2025 Kimchi Festival in Hadong brings the community together for a shared winter kimjang

(Photo courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)

Hadong-gun will host the 2025 Hadong Damda, Byeolchunji Hadong Kimchi Festival on December 6 at Hadong Sports Park, bringing together residents, families, and volunteers for a day centered on shared kimjang traditions and winter community spirit.

This year’s festival merges the former Jeokryang-myeon kimchi festival with the county-wide kimjang events, creating a unified celebration organized by the Hadong Women’s Association.

By combining efforts, the county aims to reduce the burden on volunteer groups while expanding the festival into a warm, participatory program focused on giving back.

A major highlight is the large-scale community kimjang, where participants make kimchi together and then deliver it to seniors living alone and households in need. The act of preparing and sharing kimchi becomes a symbolic gesture of caring for neighbors as winter approaches.

In addition, the “My House Kimchi Taste Contest” will take place at 2 p.m., showcasing various kimchi styles made with Hadong’s agricultural products.

Applications are open until November 28 at 5 p.m. by visiting the Agricultural Technology Center.

Prizes include 1 million won for the grand winner, followed by awards of 500,000 won and 300,000 won.

Festival-goers can also enjoy a master kimchi gallery featuring three presidential-award kimchi artisans, hands-on workshops such as tea classes and craft making, winter snacks, and live busking performances to add energy to the day.

Korean