On June 7, 2023, VANK (Director Park Ki-tae) and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) (President Kim Chun-jin) signed an MOU at the aT Center in Yangjae, Seoul, to globalize Korean food (K-Food) and promote a culture of global carbon neutrality.

Through this partnership, the two organizations will:
✅ Promote the excellence of Kimchi and Korean cuisine worldwide
✅ Advocate for the establishment of “Kimchi Day” in more countries to enhance Korea’s global food brand
✅ Expand the “Green Food Day” campaign to encourage sustainable, low-carbon dietary habits

Since its founding in 1999, VANK has actively corrected misinformation about Korea and promoted Korean culture. It has led various K-Food campaigns, including the global distribution of Korean food postcards (2015) and the Correct Korean Food Name Campaign (2018).

aT, as Korea’s leading food trade agency, has been spearheading efforts to establish “Kimchi Day” globally. The initiative has already succeeded in California, Virginia, New York, Washington D.C., and is currently under review in the U.S. Congress. Additionally, on May 12, the São Paulo City Council in Brazil passed a resolution to designate “Kimchi Day,” pending the mayor’s approval.

Furthermore, aT leads the Green Food Day campaign in collaboration with 500 institutions across 25 countries, advocating for lower greenhouse gas emissions throughout the food supply chain, contributing to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives and global carbon neutrality efforts.

VANK Director Park Ki-tae stated, “With over 170 million Hallyu fans worldwide, interest in Korea is at an all-time high. Through this MOU, we aim to elevate global awareness of K-Food while also contributing to environmental sustainability through the low-carbon food movement. Since food is central to identity, promoting Korean cuisine and Kimchi Day will also unite 7.5 million overseas Koreans.”

aT President Kim Chun-jin emphasized, “This agreement solidifies Korea’s status as the origin of Kimchi and strengthens global efforts toward carbon neutrality. Together, we will showcase the excellence of Korean food worldwide and address urgent global issues like climate change and food security.”

Moving forward, VANK and aT will collaborate on expanding K-Food’s global brand, advocating for carbon-neutral lifestyles, and launching worldwide awareness campaigns.