Imsil Kimchi Festival Achieves Record Sales of 730 Million Won

132 Tons Sold
Record-Breaking Sales Up 31.8% Compared to Three-Year Average

On December 5, Imsil County in North Jeolla Province recorded sales of 730 million won at the tenth annual Crispy Kimchi Festival.

According to the county on December 9, a total of 132 tons (96 tons of salted cabbage and 36 tons of seasoning) were sold through kimchi-making experiences, parcel delivery, and drive-through sales held from October 22 to December 5.

Imsil County recorded sales of 730 million won at the tenth Crispy Kimchi Festival held on the 5th of this year. Photo by Imsil County

This figure far exceeds last year's sales of 660 million won and marks the first time sales have surpassed 700 million won, setting a new all-time record.

In particular, this year's results not only greatly surpassed the sales target of 660 million won and the quantity target of 124 tons, but also represented a 31.8% increase compared to the average sales of the past three years (556 million won), making it a record-breaking achievement.

The county attributed this year's high sales to the use of premium seasoning made with highland cabbage from the pristine Sinduk-myeon area of Imsil and high-quality red pepper powder produced from locally grown red peppers, as well as the accumulated trust in taste and quality built up over ten years.

The salted cabbage undergoes strict quality control through a real-name system for producer groups, while the seasoning uses red pepper powder made from Imsil-grown red peppers purchased from local farms and professionally dried and processed.

Additionally, Imsil & Seasoning Co., Ltd. produces its products based on traditional Jeolla Province methods, continuously improving the taste every year by reflecting consumer feedback, which has led to high levels of customer satisfaction.

Thanks to this trust and quality, the number of repeat purchases and return visits from consumers who have previously participated in the Imsil Kimchi Festival has steadily increased. As word of mouth spread nationwide, all prepared quantities sold out early during the pre-order period, confirming the festival's explosive popularity.

Meanwhile, a total of 909 people participated in the on-site kimchi-making experience held over three days from November 21 to 23, generating sales of 130 million won. The impromptu singing contest saw 101 participants, offering families and friends a memorable addition to their kimchi-making experience.

Many visitors who came to the event without a reservation requested on-the-spot participation, prompting the county to prepare additional quantities and run extra experience programs, which further increased satisfaction at the venue.

The meticulous event management, including kimchi-making demonstrations by master kimchi artisans, customized guidance for beginners, and the provision of separate washing booths to make post-experience clean-up easier, also received high praise.

County Governor Sim Min stated, "At the heart of this achievement are the dedication of the salted cabbage farmers and the continuous quality improvements made by Imsil & Seasoning Co., Ltd. for consumers. As additional orders and inquiries for next year's kimchi continue even after the festival, we will further enhance the experience programs and product quality to develop the Imsil Crispy Kimchi Festival into the nation's top kimchi festival."

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