Walkerhill Hotel & Resort, operated by SK Networks, announced it has begun exporting kimchi to the United States under its Walkerhill Hotel Kimchi brand. The launch took place earlier this month with two products: napa cabbage kimchi and radish kimchi.
The new line is positioned as a more affordable alternative to Walkerhill’s premium Suprex Kimchi range, which is recognized for its traditional flavors. With stronger price competitiveness, the Walkerhill Hotel Kimchi brand aims to expand beyond the Korean American community and reach the broader mainstream U.S. market.
Walkerhill has a long history in kimchi production, having established the hotel industry’s first dedicated kimchi research center in 1989. In 1997, it launched Suprex Kimchi, a product line praised internationally for restoring authentic Korean flavors.
Suprex Kimchi has been officially served at major international events, including the inter-Korean summit, the G20 summit, and Olympic banquets, further cementing its global reputation. In 2008, Walkerhill became the first hotel in the industry to obtain HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification, demonstrating its commitment to hygiene and quality.
The Walkerhill Hotel Kimchi brand was first introduced in 2018. In December 2022, the company launched a subscription service in Korea, making kimchi more accessible to households on a regular basis.
By entering the U.S. market, Walkerhill aims to build on its legacy of quality and tradition while appealing to both Korean Americans and mainstream consumers looking for authentic Korean cuisine.
BY EUNYOUNG LEE [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
