{"content_id":"z3tbqjrhr7","slug":"baechu-kimchi-packaged-restaurant-origin-labeling","locale":"en","schema_type":"Article","category":"knowledge_base","category_name":"Knowledge Base","title":"Napa Cabbage Kimchi: Packaged and Restaurant Origin Labels","summary":"For kimchi made in Korea, the ingredients requiring origin labels depend on whether chili powder is used. Restaurants must label the origins of napa cabbage and chili powder in napa cabbage kimchi, and the place of manufacture must be distinguished from the origins of the ingredients.","sponsorship_disclosure":null,"affiliate_disclosure":null,"commerce_disclosure":null,"author":{"name":"Injoys Editorial Team","url":"https://injoys.com/ko/about"},"key_points":["Kimchi made in Korea with chili powder must list the origins of the top two ingredients excluding chili powder and salt, as well as the origins of the chili powder and salt.","Kimchi made in Korea without chili powder must list the origins of the top two ingredients excluding salt, as well as the origin of the salt.","Restaurants must label the origins of napa cabbage and chili powder in napa cabbage kimchi.","For agricultural product origin labeling, \"Korean origin\" and \"domestic origin\" can be used interchangeably.","A description stating that a product is made in Korea does not by itself mean that all its ingredients are of Korean origin."],"content_markdown":"Origin labeling standards for napa cabbage kimchi differ between domestically made packaged products and restaurants. For packaged products, check the ingredients selected by their proportions, as well as red pepper powder and salt. At restaurants, napa cabbage and red pepper powder are subject to labeling.\n\nThe latest labeling standards are available under “Origin Labeling Management” from the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service. (Verified details: Domestically made kimchi products that use red pepper powder must label the top 2 ingredients, red pepper powder, and salt. Those without red pepper powder must label the top 2 ingredients and salt. Pickled products must label the top 2 ingredients excluding salt, along with salt. · Source: naqs.go.kr · Checked 2026-10-23)\n\n## The difference between ingredient origins and manufacturing locations\n\nAn ingredient’s origin is different from the location of the factory that makes the kimchi. The napa cabbage may be grown somewhere other than where the kimchi is made. A manufacturer’s domestic address alone therefore cannot establish the origins of the ingredients.\n\n\u003e Refers to the country, region, or waters where agricultural or fishery products were produced, gathered, or caught.\n\nThis is the definition given in “Origin Labeling Management” by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service. “Korean” and “domestic” have the same meaning in agricultural origin labeling. “Domestic” does not mean that imported ingredients were processed domestically. [National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service: Origin Labeling Management](https://www.naqs.go.kr/hp/contents/contentsTab.do?menuId=MN30559)\n\n## Comparing origin checks for packaged kimchi\n\nFor domestically made products, first distinguish between kimchi products and pickled products. For kimchi products, the ingredients subject to labeling depend on whether red pepper powder is used. The following standards do not apply unchanged to imported finished products.\n\n| Type of domestically made product | Ingredients selected by proportion | Ingredients labeled separately |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Kimchi products made with red pepper powder | Top 2 ingredients, excluding red pepper powder and salt | Red pepper powder and salt |\n| Kimchi products made without red pepper powder | Top 2 ingredients, excluding salt | Salt |\n| Pickled products | Top 2 ingredients, excluding salt | Salt |\n\nPickled products have an exception based on ingredient proportions. If one ingredient other than salt accounts for at least 98%, that ingredient and salt must be labeled. Kimchi made with processed products containing red pepper powder also requires checking the red pepper powder’s origin. [Questions and Answers on Agricultural and Food Origin Labeling](https://fsi.seoul.go.kr/upload/download/2023_Produce_country_of_origin-QNA.pdf)\n\n### What do the top 2 ingredients mean?\n\nThe top 2 ingredients do not mean only the second ingredient. They mean the first and second ingredients after the specified exclusions. Water, food additives, ethyl alcohol, sugars, and similar ingredients are excluded from both the ranking by proportion and the labeling requirements.\n\nWhether the origin of salt in kimchi must be labeled does not depend only on salt’s ranking by proportion. Salt is subject to separate labeling in kimchi products. Reading only the labels for napa cabbage and red pepper powder may cause you to miss an item you need to check. [National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service: Label Content Guide](https://www.naqs.go.kr/hp/contents/contentsTab.do?menuId=MN30559)\n\n## Origin checks for kimchi at restaurants\n\nFor napa cabbage kimchi served at restaurants, napa cabbage and red pepper powder are subject to labeling. The salt labeling standards for packaged processed products do not apply unchanged to menus. Restaurant origin labeling guidance also distinguishes between these two ingredients. [National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service: Restaurant Origin Labeling Guide](https://naqs.go.kr/food/fooMenuSelc.do)\n\n| Category | Information to check | Points to note when interpreting labels |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Domestically made kimchi | The respective origins of napa cabbage and red pepper powder | Do not assume that both ingredients have the same origin |\n| Imported finished