JEONNAM-GWANGJU — The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City said on the 25th that it is accepting entries for the 2026 Korea Kimchi Contest, the country's most prestigious kimchi competition. It is the only nationwide kimchi cooking contest that awards a presidential prize.
The competition is held in two categories: a designated category for napa cabbage kimchi and an open category for a kimchi of the entrant's choice. In the open category, participants demonstrate a kimchi handed down within their family or region, or one they have developed themselves. Judging reflects originality, quality and potential for commercialization.
The city will accept applications through Sept. 3, then select 20 teams for the finals on Sept. 11 following a document review. A total of five teams will receive final awards.
