Korean Ambassador visits Kingston as Kimchi Day motion passed Green Flag award win for Canbury Gardens

Kingston Council has passed a motion to declare November 22 International Kimchi Day. The motion was passed during a visit to the area by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Mr Yeocheol Yoon.

This year marks the 140th anniversary of KoreanBritish diplomatic relations, with many celebrations planned across the UK and the Republic of Korea.

The Royal Borough of Kingston is home to the largest Korean community in Europe.

The Ambassador visited to attend July’s full council meeting where the Kimchi Day motion was passed. Kimchi is pickled, fermented vegetables and is the national dish of Korea.

In 2013 UNESCO recognised Kimjang, the process of preparing kimchi, as part of Korea’s intangible cultural heritage.

The date marks the 22 health benefits of the food and the various ingredients used to make kimchi. The dish is also traditionally prepared around November, ahead of winter.

The Ambassador’s visit was also an opportunity to celebrate and honour the contributions of Korean residents and businesses to the borough.

He attended a reception organised by the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Diane White at the Guildhall, along with representatives from the borough’s Korean communities and businesses.

Leader of Kingston Council Andreas Kirsch said: “We are immensely proud of the rich diversity and multiculturalism of the borough and recognise the fantastic contributions of communities from all over the world.

“We have a well-established tradition of celebrating Kingston’s Korean and wider East and South East Asian heritage through events such as the annual Kingston Korea Festival - which includes the Korean Harvest Festival and the Kimjang Festival.

“Our new commitment to marking Kimchi Day each year, on 22 November, is a fitting way to enhance the celebrations of the central role Korean communities play in the cultural life of our borough.”

His Excellency Mr Yeocheol Yoon said he was deeply moved by the Kingston’s passion for kimchi and the Korean community.

“I will endeavour to ensure that my diplomatic activities contribute to the development of the Korean community in Kingston upon Thames,” he said.

“In that regard, I note with gratitude that today’s agenda for council included the motion for designating Kimchi Day.

“I believe that Kimchi will spice up our friendship and provide the famous ‘fermentation process’, which will further deepen our mutual understanding.

Canbury

Gardens has achieved Green Flag accreditationthe international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The award reflects the council’s commitment to protecting and enhancing Kingston’s green spaces for current and future generations.

The award noted the space’s public facilities, range of play equipment and the fact it is used by friends’ groups to host monthly meetings and discuss community issues.

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE said: “Canbury Gardens is a vital green space for the community in Kingston, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles.

“The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, Ward Councillor for Canbury Gardens Ward, added: “Canbury Gardens is a special place which attracts thousands of visitors each year, not just from Kingston, but from each corner of the borough, London and beyond.

“We’re incredibly proud of the borough’s green spaces which provide so many with somewhere to relax, unwind and socialise within easy reach of the town centre.”

The work of the Friends of Queen’s Promenade group has also been recognised with a Green Flag Community Award for their dedication to caring for and improving the riverside.