The 4th annual Kimchi Day Festival is coming Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival will be held at Makiki District Park (1527 Keʻeaumoku St.).
The event is free and is open to the public. Kimchi Day Festival Hawaiʻi strives to bring the community together for a day dedicated to Korean food, traditions and culture, according to David Suh, president of The United Korean Association of Hawaiʻi.
"The Kimchi Day Festival is the perfect excuse to gather your friends, try some amazing dishes, and capture memories that look just as good as they taste", says Suh. "I can't wait to see all of you out there bringing your appetites and celebrating with us.”
The annual festival, hosted by The United Korean Association of Hawaiʻi, highlights Korea’s rich culinary heritage and showcases the cultural connections between Hawaiʻi and Korea.
The festival is centered around kimchi, Korea’s iconic fermented dish that has become popular in Hawaii. Kimchi is usually made with salted vegetables — like Napa cabbage — along with garlic, ginger and chili pepper. Gov. Josh Green signed House Bill 1950 into law in 2023, and officially designated Nov. 22 as Kimchi Day in Hawaiʻi.
At this year’s festival, attendees can look forward to a won bok toss tournament, best homemade kimchi contest, a kimchi-making demo, kimchi jeon eating contest, and a K-pop dance competition. There will also be live performances, featuring Korean drumming and other cultural presentations.
For more information, visit the Kimchi Day Festival’s website.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
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