The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to designate November 22 as “Kimchi Day,” allowing it to be recognized at the federal level.
Several U.S. states, including California, Virginia, and New York, have previously designated November 22 as “Kimchi Day.” The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability plans to submit the Kimchi Day resolution (HR 280) to the floor on December 6, according to the Museum of Korean American Heritage. The Oversight Committee, responsible for investigating and overseeing the federal government’s work, also has jurisdiction over holidays and commemorations.
The resolution recognizing Kimchi Day is expected to be adopted without a vote when Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) announces it on the floor. Kim, along with 14 other lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties, sponsored the resolution. A resolution to declare a Kimchi Day was introduced last year but was not pursued further as the session expired.
“The leadership of both parties orchestrated its adoption without a vote as a gesture of gratitude to the Korean American community,” said the Museum of Korean American Heritage. The organization collaborated with Rep. Kim on the resolution, from its drafting to persuading individual lawmakers to support it.
The resolution, to be presented by Rep. Kim, acknowledges that kimchi, a traditional Korean food, is rich in lactobacilli, vitamins, and other nutrients, and has gained popularity in the United States among non-Korean consumers in recent times. The resolution also highlights the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States and the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-Korea Alliance, recognizing the substantial contributions of the Korean American community to the United States.
South Korea has celebrated November 22 as Kimchi Day since 2020. This date was selected because Korean households often prepare kimchi around this time, symbolizing the 11 benefits of kimchi for gut health and the 22 ingredients that can be utilized in its preparation.
BY SOUNGBIN IM [im.soungbin@joongang.co.kr]
