The sixth annual kimchi festival kicked off in Seoul's Seongbuk district, where spouses of ambassadors and business representatives were invited to join the kimchi-making process.

With the help of hundreds of local volunteers, foreign participants, most of whom were making the traditional dish for the first time, stuffed a total of 5,000 cabbages.

All of the kimchi made here will be donated to the underprivileged, including 450 disabled families and 20 families in welfare facilities in Seoul's Seongbuk district.

Amal Al-Hadabi, wife of the Omani Ambassador, said the two years that she has lived here have been full of interesting experiences thanks to the government's continued efforts to get foreigners more involved in Korean culture.

The mayor of Seongbuk district said such festivals play a key role in boosting cultural exchange. Mayor Seo Chan-kyo said, "I hope those who participated in today's event will learn more about Korea and our culture through this experience. Perhaps they will take some kimchi back with them to their home country and spread the word about the unique flavor of this famous Korean dish."

Kimchi made by participating ambassadors' spouses was also rewarded according to flavor and presentation.

Arirang News