{"content_id":"pblcjtejjx","slug":"salted-cabbage-20kg-kimchi-seasoning-calculation","locale":"en","schema_type":"HowTo","category":"how_to","category_name":"How-to","title":"20kg Salted Cabbage: How Much Kimjang Seasoning to Use","summary":"Calculate kimjang seasoning based on the recipe's reference weight, not the number of cabbage heads. Scale the ingredient ratios for salted cabbage in public cooking guides, and distinguish between the weight of chili powder and the total seasoning weight.","sponsorship_disclosure":null,"affiliate_disclosure":null,"commerce_disclosure":null,"author":{"name":"Injoys Editorial Team","url":"https://injoys.com/ko/about"},"key_points":["Check the product information for the weight of the salted cabbage and the estimated number of heads.","Check whether the cooking guide's reference weight is for fresh or salted cabbage.","Divide the weight of the cabbage you plan to prepare by the reference weight in the original recipe.","Apply the calculated multiplier to each ingredient, and separately record the total weight, including vegetables.","If using store-bought seasoning, check the manufacturer's recommended amounts for each cabbage weight and instructions for additional ingredients."],"content_markdown":"For 20kg of salted napa cabbage, calculate the seasoning based on its weight after salting, not the number of heads. One recipe published by a public agency calls for **900g** of red pepper powder. The seasoning ingredients, including radish and vegetables, total 7.4kg. Check the product label for the number of heads.\n\nThe seasoning quantities are based on the Nongsikpum Ollbaro recipe table and the Rural Development Administration's announcement dated November 15, 2013.\n\n## Steps for Calculating Kimchi-Making Quantities\n\nThe first step is to match the condition of the cabbage described on the product label to the condition specified in the recipe. Have the product details page and your chosen recipe table ready. You will also need a scale to weigh the ingredients.\n\n1. Check whether the product weight refers to salted cabbage. Record the number of heads separately.\n2. Check whether the recipe uses raw cabbage or salted cabbage.\n3. Divide the weight you plan to prepare by the recipe's reference weight. The scaling factor for reducing a 50kg recipe to 20kg is 0.4.\n4. Multiply every ingredient by the same factor. Do not mix in quantities of salted fermented seafood or red pepper powder from other recipes.\n5. Distinguish between the amount of ingredients for homemade seasoning and the amount of ready-made seasoning to buy. For commercial products, follow the manufacturer's usage instructions.\n\n## Raw Cabbage Weight and the Number of Salted Cabbage Heads\n\nRaw cabbage weight and weight after salting are not the same basis for calculation. The weight changes during salting, washing, and draining. Heads are a unit of count, so their weight varies with cabbage size.\n\n| Label basis | Meaning | What to check when calculating |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Raw cabbage kg | Cabbage weight before salting | Do not substitute this directly into a recipe for salted cabbage |\n| Salted cabbage kg | Cabbage weight after salting, washing, and draining | Check that it is in the same condition as the cabbage in the recipe |\n| Number of heads | Count of cabbage heads | Check the size per head and the product's expected range |\n\n[Nongsikpum Ollbaro's “Easy Kimchi-Making Method”](https://www.nics.go.kr/food/kfi/kimchi/kimchi_01) uses cabbage of a specific size as an example. 20 heads of raw cabbage weighing 3.5kg each total 70kg. In this example, they weigh about 50kg after salting, washing, and draining. This ratio cannot be applied to all cabbage.\n\nThe information from Goesan and Haenam also gives the number of heads as a range. The figures below are those stated in each source. Do not treat them as guaranteed counts for the product you plan to buy.\n\n| Source checked | Weight | Listed number of heads |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| [Goesan County's “Country-Style Salted Cabbage”](https://www.goesan.go.kr/agriculture/contents.do?key=505) | 20kg per box | 7 to 9 heads |\n| [Haenamgol Farm product information](https://haenamgol.com/product/detail.html?product_no=120\u0026cate_no=25\u0026display_group=1) | 20kg | Approximately 7 to 9 heads |\n\nNeither page specifies the year to which these figures apply. Check the current product options again when ordering. You must also distinguish between the number of cabbage halves and the number of whole heads.\n\n## Salted Cabbage Seasoning Ratios and Weight Conversion Table\n\nThe table below scales Nongsikpum Ollbaro's recipe for 50kg of salted cabbage. It is not based on 50kg of raw cabbage. Nor is it a universal formula for every kimchi-making recipe.