This just baffles the mind: Korea is a net kimchi Importer

I was going to do a nice, long post on Korean government structure, but I'm feeling lazy (I hope to do it tomorrow).

Then I was going to talk about Japan's greatest navel engagement since the battle of Leyte Gulf, but the The Marmot beat me to it.

So, I will just share this truly, truly shocking piece from the Chosun Ilbo:

Korea Imports More Kimchi Than It Exports

This may be a bit difficult to understand but Korea actually imports more kimchi than it exports abroad.

According to figures released by the Korea International Trade Association, the country purchased some 14,700 tons of kimchi from overseas during the year's first four months, that's a staggering 174 percent jump from the same period last year. During this period, kimchi exports declined by close to 10 percent to about 12,000 tons.

KITA officials note the increase in kimchi exports can be explained through what's called the "boomerang" effect. In recent years, local kimchi producers have moved their facilities to China to make kimchi at a cheaper cost.

I now fully expect Korean patriots to raise the same stink (no pun intended) that they raised about Japanese-made kimchi.

Comments

[Infidel]

Stop codling the schmucks!

The point is that South Korea has always been a globalizing beneficiary. Once Koreans relaize how much they benefit from such a small amount of contact with a few countries, converting to full-blown globalization.

But if the intelligentsia continue to play this semantic game, and call inputs imports, then the mercantilists and sheep-eyed isolationists will rule the farm.

Anyone who thinks nations are anything more than political window-dressing needs a job or an enema!

[Infidel]

"Once Koreans relaize how much they benefit from such a small amount of contact with a few countries, converting to full-blown globalization."

Once Koreans realize how much they benefit from such a small amount of trade with a few backward countries, converting to full-blown globalization should be easier. Unless of course, you beleive Koreans just like pain.

[jtb]

I note with appropriate humor the mention of Leyte Gulf, another "Japanese Victory" when the opposition "managed to get away"...

However, I cannot imagine there would be any news here... what other country can you imagine *importing* kimchi?

[Tony]

I was going to say the US, but I suspect that domestic capacity is sufficient to meet demand, as it were.

[Elysion]

well...i think it adds up..I think the medal tally is: JAPAN Gold (although they call it "Kimuchi"...Silver goes to the USA (every Ahn Chang-Ho symposium needs kimchi supply!!!) 3. Europe.....in Germany we have Asian Supermarkets in almost every City, selling Kimchi....of course this canned ironlike-tasting cabbage can not be called "kimchi", but it's at least what they print on the label :D