FAQ
Q. What is Kimchi?
Kimchi is a Korean staple cuisine. It’s a traditional fermented vegetable dish that has amazingly rich, tangy, spicy, and savory complex flavors loved by Koreans. In recent years it gained global recognition for its numerous health benefits, packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, promoting immune health and gut function.
Kimchi is tasty, naturally healthy, and most importantly now an essential part of Korean culture and heritage!
Q. How am I supposed to eat it?
Kimchi can be enjoyed on its own, paired with rice or other main course as a side dish, or in recent years Kimchi has been incorporated into various recipes!
Pro Kimchi tip: Check out our Instagram or TikTok for creative Kimchi recipe ideas!
Q. Why are there so many Kimchi types?
Did you know that not all Kimchi are the same?! While Napa cabbage Kimchi is most popular, we offer a variety of types, flavors, spicy level, and even vegan options!
But all our Kimchi are crafted using traditional Korean recipes passed down from the 19th century royal Joseon Dynasty and made with patented fermentation technology for authentic taste and top quality.
Q: What is the difference between refrigerated and shelf-stable kimchi?
Refrigerated Kimchi are made cold, shipped cold, and meant to be eaten cold. Refrigerated Kimchi needs to be kept in the fridge at all times to ensure a fresh and crisper texture.
Shelf-stable kimchi is pasteurized to remain safe at room temperature until opened. It’s perfect for lunch bags, on-the-go quick bites, dorm living, or those who cannot live a day without Kimchi when traveling.
Q. Is your kimchi vegan or vegetarian?
We offer both vegan and non-vegan options. While traditional Kimchi includes fish, anchovy, or shrimp sauce, we've crafted the same delicious Vegan Kimchi using plant-based ingredients without the fishy stuff. Rest assured, it retains all the health benefits of fermented foods. Enjoy guilt-free!
Q.Is Kimchi safe for children & women during pregnancy?
Absolutely! Regular Kimchi contains small amounts of fish, anchovy, or shrimp, making it safe for expecting mothers, we also offer vegan Kimchi for those avoiding seafood altogether.
For kids who can’t take the spice, our white Kimchi is a fantastic option.
Pro Kimchi tip: Many Korean parents used to rinse Kimchi for us as children and it's still delicious!
Q. Does Kimchi get spoiled?
Short Answer : No.
Kimchi is a naturally fermented dish, and active fermentation continues over time. While we do provide recommended shelf life, it remains safe to enjoy beyond expiration dates if stored properly.
Pro Kimchi Tip : For those who enjoy the extra zinggyness, try our Aged fermented Kimchi (aka. Mukeunji) which is fermented for a loooong period of time that has intense tangy and zesty umami notes!
Q. Is Kimchi gluten-free?
Yes, all of our Kimchi are gluten-free!
Q. Where is your Kimchi made?
Our Kimchi is made in both Korea, our motherland, and our California factory to ensure the best taste and quality.
Our Made in Korea Kimchi features the finest ingredients, including cabbage and radish cultivated in Korean soil during their peak season for optimal taste. However, Kimchi made in Korea requires some transit time to reach the US, resulting in a naturally more fermented product.
To address this, we established a factory in California! Kimchi made in the U.S utilizes locally sourced fresh ingredients and is produced and shipped much faster within the States, minimizing transit time and ensuring the freshest Kimchi for our US customers!
Rest assured, both varieties guarantee delicious, high-quality Kimchi for your enjoyment! Check out our product descriptions to determine where your Kimchi is made.
Q. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), Apple pay, Google pay, and other online payment methods.
Q. Can I modify or cancel my order after placing it?
If you need to modify or cancel your order, please contact us as soon as possible at contact@jonggausa.com.
We will do our best to accommodate your request if the order has not yet been processed.
Q. Can I buy your Kimchi at local grocery stores
Absolutely! You can find Jongga Kimchi at major grocery chains like Costco, Walmart, Jewel-Osco, H Mart, and other local Korean grocery stores. We're also available online on platforms like Amazon, Weee, and Yami Buy. Keep an eye out as we continue to expand our availability!
Q. Where do you ship?
We currently ship our products all over the U.S
Q. I don’t live in the U.S. Do you ship your products internationally?
No worries! While we only offer Kimchi online in the US, we export our Kimchi all over the world! Check your local Korean market, or local grocery stores to find Jongga Kimchi!
Q.How is refrigerated kimchi shipped?
Each package is packed in smart insulated packaging, complete with a cold pack, ice brick, and specially designed 1.5-inch insulation liner. These measures are carefully calculated based on your shipping location and transit time to guarantee that your kimchi stays cool and fresh throughout its journey to your doorstep.
Pro Kimchi tip: For the best taste, we recommend putting your kimchi in the fridge right away and eating it cold!
Q. What are the shipping costs?
Shipping costs are calculated based on your location and the weight of your order.
You can view the shipping cost during the checkout process before completing your purchase.
Q. Do you offer free shipping?
Amazing news! Yes! As part of our website soft launch promotion, we're currently offering free shipping on orders over $69! Plus, don't miss out on our limited-time 25% off promotion for newsletter sign-ups during our soft launch period! Be sure to take advantage of this offer before it goes away!
Q. How long will it take for my order to arrive?
A: To guarantee the freshest and coldest delivery of our products, we prepare and ship out all orders every Monday and Tuesday.