\n\n| Ingredient | Original recipe for 50kg | Calculated amount for 10kg | Calculated amount for 20kg | Calculated amount for 40kg |\n| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |\n| Red pepper powder | 2,250g | 450g | 900g | 1,800g |\n| Garlic | 1,000g | 200g | 400g | 800g |\n| Ginger | 500g | 100g | 200g | 400g |\n| Salted fermented seafood | 2,500g | 500g | 1,000g | 2,000g |\n| Sesame seeds | 250g | 50g | 100g | 200g |\n| Sugar | 250g | 50g | 100g | 200g |\n| Glutinous rice paste | 4,250g | 850g | 1,700g | 3,400g |\n| Radish | 5,000g | 1,000g | 2,000g | 4,000g |\n| Total leafy greens | 2,500g | 500g | 1,000g | 2,000g |\n| Total of all ingredients | 18,500g | 3,700g | 7,400g | 14,800g |\n\nYou can find the original recipe in the [quantity table for “Easy Kimchi-Making Method”](https://www.nics.go.kr/food/kfi/kimchi/kimchi_01). The final total row is calculated by adding all the ingredients. Cabbage weight is excluded from this total.\n\n- Leafy greens means the combined amount of ingredients such as water dropwort, scallions, garlic chives, mustard greens, and cheonggak seaweed. It does not mean adding the amount shown in the table for each ingredient.\n- Salted fermented seafood is the total amount. This table does not give separate proportions for salted fermented shrimp and fish sauce.\n- Glutinous rice paste is the weight of the cooked paste. Do not read it as the weight of dry glutinous rice or glutinous rice flour.\n\n## Calculation Example for One 20kg Box\n\nMultiply each ingredient in the 50kg recipe by 0.4 to get the amount needed for one box. The red pepper powder calculation is 2,250g × 0.4 = 900g. Radish is calculated as 5,000g × 0.4 = 2,000g.\n\nAdding the ingredients from red pepper powder through glutinous rice paste gives 4.4kg of base seasoning. Add 2kg of radish to this. Including 1kg of leafy greens brings the total preparation weight to **7.4kg**.\n\n[The Rural Development Administration's announcement on developing a “Complete Kimchi Seasoning Mix”](https://www.rda.go.kr/board/board.do?dataNo=100000522268\u0026mode=view\u0026prgId=day_farmprmninfoEntry) gives the following instructions.\n\n\u003e Add 220g of seasoning mix per 1kg of salted cabbage\n\u003e\n\u003e Rural Development Administration, “Development of a ‘Complete Kimchi Seasoning Mix’ That Saves Ingredients and Time”\n\nThis ratio also gives 20kg × 220g/kg = 4,400g. It matches the calculation for the base seasoning without vegetables. Record this separately from the total weight of the kimchi filling with vegetables mixed in.\n\n## Comparing Homemade and Commercial Seasoning\n\nBuy commercial seasoning according to the cabbage weight specified for that product. Do not determine how much to use based only on the total weight of the homemade recipe. First, check whether the product includes radish and vegetables.\n\n| Choice | Basis to use | What else to check |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Make it yourself using the recipe above | Ingredient conversion table | How to measure the glutinous rice paste and vegetables |\n| Buy ready-made commercial seasoning | Manufacturer's recommended amount for each cabbage weight | Whether radish and vegetables are included, and which ingredients to add |\n| Buy a cabbage and seasoning bundle | Weight of each component | Distinguish the bundle's total weight from the cabbage-only weight |\n\nIf the product shows only a total weight, check the contents list. The combined weight of cabbage and seasoning is not the weight of the cabbage alone. If there are no usage instructions, ask the seller how much cabbage the product is intended for.\n\n## Preparing Kimchi Containers and Recording Weights\n\nDo not determine how much space you need for the finished kimchi based on cabbage weight alone. The combined weight of cabbage and seasoning ingredients in the example above is **27.4kg**. This is calculated by adding 20kg and 7.4kg.\n\nThe actual packed weight will vary depending on factors such as leftover seasoning. Also, kg measures weight, while L measures volume. You therefore cannot directly convert 27.4kg into a capacity of 27.4L.\n\nRecord the actual amounts used for your next round of kimchi-making. This gives you a record to compare when buying the same product again. Recording both the cabbage's condition and the seasoning makes differences easier to interpret.\n\n| Item to record | Reason for recording |\n| --- | --- |\n| Product's labeled weight | Confirm the basis of your order |\n| Actual cabbage weight after draining | Preserve the basis for calculating seasoning |\n| Weight of seasoning used and left over | Adjust the amount to prepare next time |\n| Kimchi containers used and the amount actually packed | Plan storage space for next time |\n\n## Common Mistakes When Washing and Draining\n\nDo not decide whether to wash the cabbage based only on the product name. You also need to check how it was stored after delivery. Do not apply the same draining time to every product.\n\n[The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's “Use Salted Cabbage Safely During Kimchi-Making Season”](https://impfood.mfds.go.kr/CFBBB02F02/getCntntsDetail?cntntsSn=281730) gives the following usage instructions. This document was published on October 27, 2015.\n\n1. Use it on the day of delivery if possible. Coliform bacteria may increase if it is stored at room temperature for at least 1 day.\n2. If you have had to store it at room temperature for at least 1 day, wash it before use. Submerge it in water and gently rub the root area and between the leaves.