in Kimchi-Related Terms

When translating '김치' and 'kimchi' into Chinese using Google Translate, both Simplified and Traditional Chinese versions are translated as '파오차이' (泡菜).
[Image source=Getty Images]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] When searching for kimchi cabbage on Google, the world's largest search engine, it appears in English as "Chinese cabbage for Kimchi," causing controversy.

On the 4th, Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University posted on his Facebook, "One of the most frequent inquiries recently has been about the English notation of 'baechu' (cabbage) being labeled as 'Chinese Cabbage,'" adding, "I received opinions from netizens asking if this could be changed."

Professor Seo continued, "As China's 'kimchi project' becomes increasingly serious, the netizens who reported this seemed very concerned that the English notation of baechu included 'Chinese style.'"

He explained that the official international notation is "Cabbage for Kimchi" for "kimjang baechu" (cabbage for kimchi).

Professor Seo emphasized, "The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX) has already recognized 'kimjang baechu' as the official name," and "domestically produced baechu, which was classified under 'Chinese cabbage' in international food classification, was separated and registered as 'cabbage for kimchi' in 2013."

When searching for '김치용 배추' on Google Translate, it is translated as 'Chinese cabbage for Kimchi'.

He criticized the fact that even Google Translate, used by billions worldwide, currently translates "kimjang baechu" as "Chinese cabbage for kimchi."

He also pointed out that when translating "kimchi" and the English word "kimchi" into Chinese, both come out as "pao cai" (泡菜), a term used by China to claim kimchi as its own traditional food. Professor Seo expressed regret that despite continuous protests to Google, this has not changed.

Currently, Google Translate still translates "cabbage for kimchi" as "Chinese cabbage for Kimchi." Additionally, both simplified and traditional Chinese translations of "kimchi" and "kimchi" render as "pao cai (泡菜)."

Professor Seo stressed, "From now on, we must start by correcting the notation errors related to kimchi," adding, "(Notation) is the most fundamental issue."

Going forward, Professor Seo plans to continue a "global promotion campaign" targeting major portals and translation services worldwide to ensure accurate notation of kimchi.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.