kimchi products | The origin of the imported finished product | The origin stated on the packaging may be used |\n| Processed or cooked dishes, such as kimchi stew | The origin of the napa cabbage kimchi used | Labeling is not required only for kimchi served as a side dish |\n\nFor finished products processed abroad, the origin stated on the packaging may be used. This differs from ingredient-by-ingredient labeling for domestically made products. [Enforcement Rule of the Act on Origin Labeling of Agricultural and Fishery Products: Labeling Methods](https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201\u0026flSeq=148218211\u0026gubun=)\n\nProcessed products containing kimchi are also subject to labeling when cooked and served. The Ministry of Government Legislation interpreted the rules as also covering kimchi contained in retort-packaged kimchi stew. This interpretation was issued on December 31, 2013. [Ministry of Government Legislation: Legal Interpretation 13-0341](https://law.go.kr/LSW/expcInfoP.do?expcSeq=324895)\n\n## How to read package labels\n\nRead package labels by connecting the product category with the origin of each ingredient. Kimchi made by salting and seasoning napa cabbage is not the same finished product as salted napa cabbage. The number of whole cabbages or the weight sold alone cannot determine which ingredients must be labeled.\n\n1. Distinguish between domestically made products and imported finished products.\n2. Check whether the product’s food category is kimchi products or pickled products.\n3. For kimchi products, check whether red pepper powder is used.\n4. Read each ingredient subject to labeling together with its origin in the ingredient list.\n5. Check the manufacturer’s address and ingredient origins as separate pieces of information.\n\nAs a rule, origin information must be printed directly in the ingredient list section. Stickers, adhesive labels, and similar methods are also allowed. Reading the entire labeling section is more accurate than relying only on the product description on the front. [National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service: Packaging Labeling Methods](https://www.naqs.go.kr/hp/contents/contentsTab.do?menuId=MN30559)\n\n## Common mistakes and what labels establish\n\nOrigin labels tell you where the listed ingredients come from. Knowing that napa cabbage is domestic does not tell you the origins of the other ingredients. This distinction is also necessary when reading packaged product labels alongside restaurant labels.\n\n| Common interpretation | Correct interpretation |\n| --- | --- |\n| It was made in a domestic factory, so all the ingredients are domestic | The manufacturing location and ingredient origins are separate |\n| If the napa cabbage is domestic, the red pepper powder is domestic too | The origin of each ingredient must be checked |\n| Only the top 2 ingredients are labeled, so there is no need to check salt | Salt in domestically made kimchi products is subject to separate labeling |\n| If a restaurant does not show the origin of salt, its labeling is incomplete | Restaurant labeling for napa cabbage kimchi covers napa cabbage and red pepper powder |\n\nThe list of ingredients subject to mandatory origin labeling must also be distinguished from the full ingredient list. Origin information for some ingredients should not be extended to all ingredients. Keep this in mind when applying the labeling standards above to actual products.\n\n## The scope of information on kimjang timing\n\nThe 2025 survey of kimjang intentions does not establish a start date for kimjang in 2026. The Korea Rural Economic Institute released the related report on November 7, 2025. At that time, intended kimjang dates were concentrated between mid-November and early December. [2025 Consumer Intentions for Kimjang and Supply Outlook for Major Vegetables](https://www.krei.re.kr/attach/pdf/PRN231.pdf)\n\nThis survey explains the seasonal background to preparing for kimjang purchases. It is difficult to use it as a basis for setting a particular household’s kimjang date. The origin labeling standards also contain no purchase deadline that applies only during the kimjang season.\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n### Is the origin of salt labeled on white kimchi too?\n\nDomestically made kimchi products without red pepper powder are also subject to salt labeling. Check the top 2 ingredients excluding salt as well.\n\n### For salted napa cabbage, is checking the cabbage’s origin enough?\n\nFor domestically made pickled products, salt must also be checked. Salt labeling is still required under the exception for products in which one ingredient accounts for at least 98%.\n\n### Does this also apply to kimchi made at the restaurant?\n\nMaking kimchi at the restaurant does not exempt it from origin labeling. The standard requiring separate identification of the origins of napa cabbage and red pepper powder applies.\n\n### Does a domestic napa cabbage label mean that all ingredients are domestic?\n\nThe label describes only the origin of the napa cabbage. It does not establish the origins of other ingredients, such as red pepper powder and salt.