\n3. Then rinse it with water 2 times. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recommends washing no more than 3 times in total. Excessive washing can damage the cabbage.\n4. Check the product's draining instructions before preparing the seasoning. Calculate using the weight of cabbage in the same condition as specified in the cooking resource.\n\n## Common Misunderstandings When Calculating\n\nMixing figures based on different standards changes the amount you prepare. Do not take just the numbers from online answers. First, check the cabbage basis and which ingredients are included in the seasoning.\n\n| Misunderstanding | What to check |\n| --- | --- |\n| Thinking 20kg means 20 heads | kg is weight; heads are a count |\n| Thinking fewer heads means reducing seasoning by the same proportion | Actual weight of cabbage to be used |\n| Thinking the red pepper powder weight is the total seasoning weight | Whether vegetables, salted fermented seafood, and glutinous rice paste are included |\n| Preparing dry flour equal to the weight of glutinous rice paste | Check whether the weight refers to cooked paste |\n| Adding the table's salted fermented seafood amount again to commercial seasoning | Additional ingredients specified by the manufacturer |\n| Thinking the same place of origin means the same head count and recipe | The individual product label and your chosen recipe |","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eFor 20kg of salted napa cabbage, calculate the seasoning based on its weight after salting, not the number of heads. One recipe published by a public agency calls for \u003cstrong\u003e900g\u003c/strong\u003e of red pepper powder. The seasoning ingredients, including radish and vegetables, total 7.4kg. Check the product label for the number of heads.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seasoning quantities are based on the Nongsikpum Ollbaro recipe table and the Rural Development Administration's announcement dated November 15, 2013.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#steps-for-calculating-kimchi-making-quantities\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"steps-for-calculating-kimchi-making-quantities\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eSteps for Calculating Kimchi-Making Quantities\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first step is to match the condition of the cabbage described on the product label to the condition specified in the recipe. Have the product details page and your chosen recipe table ready. You will also need a scale to weigh the ingredients.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck whether the product weight refers to salted cabbage. Record the number of heads separately.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck whether the recipe uses raw cabbage or salted cabbage.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDivide the weight you plan to prepare by the recipe's reference weight. The scaling factor for reducing a 50kg recipe to 20kg is 0.4.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiply every ingredient by the same factor. Do not mix in quantities of salted fermented seafood or red pepper powder from other recipes.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinguish between the amount of ingredients for homemade seasoning and the amount of ready-made seasoning to buy. For commercial products, follow the manufacturer's usage instructions.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#raw-cabbage-weight-and-the-number-of-salted-cabbage-heads\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"raw-cabbage-weight-and-the-number-of-salted-cabbage-heads\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eRaw Cabbage Weight and the Number of Salted Cabbage Heads\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaw cabbage weight and weight after salting are not the same basis for calculation. The weight changes during salting, washing, and draining. Heads are a unit of count, so their weight varies with cabbage size.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLabel basis\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMeaning\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to check when calculating\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Label basis\"\u003eRaw cabbage kg\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Meaning\"\u003eCabbage weight before salting\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check when calculating\"\u003eDo not substitute this directly into a recipe for salted cabbage\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Label basis\"\u003eSalted cabbage kg\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Meaning\"\u003eCabbage weight after salting, washing, and draining\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check when calculating\"\u003eCheck that it is in the same condition as the cabbage in the recipe\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Label basis\"\u003eNumber of heads\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Meaning\"\u003eCount of cabbage heads\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check when calculating\"\u003eCheck the size per head and the product's expected range\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.nics.go.kr/food/kfi/kimchi/kimchi_01\"\u003eNongsikpum Ollbaro's “Easy Kimchi-Making Method”\u003c/a\u003e uses cabbage of a specific size as an example. 