Preference and Dietary Behavior for Kimchi among Elementary School Students in Chungnam

The purpose of this study was to estimate the preference, intake frequency and eating behavior for kimchi as well as analyze the differences by gender among fourth to sixth grade students (n=410) in a Chungnam region. Approximately 64% of the students liked the spicy taste of kimchi, 75.9% liked the saltiness, and 48.5% liked well-fermented kimchi. The disliking factors of kimchi were its sour taste (38.5%), strong scent (20.1%), and salty taste (15.4%). The most preferred type of kimchi was Baechukimchi, followed by Kkakduki, Yeolmukimchi, and Chonggakkimchi. Further, the most frequently consumed type of kimchi was Baechukimchi, followed by Kkakduki, Chonggakkimchi and Yeolmukimchi. Oisobaki, welsh onion kimchi, sesame leaf kimchi, Gatkimchi, Nabakkimchi and Baekkimchi were rarely consumed. About 34% of the students consumed 5 to 7 pieces of kimchi per meal, and 84.1% enjoyed eating kimchi, mostly because of its good taste (61.3%). The reason for not eating kimchi was because other side dishes are more delicious (30.2%). About 80% of the students responded that they prepared kimchi at home. Moreover, 74.3% of the students eat kimchi much more at home than at school. Improvements to be made for kimchi at school were as follows: less salty (34.9%), less spicy (27.6%), and sweet (22.5%). In conclusion, students enjoyed eating kimchi because of its good taste. Further, they showed preference for Baechukimchi, Kkakduki, and Yeolmukimchi and consumed them frequently. Because kimchi appears to be more preferred and more frequently consumed, it is necessary to develop a menu using kimchi along with the proper eating guidance for helping students consume various types of kimchi at school or at home.Key words: kimchi, preference, intake frequency, dietary attitude, dietary behavior, elementary school students