According to figures released by the Korea International Trade Association, the country purchased some 14,700 tons of kimchi from overseas during the year's first four months, that's a staggering 174 percent jump from the same period last year. During this period, kimchi exports declined by close to 10 percent to about 12,000 tons.

KITA officials note the increase in kimchi exports can be explained through what's called the "boomerang" effect. In recent years, local kimchi producers have moved their facilities to China to make kimchi at a cheaper cost.

Arirang TV