20 heads of raw cabbage weighing 3.5kg each total 70kg. In this example, they weigh about 50kg after salting, washing, and draining. This ratio cannot be applied to all cabbage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe information from Goesan and Haenam also gives the number of heads as a range. The figures below are those stated in each source. Do not treat them as guaranteed counts for the product you plan to buy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSource checked\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eListed number of heads\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Source checked\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.goesan.go.kr/agriculture/contents.do?key=505\"\u003eGoesan County's “Country-Style Salted Cabbage”\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Weight\"\u003e20kg per box\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Listed number of heads\"\u003e7 to 9 heads\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Source checked\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://haenamgol.com/product/detail.html?product_no=120\u0026amp;cate_no=25\u0026amp;display_group=1\"\u003eHaenamgol Farm product information\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Weight\"\u003e20kg\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Listed number of heads\"\u003eApproximately 7 to 9 heads\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeither page specifies the year to which these figures apply. Check the current product options again when ordering. You must also distinguish between the number of cabbage halves and the number of whole heads.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#salted-cabbage-seasoning-ratios-and-weight-conversion-table\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"salted-cabbage-seasoning-ratios-and-weight-conversion-table\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eSalted Cabbage Seasoning Ratios and Weight Conversion Table\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe table below scales Nongsikpum Ollbaro's recipe for 50kg of salted cabbage. It is not based on 50kg of raw cabbage. Nor is it a universal formula for every kimchi-making recipe.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIngredient\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOriginal recipe for 50kg\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCalculated amount for 10kg\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCalculated amount for 20kg\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCalculated amount for 40kg\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredient\"\u003eRed pepper powder\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Original recipe for 50kg\"\u003e2,250g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 10kg\"\u003e450g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 20kg\"\u003e900g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 40kg\"\u003e1,800g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredient\"\u003eGarlic\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Original recipe for 50kg\"\u003e1,000g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 10kg\"\u003e200g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 20kg\"\u003e400g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 40kg\"\u003e800g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredient\"\u003eGinger\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Original recipe for 50kg\"\u003e500g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 10kg\"\u003e100g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 20kg\"\u003e200g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 40kg\"\u003e400g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredient\"\u003eSalted fermented seafood\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Original recipe for 50kg\"\u003e2,500g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 10kg\"\u003e500g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 20kg\"\u003e1,000g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 40kg\"\u003e2,000g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredient\"\u003eSesame seeds\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Original recipe for 50kg\"\u003e250g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 10kg\"\u003e50g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 20kg\"\u003e100g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 40kg\"\u003e200g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredient\"\u003eSugar\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Original recipe for 50kg\"\u003e250g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 10kg\"\u003e50g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 20kg\"\u003e100g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 