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOrigin labeling standards for napa cabbage kimchi differ between domestically made packaged products and restaurants. For packaged products, check the ingredients selected by their proportions, as well as red pepper powder and salt. At restaurants, napa cabbage and red pepper powder are subject to labeling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe latest labeling standards are available under “Origin Labeling Management” from the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service. (Verified details: Domestically made kimchi products that use red pepper powder must label the top 2 ingredients, red pepper powder, and salt. Those without red pepper powder must label the top 2 ingredients and salt. Pickled products must label the top 2 ingredients excluding salt, along with salt. · Source: naqs.go.kr · Checked 2026-10-23)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-difference-between-ingredient-origins-and-manufacturing-locations\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-difference-between-ingredient-origins-and-manufacturing-locations\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe difference between ingredient origins and manufacturing locations\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn ingredient’s origin is different from the location of the factory that makes the kimchi. The napa cabbage may be grown somewhere other than where the kimchi is made. A manufacturer’s domestic address alone therefore cannot establish the origins of the ingredients.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRefers to the country, region, or waters where agricultural or fishery products were produced, gathered, or caught.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the definition given in “Origin Labeling Management” by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service. “Korean” and “domestic” have the same meaning in agricultural origin labeling. “Domestic” does not mean that imported ingredients were processed domestically. \u003ca href=\"https://www.naqs.go.kr/hp/contents/contentsTab.do?menuId=MN30559\"\u003eNational Agricultural Products Quality Management Service: Origin Labeling Management\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#comparing-origin-checks-for-packaged-kimchi\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"comparing-origin-checks-for-packaged-kimchi\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eComparing origin checks for packaged kimchi\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor domestically made products, first distinguish between kimchi products and pickled products. For kimchi products, the ingredients subject to labeling depend on whether red pepper powder is used. The following standards do not apply unchanged to imported finished products.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eType of domestically made product\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIngredients selected by proportion\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIngredients labeled separately\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Type of domestically made product\"\u003eKimchi products made with red pepper powder\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredients selected by proportion\"\u003eTop 2 ingredients, excluding red pepper powder and salt\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredients labeled separately\"\u003eRed pepper powder and salt\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Type of domestically made product\"\u003eKimchi products made without red pepper powder\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredients selected by proportion\"\u003eTop 2 ingredients, excluding salt\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredients labeled separately\"\u003eSalt\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Type of domestically made product\"\u003ePickled products\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredients selected by proportion\"\u003eTop 2 ingredients, excluding salt\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Ingredients labeled separately\"\u003eSalt\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePickled products have an exception based on ingredient proportions. If one ingredient other than salt accounts for at least 98%, that ingredient and salt must be labeled. Kimchi made with processed products containing red pepper powder also requires checking the red pepper powder’s origin. \u003ca href=\"https://fsi.seoul.go.kr/upload/download/2023_Produce_country_of_origin-QNA.pdf\"\u003eQuestions and Answers on Agricultural and Food Origin Labeling\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-do-the-top-2-ingredients-mean\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-do-the-top-2-ingredients-mean\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat do the top 2 ingredients mean?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe top 2 ingredients do not mean only the second ingredient. They mean the first and second ingredients after the specified exclusions. Water, food additives, ethyl alcohol, sugars, and similar ingredients are excluded from both the ranking by proportion and the labeling requirements.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether the origin of salt in kimchi must be labeled does not depend only on salt’s ranking by proportion. Salt is subject to separate labeling in kimchi products. Reading only the labels for napa cabbage and red pepper powder may cause you to miss an item you need to check. \u003ca href=\"https://www.naqs.go.kr/hp/contents/contentsTab.do?menuId=MN30559\"\u003eNational Agricultural Products Quality Management Service: Label Content Guide\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#origin-checks-for-kimchi-at-restaurants\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"origin-checks-for-kimchi-at-restaurants\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eOrigin checks for kimchi at restaurants\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor napa cabbage kimchi served at restaurants, napa cabbage and red pepper powder are subject to labeling. The salt labeling standards for packaged processed products do not apply unchanged to menus. Restaurant origin labeling guidance also distinguishes between these two ingredients. \u003ca href=\"https://naqs.go.kr/food/fooMenuSelc.do\"\u003eNational Agricultural Products Quality Management Service: Restaurant Origin Labeling