Pyeongchang’s ‘Pepper Powder Belief’: The Secret to Korea’s Beloved Kimchi Festival
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The Pyeongchang Highland Kimchi Festival, a celebrated winter tradition, is built on a foundation of quality ingredients and a deep commitment to local culture. Reservations are already filling up for the 8th annual event, scheduled for November 5-17, as families prepare to immerse themselves in the art of kimjang – the traditional Korean practice of making and sharing kimchi.
A Highland Feast Rooted in Community
For four years, Kim Yong-rae has returned to his village in Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, a mountainous region 700 meters above sea level. As a village head, he’s witnessed the vibrant culture of the area and fostered connections with leaders from 38 villages. Now, as Chairman of the Jinbu-myeon Village Village Association and President of the Pyeongchang-gun Village Heads Association, Kim is a driving force behind the festival’s continued success.
The ‘Red Pepper Powder Belief’
Kim Yong-rae is known for his unwavering dedication to quality, particularly when it comes to gochugaru – Korean red pepper powder. This isn’t merely a preference; it’s a “pepper powder belief,” as he describes it, reflecting his meticulous approach to selecting this essential seasoning. “The key to kimchi is seasoning,” a senior official stated. “The most important ingredient of this seasoning is red pepper powder.”
Eight Years of Tradition and Growing Popularity
This year marks the 8th anniversary of the Pyeongchang Highland Kimchi Festival, which has become a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic Korean experience. The festival uniquely combines crisp highland cabbage with seasonings sourced from the Mue region, creating a flavor profile that draws visitors from across the country. Families participate by purchasing pickled cabbage and seasonings, then mixing them together to create their own delicious kimchi.
A Commitment to Quality and Local Farmers
Kim’s dedication to gochugaru extends beyond simply finding the right color and texture. Early in the festival’s history, he discovered inconsistencies in commercially available powders, including imported varieties and those made with substandard peppers. Starting with the 2nd Kimjang Festival, he implemented a system of direct sourcing, purchasing peppers directly from local farmers under their names.
“I washed the second and third picks with purified water and only purchased perfectly dried peppers,” Kim explained. To ensure the highest quality, the festival committee employs experienced seniors to meticulously remove stems and impurities, paying them 1.5 times the standard wage. This “real-name farmers’ responsibility system” not only guarantees quality but also provides economic stability and pride for local agricultural communities. The festival utilizes approximately 11 tons of red pepper powder annually, purchased directly from farmers.
The Art of Seasoning: A ‘Spy Movie’ Level of Precision
The process of creating the festival’s signature seasoning is remarkably precise. “The seasoning at the Pyeongchang Highland Kimjang Festival is reminiscent of a spy movie,” one participant noted. All processes are made using the same recipe under strict hygiene management. Only a dedicated team of experts within the festival committee is entrusted with the preparation, utilizing the highest quality ingredients sourced from the Pyeongchang region. Refined shrimp sauce, zero-impurity salt, and fish sauce aged for at least five years are among the key components.
Notably, the festival does not sell finished kimchi products, a deliberate choice rooted in respect for local kimchi manufacturers who operate under strict permitting processes. The focus remains on providing a hands-on, immersive experience for families.
A Legacy of Service and Community Spirit
Kim Yong-rae’s commitment to the Pyeongchang region extends beyond the Kimchi Festival. A lifelong resident of Jinbu, he retired after 36 years as a civil servant and has since dedicated himself to community development, serving as president of both the Pyeongchang-gun and Jinbu-myeon Village Heads’ Associations. He played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the festival’s success as chairman of the 3rd and 4th events.
“The geographical uniqueness of the highlands of Pyeongchang is fundamental,” Kim stated. “It is a masterpiece that combines the crunchy texture unique to the highland cabbage and the high-quality seasoning produced in the region.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration and a shared spirit of kindness among local social organizations.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Reflecting on the festival’s early days, Kim recalled the challenges of the first event, where the entire process was done by hand, leading to delays and cancellations. “Patience is bitter, but the fruit is sweet,” he laughed.
Looking to the future, Kim Yong-rae assures visitors that the Pyeongchang Highland Kimchi Festival will continue to deliver a delicious and authentic Korean experience. “In 2025, the Pyeongchang Highland Kimchi Festival will continue to satisfy your taste buds and take responsibility for providing delicious Korean meals,” he concluded. “Experience the true taste of kimchi at Happy 700 Clean Pyeongchang, where you can chew on oxygen, and make fun and useful memories at the wonderful tourist attractions nearby.”
For more information and to make reservations, visit the Pyeongchang Highland Kimjang Festival website: https://gimjang700.co.kr/.