40kg\"\u003e200g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredient\"\u003eGlutinous rice paste\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Original recipe for 50kg\"\u003e4,250g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 10kg\"\u003e850g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 20kg\"\u003e1,700g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 40kg\"\u003e3,400g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredient\"\u003eRadish\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Original recipe for 50kg\"\u003e5,000g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 10kg\"\u003e1,000g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 20kg\"\u003e2,000g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 40kg\"\u003e4,000g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredient\"\u003eTotal leafy greens\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Original recipe for 50kg\"\u003e2,500g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 10kg\"\u003e500g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 20kg\"\u003e1,000g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 40kg\"\u003e2,000g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredient\"\u003eTotal of all ingredients\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Original recipe for 50kg\"\u003e18,500g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 10kg\"\u003e3,700g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 20kg\"\u003e7,400g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Calculated amount for 40kg\"\u003e14,800g\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can find the original recipe in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nics.go.kr/food/kfi/kimchi/kimchi_01\"\u003equantity table for “Easy Kimchi-Making Method”\u003c/a\u003e. The final total row is calculated by adding all the ingredients. Cabbage weight is excluded from this total.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeafy greens means the combined amount of ingredients such as water dropwort, scallions, garlic chives, mustard greens, and cheonggak seaweed. It does not mean adding the amount shown in the table for each ingredient.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalted fermented seafood is the total amount. This table does not give separate proportions for salted fermented shrimp and fish sauce.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGlutinous rice paste is the weight of the cooked paste. Do not read it as the weight of dry glutinous rice or glutinous rice flour.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#calculation-example-for-one-20kg-box\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"calculation-example-for-one-20kg-box\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCalculation Example for One 20kg Box\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiply each ingredient in the 50kg recipe by 0.4 to get the amount needed for one box. The red pepper powder calculation is 2,250g × 0.4 = 900g. Radish is calculated as 5,000g × 0.4 = 2,000g.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdding the ingredients from red pepper powder through glutinous rice paste gives 4.4kg of base seasoning. Add 2kg of radish to this. Including 1kg of leafy greens brings the total preparation weight to \u003cstrong\u003e7.4kg\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.rda.go.kr/board/board.do?dataNo=100000522268\u0026amp;mode=view\u0026amp;prgId=day_farmprmninfoEntry\"\u003eThe Rural Development Administration's announcement on developing a “Complete Kimchi Seasoning Mix”\u003c/a\u003e gives the following instructions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd 220g of seasoning mix per 1kg of salted cabbage\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRural Development Administration, “Development of a ‘Complete Kimchi Seasoning Mix’ That Saves Ingredients and Time”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis ratio also gives 20kg × 220g/kg = 4,400g. It matches the calculation for the base seasoning without vegetables. Record this separately from the total weight of the kimchi filling with vegetables mixed in.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#comparing-homemade-and-commercial-seasoning\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"comparing-homemade-and-commercial-seasoning\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eComparing Homemade and Commercial Seasoning\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuy commercial seasoning according to the cabbage weight specified for that product. Do not determine how much to use based only on the total weight of the homemade recipe. First, check whether the product includes radish and vegetables.