Guide\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCategory\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInformation to check\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePoints to note when interpreting labels\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eDomestically made kimchi\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Information to check\"\u003eThe respective origins of napa cabbage and red pepper powder\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Points to note when interpreting labels\"\u003eDo not assume that both ingredients have the same origin\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eImported finished kimchi products\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Information to check\"\u003eThe origin of the imported finished product\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Points to note when interpreting labels\"\u003eThe origin stated on the packaging may be used\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eProcessed or cooked dishes, such as kimchi stew\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Information to check\"\u003eThe origin of the napa cabbage kimchi used\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Points to note when interpreting labels\"\u003eLabeling is not required only for kimchi served as a side dish\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor finished products processed abroad, the origin stated on the packaging may be used. This differs from ingredient-by-ingredient labeling for domestically made products. \u003ca href=\"https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201\u0026amp;flSeq=148218211\u0026amp;gubun=\"\u003eEnforcement Rule of the Act on Origin Labeling of Agricultural and Fishery Products: Labeling Methods\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProcessed products containing kimchi are also subject to labeling when cooked and served. The Ministry of Government Legislation interpreted the rules as also covering kimchi contained in retort-packaged kimchi stew. This interpretation was issued on December 31, 2013. \u003ca href=\"https://law.go.kr/LSW/expcInfoP.do?expcSeq=324895\"\u003eMinistry of Government Legislation: Legal Interpretation 13-0341\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-to-read-package-labels\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-to-read-package-labels\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow to read package labels\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead package labels by connecting the product category with the origin of each ingredient. Kimchi made by salting and seasoning napa cabbage is not the same finished product as salted napa cabbage. The number of whole cabbages or the weight sold alone cannot determine which ingredients must be labeled.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinguish between domestically made products and imported finished products.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck whether the product’s food category is kimchi products or pickled products.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor kimchi products, check whether red pepper powder is used.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead each ingredient subject to labeling together with its origin in the ingredient list.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck the manufacturer’s address and ingredient origins as separate pieces of information.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a rule, origin information must be printed directly in the ingredient list section. Stickers, adhesive labels, and similar methods are also allowed. Reading the entire labeling section is more accurate than relying only on the product description on the front. \u003ca href=\"https://www.naqs.go.kr/hp/contents/contentsTab.do?menuId=MN30559\"\u003eNational Agricultural Products Quality Management Service: Packaging Labeling Methods\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#common-mistakes-and-what-labels-establish\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"common-mistakes-and-what-labels-establish\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCommon mistakes and what labels establish\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin labels tell you where the listed ingredients come from. Knowing that napa cabbage is domestic does not tell you the origins of the other ingredients. This distinction is also necessary when reading packaged product labels alongside restaurant labels.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCommon interpretation\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCorrect interpretation\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common interpretation\"\u003eIt was made in a domestic factory, so all the ingredients are domestic\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Correct interpretation\"\u003eThe manufacturing location and ingredient origins are separate\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common interpretation\"\u003eIf the napa cabbage is domestic, the red pepper powder is domestic too\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Correct interpretation\"\u003eThe origin of each ingredient must be checked\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common interpretation\"\u003eOnly the top 2 ingredients are labeled, so there is no need to check salt\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Correct interpretation\"\u003eSalt in domestically made kimchi products is subject to separate labeling\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Common interpretation\"\u003eIf a restaurant does not show the origin of salt, its labeling is incomplete\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Correct interpretation\"\u003eRestaurant labeling for napa cabbage kimchi covers napa cabbage and red pepper powder\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe list of ingredients subject to mandatory origin labeling must also be distinguished from the full ingredient list. Origin information for some ingredients should not be extended to all ingredients. Keep this in mind when applying the labeling standards above to actual products.