The opening will bring the culinary traditions of South Korea to Kingston
Kingston Council has announced they will be opening the first kimchi school outside of South Korea in September 2025.
In collaboration with the Korean British Cultural Exchange Foundation and Gwangju Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, the Kimchi School aims to foster a Korean cultural exchange, and teach Kingston residents about the world-famous fermented food.
“I am delighted that we have signed this Memorandum of Understanding with Nam-gu District in South Korea. It is wonderful to be able to set the intention to bring the first Kimchi school outside Korea right here to the Royal Borough of Kingston,” said councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of Kingston Council, in a press statement.
The school will teach Korean culture, and provide the opportunity to learn about kimchi, a typical Korean dish, and the tradition of kimjang, the making of it.
Kirsch highlighted the positive impact that the large Korean community makes in Kingston.
He added that there is “the central importance of Kimchi and Kimjang in Korean culture and traditions, signified by its UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status.”
Kingston residents expressed their excitement about this new collaboration.
“I love K-food and everything related to Korea. I lived there for a year and I am so happy that finally we will have it here, in Kingston,” said Elena Rowe, a local resident.
Members of the local Korean community said the school would be useful.
“I think many people will use the kimchi school as a chance to learn more about our culture. I see many people interested in Korean traditions,” said Jinho Chung, a New Malden resident.
Kingston Council has been looking to strengthen its relationship with the South Korea capital, Seoul. The Kingston 2025 celebrations, a six-month cultural celebration of the borough’s past, present and future heritage, starting in May 2025, will include a celebration of Korean culture locally.