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChoice\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBasis to use\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat else to check\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Choice\"\u003eMake it yourself using the recipe above\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basis to use\"\u003eIngredient conversion table\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What else to check\"\u003eHow to measure the glutinous rice paste and vegetables\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Choice\"\u003eBuy ready-made commercial seasoning\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basis to use\"\u003eManufacturer's recommended amount for each cabbage weight\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What else to check\"\u003eWhether radish and vegetables are included, and which ingredients to add\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Choice\"\u003eBuy a cabbage and seasoning bundle\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Basis to use\"\u003eWeight of each component\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What else to check\"\u003eDistinguish the bundle's total weight from the cabbage-only weight\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the product shows only a total weight, check the contents list. The combined weight of cabbage and seasoning is not the weight of the cabbage alone. If there are no usage instructions, ask the seller how much cabbage the product is intended for.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#preparing-kimchi-containers-and-recording-weights\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"preparing-kimchi-containers-and-recording-weights\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003ePreparing Kimchi Containers and Recording Weights\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not determine how much space you need for the finished kimchi based on cabbage weight alone. The combined weight of cabbage and seasoning ingredients in the example above is \u003cstrong\u003e27.4kg\u003c/strong\u003e. This is calculated by adding 20kg and 7.4kg.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actual packed weight will vary depending on factors such as leftover seasoning. Also, kg measures weight, while L measures volume. You therefore cannot directly convert 27.4kg into a capacity of 27.4L.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecord the actual amounts used for your next round of kimchi-making. This gives you a record to compare when buying the same product again. Recording both the cabbage's condition and the seasoning makes differences easier to interpret.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eItem to record\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eReason for recording\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to record\"\u003eProduct's labeled weight\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Reason for recording\"\u003eConfirm the basis of your order\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to record\"\u003eActual cabbage weight after draining\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Reason for recording\"\u003ePreserve the basis for calculating seasoning\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to record\"\u003eWeight of seasoning used and left over\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Reason for recording\"\u003eAdjust the amount to prepare next time\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to record\"\u003eKimchi containers used and the amount actually packed\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Reason for recording\"\u003ePlan storage space for next time\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#common-mistakes-when-washing-and-draining\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"common-mistakes-when-washing-and-draining\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCommon Mistakes When Washing and Draining\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not decide whether to wash the cabbage based only on the product name. You also need to check how it was stored after delivery. Do not apply the same draining time to every product.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://impfood.mfds.go.kr/CFBBB02F02/getCntntsDetail?cntntsSn=281730\"\u003eThe Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's “Use Salted Cabbage Safely During Kimchi-Making Season”\u003c/a\u003e gives the following usage instructions. This document was published on October 27, 2015.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse it on the day of delivery if possible. Coliform bacteria may increase if it is stored at room temperature for at least 1 day.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you have had to store it at room temperature for at least 1 day, wash it before use. Submerge it in water and gently rub the root area and between the leaves.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThen rinse it with water 2 times. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recommends washing no more than 3 times in total. Excessive washing can damage the cabbage.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck the product's draining instructions before preparing the seasoning. Calculate using the weight of cabbage in the same condition as specified in the cooking resource.