Kimchee Girl (September 8, 2020)
I’m a proud, first-generation American whose parents legally immigrated from Seoul, South Korea, to the United States in the early 1970’s. That’s me with my mom and dad. Our family was one of the first to immigrate to Central Pennsylvania from South Korea. My parents and siblings were proud to obtain their American citizenship. Being the youngest of five children and the only one born in the U.S.A., I have always loved my Korean heritage and Korean food.
I started to make kimchee because I really missed my mom who lost her battle to cancer 7 years ago (2013). She would be 80 years old this October when I celebrate my 8th wedding anniversary.
I know everyone says their mom’s cooking was the best, but honestly, my mom’s food WAS the best. I remember growing up Korean families would always come over to our house and buy my mom’s kimchee. My mom always made mass quantities of food to feed a family of seven, and we never went out to restaurants to eat. Our neighbors would always say they could smell the delicious foods coming from my parent’s house.
I’ve been unhappy with the supermarket kimchee and the minimal Korean restaurants in my area. Starting Kimchee Girl is my way to share with you my family's kimchee. But also this is my way to remember and honor my mom and my dad... my dad who is still very active at the age of 84.
It’s very satisfying when I see people talk about my food on social media, and how they enjoyed eating.
Yes, my dad helps me to make the kimchee. Yes, he yells at me while I was making it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thank you... I hope you like my kimchee.
Joyce Park Williams
joyce@kimcheegirl.com
Founder & CEO
Kimchee Girl
@thekimcheegirl