Delving into a flavorful celebration of one of Korea’s most cherished culinary traditions, students at Parks Junior High in the Fullerton School District celebrated Kimchi Day with a hands-on kimchi-making activity. This immersive experience, made possible by a generous donation of fresh kimchi from Twins Kimchi, offered students a taste of Korean culture in the classroom.
Kimchi Day, originating in South Korea, honors kimchi’s deep historical and cultural significance. It is celebrated annually on the symbolic date of Nov. 22, reflecting the ideal time for making and fermenting kimchi ahead of winter to sustain families through harsh weather. The dish also embodies the spirit of togetherness, as kimchi is made through the traditional practice known as kimjang, which sees families and neighbors coming together to prepare and share food through this shared seasonal ritual.
“We’re grateful to Twins Kimchi for their generosity and for helping our students deepen their understanding of Korean culture,” said Jini Shim, a Korean language teacher at Parks Junior High.
“It was wonderful to see students excited about the process of kimchi-making and connecting with the traditions behind it.”
Shim, with the help of parent volunteers familiar with making kimchi, helped guide students through this cultural culinary opportunity that enabled students to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Korean heritage.
“Kimchi Day was very fun and educational,” shared 7th-grade Parks student Tyson Lee. Lee also noted that this was his first time learning about the varieties of kimchi and its health benefits, noting that the class made a traditional, spicy napa cabbage kimchi.
“It made me feel like I’m being closer to my heritage while having fun with my peers,” reflected Parks 7th-grade student Hailey Hong.
In addition to offering Korean language classes at Parks Junior High, Fullerton School District has a Dual Language Academy, with classes beginning as early as kindergarten at Laguna Road Elementary School. To learn more about FSD’s Korean Dual Language Academy, visit www.fullertonsd.org/DLA. For more facts about Kimchi Day, visit the Korean Cultural Center website at kccart.ca/pages/kimchi-day.
The Fullerton School District (FSD) is located in northern Orange County, California, and serves over 11,400 students in transitional kindergarten (TK) through eighth grade. FSD is home to 15 elementary schools, two TK through eighth-grade schools, three junior high schools, and a distance learning and home school program. FSD features unique programs for students, including a Dual Language Academy for Spanish and Korean languages; a Performance Academy Sports Program that offers a traditional in-person learning experience with time for advanced athletic training integrated into the school day; and robust before, after, and summer school programs. The mission of the Fullerton School District is to work collaboratively with the community to provide an innovative, high-quality educational experience for all students in a safe learning environment. FSD’s motto, “Great Schools – Successful Kids,” signifies that all FSD students will be given the tools and instruction to achieve academic excellence, hone interpersonal skills, and develop technological expertise to contribute as productive citizens in a democratic society.
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