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#common-misunderstandings-when-calculating\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"common-misunderstandings-when-calculating\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCommon Misunderstandings When Calculating\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMixing figures based on different standards changes the amount you prepare. Do not take just the numbers from online answers. First, check the cabbage basis and which ingredients are included in the seasoning.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMisunderstanding\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to check\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Misunderstanding\"\u003eThinking 20kg means 20 heads\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check\"\u003ekg is weight; heads are a count\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Misunderstanding\"\u003eThinking fewer heads means reducing seasoning by the same proportion\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check\"\u003eActual weight of cabbage to be used\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Misunderstanding\"\u003eThinking the red pepper powder weight is the total seasoning weight\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check\"\u003eWhether vegetables, salted fermented seafood, and glutinous rice paste are included\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Misunderstanding\"\u003ePreparing dry flour equal to the weight of glutinous rice paste\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check\"\u003eCheck whether the weight refers to cooked paste\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Misunderstanding\"\u003eAdding the table's salted fermented seafood amount again to commercial seasoning\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check\"\u003eAdditional ingredients specified by the manufacturer\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Misunderstanding\"\u003eThinking the same place of origin means the same head count and recipe\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to check\"\u003eThe individual product label and your chosen recipe\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n","tags":["Eating habits","Food shopping","Food storage"],"faqs":[{"question":"How many heads are in 20kg of brined napa cabbage?","answer":"Information from Goesan County and product listings from Haenamgol Farm indicate 7 to 9 heads. This is not a fixed number for all products. Check the expected number of heads for the product you plan to order."},{"question":"Should I reduce the seasoning if I receive fewer heads of cabbage than expected?","answer":"Do not reduce it based only on the number of heads. Larger cabbages can provide the same weight with fewer heads. Calculate based on the weight of the cabbage in the same condition as specified in the recipe."},{"question":"How do I calculate the amount of red pepper powder for brined napa cabbage?","answer":"The recipe selected for this article uses 2,250g of red pepper powder for 50kg of brined napa cabbage. For 20kg of cabbage, this scales to 900g, or 0.4 times the amount. This amount does not apply equally to other recipes."},{"question":"What is included in the 7.4kg of seasoning for 20kg of cabbage?","answer":"It includes 4.4kg of basic seasoning and 2kg of radish. It also includes a total of 1kg of leafy green vegetables. This is the total weight of ingredients to prepare, calculated from the recipe on Nongsikpum Olbaro."},{"question":"Should I buy 7.4kg of store-bought seasoning too?","answer":"Check the recommended amount for that product. You need to check the manufacturer's recipe and included ingredients first. Do not use the total weight of a homemade recipe to determine how much store-bought seasoning to use."},{"question":"Does 1,700g of glutinous rice paste mean 1,700g of glutinous rice flour?","answer":"It is the weight of the cooked paste. It does not mean you should prepare the same weight of dry flour. Nongsikpum Olbaro instructs you to cook glutinous rice and water at a ratio of 1:10 before use."},{"question":"For 40kg of cabbage, should I prepare twice the amounts listed in the table for 20kg?","answer":"If you use the same recipe and cabbage in the same condition, calculate twice the amounts. Increase every ingredient by the same factor. For store-bought seasoning, follow the manufacturer's recommended amount."},{"question":"Can I use the cabbage I bought without washing it?","answer":"Check the product's instructions for use and storage conditions. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recommends using it on the day it arrives. If it has been stored at room temperature for at least 1 day, it is advisable to wash it before use."},{"question":"If the cabbage and seasoning weigh 27.4kg in total, do I need a 27.4L kimchi container?","answer":"You cannot convert a weight into a volume with the same numerical value. The amount that actually fits depends on the shape of the cabbage and how it is packed. Check both the container's instructions and the amount actually packed."