As part of my research, I conducted a data analysis to categorize and create a database of various types of kimchi. Since each region in Korea has its own distinct kimchi—shaped by local vegetation and traditions—many varieties remain unfamiliar even to native Koreans. To make the database more accessible, I focused on the most commonly consumed types across the country. This analysis helped streamline the information and highlight representative examples.
A key takeaway from my research is that while most people are familiar with kimchi as a spicy fermented cabbage dish, few are aware of the hundreds of regional and seasonal variations that exist. Each type of kimchi differs in ingredients, preparation style, and cultural significance, often shaped by local vegetation and the season in which it’s made.
the Kimchi-logue
Develop a thesis project that explores a meaningful issue through research and observation, challenging and expanding my understanding of what it means to be a designer.
In recent years, South Korea has seen a surge in global popularity—and at the heart of its cuisine is kimchi, the iconic spicy, fermented vegetable dish, most commonly made with Napa cabbage. Once seen as a pungent, unfamiliar food, kimchi has gained international attention for its health benefits and unique flavor, becoming both trendy and respected.
There are hundreds of varieties, each reflecting the ingredients and traditions of different regions across South Korea. Making kimchi is a time-intensive, hands-on process that not only connects people to the land but also brings families together in shared tradition.
To offer a deeper understanding of kimchi’s cultural and historical impact, the interactive website and corresponding infographic invites users to experience the process firsthand—from salting to fermentation—highlighting kimchi’s enduring significance in Korean identity.
Kimchi's History
The kimjang process—Korea’s traditional kimchi-making practice—follows a seasonal rhythm, with different vegetables and methods used throughout the year. From my analysis, I identified four core categories for organizing kimchi: main ingredient, region, season, and visual characteristics.
While Napa cabbage and radish are the most common bases, the Northern and Southern regions of Korea differ in their use of spice, seafood, and moisture levels. Visually, kimchi can range from red to white, soupy to saucy, and chopped to whole-leaf—each variation offering insight into the dish’s depth and diversity.
Information Architecture
The final website takes the form of a “choose your own adventure” interactive experience, allowing users to explore kimchi through the four main categories. Each path highlights key aspects of kimchi-making, paired with interactive “actions” that simulate the preparation process. As users progress, they build a personalized Kimchi-logue—a catalog of the varieties they've explored. This leads to an infographic offering deeper insights into ingredients, methods, and comparisons between different kimchi types, including historical context and step-by-step instructions.
Look & Feel
I aimed to balance kimchi’s traditional roots with a modern visual approach to engage users unfamiliar with the topic. I incorporated the texture of hanji—Korean handmade mulberry paper—reflecting its historical presence in Korean art and architecture. To complement this, I used a paper cut-out style for the imagery, combining simple flat shapes with added detail for clarity and recognition.
Conclusion
The initial goal of my thesis was to deepen my understanding of kimchi and reconnect with my cultural roots. Through this project, I’ve not only gained extensive knowledge about kimchi and its historical significance to Korea, but also translated its complexity and nuance into accessible, engaging content for a broader audience.
One of the project’s key strengths lies in the cohesive branding and clear breakdown of information. However, there is room for improvement—particularly in how the information is delivered throughout the user’s journey on the website. Additionally, as this is a prototype, there are limitations in functionality, such as the absence of interactive elements like animations and dynamic cursor effects.
Despite these constraints, I believe this project plays an important role in highlighting the cultural richness of Korean cuisine. Food is a universal language, and kimchi offers a compelling entry point into Korea’s history and traditions. My hope is that visitors to the website not only learn something new, but also feel inspired to explore further—perhaps by trying a new type of kimchi or even making it themselves.
While this may not be a groundbreaking innovation, I see it as a small but meaningful step toward fostering curiosity and appreciation for the diverse cultures that shape our world.
Final Deliverables
