Marja Vongenrichten Explores Korean Cuisine

Marja Vongenrichten is hosting the Kimchi Chronicles, a PBS series sponsored by the U.S. subsidiary of CheilJedang, Korea’s top food company.

The 13-episode mini-series follows Vongerichten and her husband Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a world-famous chef, as they visit restaurants, markets, pojangmachas (food carts), home kitchens and tourist destinations across South Korea. Kimchi Chronicles is part travelogue, part food fantasy and part documentary of self-discovery that explores and celebrates a cuisine that keeps stay vital by continuing to use ordinary ingredients to make extraordinary dishes.

Half-Korean Vongerichten was adopted by an American family as a child. Her first experience with real Korean food didn’t begin until fifteen years ago when she located her biological mother. This aspect of her life allows an element of personal discovery to be woven into the fabric of each episode.

“As an official food sponsor of this inspiring project, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to share Korea’s rich culture, unique customs and, most of all, its delectable cuisine with U.S. consumers,” said Elliot Chung, senior brand manager of CJ Foods. “While we have been producing quality Asian foods since 1953, the Korean food trend is finally gaining some steam in the U.S. so this series comes at the perfect time for CJ to unveil its new Bibigo line of ‘Korean pantry’ products that allow people to channel their inner chef and create flavorful Asian dishes in the comfort of their own homes.”

CJ’s Bibigo line will include a variety of authentic, GMO-free Korean staples including Gochujang Hot Pepper Paste, Ssamjang Seasoned Soybean Paste, Soy Sauce with Kelp, Fresh Cooked Rice, Crispy Seaweed Snacks and a variety of Korean BBQ Sauces, all of which will be available online and in stores starting September 2011.

CJ’s parent CheilJedang is the first company of the Samsung chaebol and a recognized and trusted brand in South Korea. CJ began establishing a presence in the U.S. in 1978.

Kimchi Chronicles began airing in selected markets in July of 2011.