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.nics.go.kr/food/kfi/kimchi/kimchi_01","title":"National Institute of Crop Science, Agri-Food Allbaro, An Easy Way to Make Kimchi for Winter","type":"data_point"},{"url":"https://www.rda.go.kr/board/board.do?dataNo=100000522268\u0026mode=view\u0026prgId=day_farmprmninfoEntry","title":"Rural Development Administration Develops an ‘All-in-One Kimchi Seasoning Mix’ That Saves Ingredients and Time, November 15, 2013","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.goesan.go.kr/agriculture/contents.do?key=505","title":"Goesan County, Sigol Salted Cabbage","type":"data_point"},{"url":"https://haenamgol.com/product/detail.html?product_no=120\u0026cate_no=25\u0026display_group=1","title":"Haenamgol Farm, Haenam Salted Cabbage 20kg Product Information","type":"data_point"},{"url":"https://impfood.mfds.go.kr/CFBBB02F02/getCntntsDetail?cntntsSn=281730","title":"Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Use Salted Cabbage Safely During Kimchi-Making Season, October 27, 2015","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":2738,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDIwMTAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--ce0fca02a2072751405a147862a32d7050b0eee6/ai-bd4462dc.webp","is_representative":true,"generation_method":"ai_photo","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"절임배추와 손질한 채소 옆에서 여성이 저울 위 그릇에 고춧가루를 숟가락으로 넣고 있다.","caption":"절임배추 중량에 맞춰 계산한 배수를 양념 재료마다 적용하세요.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"A woman spoons chili powder into a bowl on a scale beside salted cabbage and prepared vegetables.","caption":"Scale each seasoning ingredient to the weight of the salted cabbage.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"塩漬け白菜と切った野菜の横で、女性がはかりに載せたボウルに粉唐辛子をスプーンで加えている。","caption":"塩漬け白菜の重量に合わせて計算した倍率を、調味材料それぞれに適用しましょう。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Una mujer añade chile en polvo a un bol sobre una báscula, junto a col salada y verduras cortadas.","caption":"Ajusta la cantidad de cada ingrediente del aliño al peso de la col salada.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Seorang perempuan menyendok bubuk cabai ke mangkuk di atas timbangan, di samping sawi asin dan sayuran potong.","caption":"Sesuaikan takaran setiap bahan bumbu dengan berat sawi yang sudah diasinkan.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Uma mulher coloca pimenta em pó numa tigela sobre uma balança, ao lado de acelga salgada e legumes cortados.","caption":"Ajuste a quantidade de cada ingrediente do tempero ao peso da acelga salgada.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"一名女子在鹽漬白菜與切好的蔬菜旁，用湯匙將辣椒粉加入放在秤上的調理盆。","caption":"依鹽漬白菜重量算出換算倍數，再套用到每一項醬料材料。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Eine Frau gibt Chilipulver in eine Schüssel auf einer Waage, neben gesalzenem Chinakohl und geschnittenem Gemüse.","caption":"Passe die Menge jeder Würzzutat an das Gewicht des gesalzenen Chinakohls an.","description":null}}},{"id":2739,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6NDIwMTcsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--745d213cd7c92c3ccece8d2358db66b7cdea524d/ai-d7445784.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_semi","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"장갑과 앞치마를 착용한 남성이 김치가 담긴 통을 저울에 올려 무게를 확인하고 있다.","caption":"양념량을 계산할 때는 절임배추 무게와 양념을 더한 총무게를 구분하세요.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"A man wearing gloves and an apron checks the weight of a tub filled with kimchi on a platform scale.","caption":"When calculating seasoning amounts, distinguish salted cabbage weight from the total weight with seasoning.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"手袋とエプロンを着けた男性が、キムチの入った容器を台はかりに載せて重さを確認している。","caption":"調味料の量を計算するときは、塩漬け白菜の重量と調味料を加えた総重量を区別しましょう。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Un hombre con guantes y delantal comprueba el peso de un recipiente lleno de kimchi en una báscula.","caption":"Al calcular los condimentos, distingue el peso de la col salada del peso total con los condimentos.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Pria bersarung tangan dan bercelemek memeriksa berat wadah berisi kimchi di atas timbangan.","caption":"Saat menghitung kebutuhan bumbu, bedakan berat sawi putih yang sudah diasinkan dari berat total setelah diberi bumbu.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Um homem de luvas e avental confere o peso de um recipiente cheio de kimchi sobre uma balança.","caption":"Ao calcular os temperos, diferencie o peso da acelga salgada do peso total com os temperos.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"一名戴著手套、穿著圍裙的男子，將裝滿泡菜的容器放在平台秤上確認重量。","caption":"計算調味料用量時，應區分鹽漬白菜的重量與加入調味料後的總重量。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Ein Mann mit Handschuhen und Schürze prüft das Gewicht eines mit Kimchi gefüllten Behälters auf einer Waage.","caption":"Unterscheiden Sie bei der Berechnung der Würzmenge das Gewicht des gesalzenen Chinakohls vom Gesamtgewicht samt Würzung.","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-11-12T03:29:16+09:00","updated_at":"2026-11-12T03:29:16+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","ja","es"],"data_locales":["ko","en","ja","es","id","pt","zh-hant","de"],"url":"https://injoys.com/en/articles/salted-cabbage-20kg-kimchi-seasoning-calculation"}