If you place an order between Wednesday and Sunday midnight, it will be processed and shipped out the following Monday or Tuesday.
For orders placed on Monday or Tuesday, they will be shipped out the following week, on the upcoming Monday or Tuesday.
Please note that delivery times may vary depending on your location and the chosen shipping method.
Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a tracking number to keep you informed every step of the way.
Q. I received my Kimchi and it looks like it’s gonna pop!
That’s absolutely 100% normal! Kimchi contains live probiotics, meaning fermentation is actively happening. As the kimchi ferments, gas forms, which can make the jar look like it’s going to pop. Rest assured, this is perfectly normal and safe to consume.
Pro Kimchi tip: Open the jar over the sink to avoid any juice spurting out!
Q. My Kimchi is vomiting juice!
Oops! Sometimes our kimchi gets a bit too excited. Our jars have a small breathing hole under the seal to release fermented gas and prevent the jar from breaking. During shipping, a small amount of juice may spill through this hole. Rest assured, this doesn’t mean the jar is defective or that any harmful substances have entered. Simply wipe the jar, and your kimchi is completely safe to consume. We're constantly improving our packaging to ensure freshness and give you the best experience. Thanks for your understanding, and we promise to keep bringing you the delicious kimchi you love!
Q. My Kimchi jar is cracked…help
Oh no! Rarely, our kimchi jars can explode during shipping despite our best efforts to package them securely. Please send us an email at contact@jonggausa.com with a picture of the cracked jar, and our customer service team will be happy to assist you.
Q. How should I store my Kimchi?
Refrigerated Kimchi should always be kept in the fridge, once you receive your Refrigerated Kimchi we highly recommend refrigerating it immediately to maintain its freshness.
For our shelf-stable kimchi, it can be safely stored at room temperature until opened. However, once opened, we highly recommend refrigerating it promptly to maintain its quality and flavor.
Q. How do I know if I ordered a refrigerated vs shelf stable Kimchi?
Most of our kimchi is refrigerated, but we also offer a selection of shelf-stable options that are perfect for dorms, lunchboxes, and travel.
Look for the “shelf stable” label on the package, or check our product descriptions or the shelf-stable kimchi collection to find out if your kimchi is shelf stable.
Q. What happens if I store my refrigerated Kimchi at room temperature for a long time?
If refrigerated kimchi is left at room temperature for an extended period, it may develop a white surface film due to oxidation.
To maintain its freshness and flavor, we recommend storing it in the fridge at all times.
Q: What is the shelf life of your kimchi? Does Kimchi go bad?
Short answer : No.
We provide a recommended shelf life, which you can find on the expiration date printed on the package. However, Kimchi is a naturally fermented dish, and active fermentation continues over time. While we recommend consuming refrigerated kimchi within 6 months and shelf-stable kimchi within 12 months, it is generally safe to enjoy kimchi beyond these dates if stored properly.
Pro Kimchi Tip: For those who enjoy the extra zinggyness, try our Aged fermented Kimchi (aka. Mukeunji) which is fermented for a loooong period of time that has intense tangy and zesty umami notes!
Q. What is your return policy?
Because our products are fresh and perishable, all sales are final.
If you encounter any issues with your order, please contact us at contact@jonggausa.com, and we'll be happy to assist you.
Q. I received my Kimchi and it looks like it’s gonna pop!
That’s absolutely 100% normal! Kimchi contains live probiotics, meaning fermentation is actively happening. As the kimchi ferments, gas forms, which can make the jar look like it’s going to pop. Rest assured, this is perfectly normal and safe to consume.
Pro Kimchi tip: Open the jar over the sink to avoid any juice spurting out!
Q. My Kimchi is vomiting juice!
Oops! Sometimes our kimchi gets a bit too excited. Our jars have a small breathing hole under the seal to release fermented gas and prevent the jar from breaking. During shipping, a small amount of juice may spill through this hole. Rest assured, this doesn’t mean the jar is defective or that any harmful substances have entered. Simply wipe the jar, and your kimchi is completely safe to consume. We're constantly improving our packaging to ensure freshness and give you the best experience. Thanks for your understanding, and we promise to keep bringing you the delicious kimchi you love!
Q. My Kimchi jar is cracked…help
Oh no! Rarely, our kimchi jars can explode during shipping despite our best efforts to package them securely. Please send us an email at contact@jonggausa.com with a picture of the cracked jar, and our customer service team will be happy to assist you.
Q. What should I do if my order is incorrect?
If your order arrives incorrect, please contact us immediately with your order number and a photo of the product.
We will arrange for a replacement, store gift card, or refund as necessary.
Q. I want to place a wholesale order
To place a wholesale order, please send us an email at contact@jonggausa.com.
Our sales team will be happy to assist you with pricing, quantities, and any other inquiries you may have regarding wholesale orders.
Q. I love Jongga! How can I collaborate with you?
We're always excited to explore creative collaborations! Whether you're interested in partnering for events, sponsorships, influencer collaborations, or other creative projects, we'd love to hear from you. Please reach out to our Marketing team at contact@jonggausa.com with details about your proposal, and our team will be in touch to discuss further. Let's create something spicy together!
Q. Do you offer affiliate marketing opportunities?
We're excited to announce that we'll be launching our first affiliate marketing program very soon! Keep an eye out for updates.
In the meantime, if you're interested in working with us, feel free to reach out to our marketing team at contact@jonggausa.com.