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#the-scope-of-information-on-kimjang-timing\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"the-scope-of-information-on-kimjang-timing\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThe scope of information on kimjang timing\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2025 survey of kimjang intentions does not establish a start date for kimjang in 2026. The Korea Rural Economic Institute released the related report on November 7, 2025. At that time, intended kimjang dates were concentrated between mid-November and early December. \u003ca href=\"https://www.krei.re.kr/attach/pdf/PRN231.pdf\"\u003e2025 Consumer Intentions for Kimjang and Supply Outlook for Major Vegetables\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis survey explains the seasonal background to preparing for kimjang purchases. It is difficult to use it as a basis for setting a particular household’s kimjang date. The origin labeling standards also contain no purchase deadline that applies only during the kimjang season.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#is-the-origin-of-salt-labeled-on-white-kimchi-too\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"is-the-origin-of-salt-labeled-on-white-kimchi-too\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eIs the origin of salt labeled on white kimchi too?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDomestically made kimchi products without red pepper powder are also subject to salt labeling. Check the top 2 ingredients excluding salt as well.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#for-salted-napa-cabbage-is-checking-the-cabbages-origin-enough\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"for-salted-napa-cabbage-is-checking-the-cabbages-origin-enough\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFor salted napa cabbage, is checking the cabbage’s origin enough?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor domestically made pickled products, salt must also be checked. Salt labeling is still required under the exception for products in which one ingredient accounts for at least 98%.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#does-this-also-apply-to-kimchi-made-at-the-restaurant\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"does-this-also-apply-to-kimchi-made-at-the-restaurant\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eDoes this also apply to kimchi made at the restaurant?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking kimchi at the restaurant does not exempt it from origin labeling. The standard requiring separate identification of the origins of napa cabbage and red pepper powder applies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#does-a-domestic-napa-cabbage-label-mean-that-all-ingredients-are-domestic\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"does-a-domestic-napa-cabbage-label-mean-that-all-ingredients-are-domestic\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eDoes a domestic napa cabbage label mean that all ingredients are domestic?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe label describes only the origin of the napa cabbage. It does not establish the origins of other ingredients, such as red pepper powder and salt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","tags":["Food shopping","Origin labeling"],"faqs":[{"question":"Which ingredients in domestically manufactured kimchi products must have their country of origin labeled?","answer":"Products containing chili powder must list the top 2 ingredients, excluding chili powder and salt. Chili powder and salt must also be listed separately."},{"question":"Does \"top 2 ingredients\" mean only the second ingredient?","answer":"It means both the first and second ingredients. You must first identify which ingredients are excluded when ranking ingredients by their proportions."},{"question":"Does kimchi without chili powder also require country-of-origin labeling?","answer":"Domestically manufactured kimchi products must list the top 2 ingredients excluding salt, as well as salt."},{"question":"What is the 98% exception for pickled products?","answer":"It applies when a single ingredient accounts for at least 98% of the ingredients excluding salt. In this case, the country of origin of that ingredient and salt must be listed."},{"question":"Must the country of origin of salt also be listed on restaurant menus?","answer":"For napa cabbage kimchi served in restaurants, the ingredients subject to labeling are napa cabbage and chili powder. The salt labeling standards for domestically manufactured packaged products do not apply in the same way."},{"question":"How should restaurants label imported finished kimchi products?","answer":"If a finished product processed abroad is purchased and used, the country of origin shown on the packaging may be listed."},{"question":"Is the kimchi used in kimchi stew also subject to labeling?","answer":"It is. Even when processed foods such as retort-packaged kimchi stew are prepared and served, the country of origin of the napa cabbage kimchi they contain must be listed."},{"question":"Do \"domestic\" and \"domestically produced\" mean different things?","answer":"They can be used with the same meaning in country-of-origin labeling for agricultural products. They must be distinguished from the description \"manufactured domestically.