Abstract

In this study, Kimchi usage was examined by nationwide consumers. 1,000 consumers between 20~60 years olds from 15 cities/province based on an administrative district participated in this questionnaire, which were one-on one interviews from September 23th to October 14th, 2009. 76.1% of the customers prepared Kimchi by them self, 26.9% customers received Kimchi from relatives and, 13.1% purchase Kimchi from the market. In addition, the rate of preparing Kimchi by themselves increased with age(p<0.05). 4~6 cabbage heads(34.5%) was the most preferred quantity for preparing Kimchi at a time, which was followed by more than 10 heads(25.2%) and 2~3 heads(22.9%). Chinese cabbage Kimchi was the most preferred type for purchase. 49.1% of customers purchased Kimchi at the supermarket and warehouse market and the origin of the ingredients, taste and-, price of Kimchi were considered important factors. The satisfactory scores of selling Kimchi were variety 3.60, taste 3.11, freshness of main ingredient 3.10, hygiene 2.86, -appropriate salt usage 2.99 and-, the origin of ingredients 2.94. There were significant difference between gender in taste and hygiene of selling Kimchi (p<0.05). In conclusion, to provide more appropriate Kimchi based on changes in Kimchi usage and consumption patterns at home and in the community, new types of Kimchi should be developed.

Keywords

• nationwide customers;
• Kimchi usage;
• Kimchi consumption pattern;
• important factor;
• satisfactory factor