Kimchi Exports Hit All-Time High

Exports of Kimchi hit an all-time high last year due to growing demand for healthier foods amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Korea Customs Service said on Monday that outbound shipments of kimchi reached US$145 million last year, up 37.6 percent on-year and shattering the previous record of $106.61 in 2012.

Shipments were made to some 80 destinations overseas. Those to Japan came to $71.1 million, accounting for 49.2 percent of the total, making the country the biggest importer. The U.S. came second with $23.06 million, followed by Hong Kong ($7.76 million) and Taiwan ($5.87 million).