\""},{"question":"Can the 2025 survey of kimchi-making intentions be used to decide this year's kimchi-making date?","answer":"The results of the 2025 survey cannot be taken as the start date for kimchi-making in 2026. That report describes when consumers at the time intended to make kimchi."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.naqs.go.kr/hp/contents/contentsTab.do?menuId=MN30559","title":"National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, country-of-origin labeling management","type":"source"},{"url":"https://fsi.seoul.go.kr/upload/download/2023_Produce_country_of_origin-QNA.pdf","title":"Questions and answers on the country-of-origin labeling system for agricultural and food products, labeling for domestically manufactured processed products and restaurants","type":"source"},{"url":"https://naqs.go.kr/food/fooMenuSelc.do","title":"National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, guide to country-of-origin labeling in restaurants","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/flDownload.do?bylClsCd=110201\u0026flSeq=148218211\u0026gubun=","title":"National Law Information Center, labeling methods under the Enforcement Rule of the Act on Origin Labeling of Agricultural and Fishery Products","type":"source"},{"url":"https://law.go.kr/LSW/expcInfoP.do?expcSeq=324895","title":"Ministry of Government Legislation, statutory interpretation 13-0341, country-of-origin labeling in restaurants for napa cabbage kimchi included in processed products","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":2070,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzE4NTUsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--cb207ee5c9e0cbc8c4d6e9bc55f82c48de10d713/ai-5f484890.webp","is_representative":true,"generation_method":"ai_photo","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"마트 냉장 매대 앞에서 포장 배추김치의 라벨을 살펴보는 코트와 목도리 차림의 남성","caption":"국내에서 제조한 김치라도 모든 원료가 국내산인 것은 아니므로 원료별 원산지를 확인해야 한다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"A man in a coat and scarf checks the label on packaged napa-cabbage kimchi in a supermarket’s refrigerated aisle.","caption":"Kimchi made in Korea does not necessarily use only Korean ingredients, so ingredient origins must be checked separately.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"スーパーの冷蔵売り場で、コートとマフラー姿の男性が袋入り白菜キムチのラベルを確認している","caption":"韓国で製造されたキムチでも原料がすべて韓国産とは限らないため、原料ごとの原産地を確認する必要がある。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Un hombre con abrigo y bufanda revisa la etiqueta de una bolsa de kimchi en la zona refrigerada de un supermercado.","caption":"Que el kimchi se elabore en Corea no garantiza que todos sus ingredientes sean coreanos; hay que comprobar su origen.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Pria ber mantel dan syal memeriksa label kemasan kimchi sawi putih di lorong berpendingin supermarket.","caption":"Kimchi buatan Korea belum tentu memakai bahan yang seluruhnya berasal dari Korea, jadi asal tiap bahan perlu diperiksa.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Um homem de casaco e cachecol verifica o rótulo de um pacote de kimchi na seção refrigerada de um supermercado.","caption":"O kimchi fabricado na Coreia não tem necessariamente apenas ingredientes coreanos, por isso é preciso verificar sua origem.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"一名穿著大衣、圍著圍巾的男子，在超市冷藏貨架前查看袋裝大白菜泡菜的標籤","caption":"在韓國製造的泡菜不代表所有原料都產自韓國，仍須分別確認原料的原產地。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Ein Mann mit Mantel und Schal prüft das Etikett einer Packung Chinakohl-Kimchi am Kühlregal im Supermarkt.","caption":"In Korea hergestelltes Kimchi enthält nicht zwingend nur koreanische Zutaten, daher ist deren Herkunft gesondert zu prüfen.","description":null}}},{"id":2071,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MzE4NjEsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--26013b1fb5607531d63978ae4bafe81b782ab5ae/ai-5104c468.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_semi","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"음식점에서 종업원이 배추김치를 내려놓는 동안 벽의 배추·고추 원산지 안내판을 바라보는 여성","caption":"음식점의 배추김치는 배추와 고춧가루의 원산지를 표시해야 한다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"A woman looks at a cabbage and chili origin board as a server sets down kimchi in a restaurant.","caption":"Restaurants must disclose the origins of the napa cabbage and chili powder used in napa cabbage kimchi.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"飲食店で店員が白菜キムチを置く間、壁の白菜と唐辛子の原産地案内を見上げる女性","caption":"飲食店の白菜キムチは、白菜と粉唐辛子の原産地を表示する必要がある。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Una mujer mira el cartel de origen de col y chiles mientras una camarera sirve kimchi en un restaurante.","caption":"Los restaurantes deben indicar el origen de la col china y del chile en polvo usados en el kimchi de col china.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Seorang perempuan melihat papan asal sawi putih dan cabai saat pelayan menyajikan kimchi di restoran.","caption":"Restoran wajib mencantumkan asal sawi putih dan bubuk cabai yang digunakan dalam kimchi sawi putih.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Uma mulher olha o quadro de origem da acelga e da pimenta enquanto uma atendente serve kimchi no restaurante.","caption":"Os restaurantes devem informar a origem da acelga chinesa e da pimenta em pó usadas no kimchi de acelga chinesa.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"餐廳服務人員端上白菜泡菜，一名女子抬頭查看牆上的白菜與辣椒原產地告示牌","caption":"餐廳供應的白菜泡菜須標示白菜與辣椒粉的原產地。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Eine Frau betrachtet die Herkunftstafel für Kohl und Chili, während eine Bedienung Kimchi serviert.","caption":"Restaurants müssen die Herkunft von Chinakohl und Chilipulver im Chinakohl-Kimchi angeben.","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-10-23T07:29:25+09:00","updated_at":"2026-10-23T07:29:25+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/baechu-kimchi-packaged-restaurant-origin-labeling"}