About

Kimchi Day was officially created in 2020 in South Korea, now celebrated across the world. The day was declared to promote the Korean food industry and celebrate the culture behind kimchi making, simultaneously raising awareness about the rich Korean history and the cultural significance of kimjang all around the world.

California Kimchi Day honors more than just a dish. It uplifts the resilience and vibrancy of the Korean American community while recognizing kimchi’s growing role in conversations around health, wellness, and culinary tradition.

Home to over 500,000 Korean Americans, California boasts the largest Korean population in the United States. The establishment of Kimchi Day reflects the state’s broader commitment to celebrating diversity and deepening cross-cultural understanding.

“It was the embodiment of everything I was led to feel ashamed of about my own culture. It was a stinky food… that everyone made fun of. Gross, yuck, those were the terms I heard.”

 — Senator Dave Min

Legislative History

2020

Kimchi Day was officially recognized by the South Korean government in November of 2020.

2021

On May 25, 2021, with California House Resolution 52, introduced by Assemblymember Steven Choi, California became the first state in the nation to formally recognize Kimchi Day.

2024

On August 7, 2024, the California State Assembly and Senate passed Assembly Resolution HR114 and Senate Resolution SR102, officially declaring November 22 as California Kimchi Day. The date mirrors South Korea’s own national observance, established in 2020 to spotlight kimchi’s cultural roots and rising global influence.

 

This effort, led by Senator Dave Min and championed by members of the Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus—including Assemblymembers Mike Fong, Stephanie Nguyen, Phil Ting, and Al Muratsuchi—the effort brought together state leaders, cultural advocates, and community members in a shared celebration of Korean heritage.

2025

On July 18 2025 with California Assembly Resolution 52, introduced by Assemblymember John Harabedian, California continued the state legislative tradition of designating November 22 as Kimchi Day.