Kimjang
/ˈkɪm.dʒɑːŋ/noun
The Korean communal practice of preparing and preserving large quantities of kimchi, traditionally before winter.
Did you know?UNESCO inscribed Kimjang—the making and sharing of kimchi—as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, emphasizing its role in strengthening family and community bonds.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Modern Korean
Korean
김치 (gimchi)
“A seasoned, salted vegetable preparation; the food at the center of Kimjang.”
Pre-Modern Korean
Korean
장 (jang)
“A formation associated with making or preparing; in 김장, it helps denote the practice of preparing kimchi.”
19th Century
Korean
김장 (gimjang)
“The seasonal preparation of kimchi, especially in large quantities for winter storage.”
20th Century
Korean
김장 (gimjang)
“A communal and household tradition involving the preparation, sharing, and preservation of kimchi.”
Late 20th–21st Century
English
kimjang
“An English loanword for the Korean kimchi-making tradition and its associated communal practice.”