Korean American Restaurant Association of San Francisco Launches Major Initiative to Promote Kimchi in the U.S

Educational Materials Released via Official Website, Local Hands-On Events Sponsored

March 29, 2025 San Francisco, CA – The Korean American Restaurant Association of San Francisco (KARA SF), led by President Jiyeon Choi, has officially launched a campaign to raise awareness of the history and cultural significance of kimchi in the United States.

Through its official website (karasf.org), the association has released a booklet titled The Kimchi Chronicle in San Francisco under the new “Kimchi Chronicle” section. The booklet is available for free download and educational use by the general public. This page also features a curated collection of classical texts and the latest academic research on kimchi, all of which can be accessed with a single click, making the materials easily shareable and user-friendly. The booklet centers on the historical roots and uniqueness of kimchi, and a comprehensive, full-length version is planned for future publication in collaboration with domestic and international partners—especially to enrich the kimchi culture of the San Francisco Bay Area.

In addition to educational outreach, KARA SF is actively supporting local schools. On March 26 and 27, the association sponsored a kimchi-making event for students enrolled in the Korean language program at Lowell High School in San Francisco. The event was made possible through an in-kind donation worth $2,000, with member businesses Kitchen Woori and Woori Market providing ingredients and logistical support. Traditional Korean ingredients and tools—including salted napa cabbage, red pepper powder, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce—were supplied for the event.

A total of 155 students participated in the hands-on workshop, divided across six classes. Students learned about Korean food culture through direct experience—salting cabbage, mixing seasoning paste, and making their own kimchi. Approximately 15 faculty members also attended and expressed strong interest in the event, which was later featured on the school’s official Instagram account (@lowellhskoreanprogram), garnering enthusiastic responses from the local community.

Hakwoon Kim, CEO of Woori Market and a board member of KARA SF, stated, “Kimchi is not only a symbol of Korean cuisine—it is increasingly embraced by Americans as well. We are committed to promoting its historical, cultural, and future significance throughout the U.S.” The association plans to continue its efforts by preserving the traditional value of kimchi while also developing California-style kimchi recipes that incorporate locally sourced ingredients.

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