[하루리딩] 김치수출 최고치 돌파! 하지만 중국산김치수입 급증과 배추가격·김치무역적자 해법까지 알아야 한다

 

소개글

세계적으로 한국 김치의 인기가 꾸준히 높아지며 수출은 연이어 신기록을 경신하고 있지만, 국내에서는 값싼 중국산 김치 수입이 더 빠르게 증가해 무역적자가 확대되고 있습니다. 

글로벌 K-푸드 열풍과 건강식품에 대한 관심이 한국 김치의 해외 수요를 끌어올리는 반면, 국내 농산물 가격 상승과 물가 부담은 소비자들을 수입 김치로 이동하게 만들고 있습니다. 

이처럼 해외에서는 성장하고 국내에서는 흔들리는 김치 산업의 양면성은 한국 농업과 식품 산업이 앞으로 해결해야 할 중요한 과제를 제시합니다.

하루 리딩 공부

Global demand for Korean kimchi has been rising steadily in recent years.

More people around the world are enjoying kimchi as a healthy and flavorful food.

Despite this global success, Korea itself is importing more kimchi from China.

As a result, Korea is facing another year of kimchi trade deficit.

According to recent customs data, Korea’s kimchi exports increased by about two percent this year.

During the same period, imports grew even faster, rising by more than three percent.

This means the trade deficit has widened compared to last year.

One of the main reasons is the price gap between Korean-made and Chinese-made kimchi.

Higher inflation and last year’s sharp rise in cabbage prices made domestic production more expensive.

Because of this, many Korean consumers chose cheaper imported kimchi.

Meanwhile, overseas shipments of Korean kimchi are expected to reach a new record high.

The Korean government plans to strengthen the kimchi industry as a global export sector.

Global interest in K-food has helped kimchi gain more recognition around the world.

The pandemic also increased public awareness of healthy fermented foods.

Japan remains the largest importer of Korean kimchi, followed by the United States.

Some countries, such as Canada and Australia, are also increasing their imports of Korean kimchi.

Despite the growing global popularity, Korea faces challenges at home.

The reliance on cheaper imported kimchi raises concerns about local agriculture and production stability.

Climate change and extreme weather events may continue to affect domestic cabbage farming.

Korea now faces the dual challenge of expanding global markets while protecting its local kimchi industry.

실전 문제들

✅ TOEIC 문제 2개

TOEIC Question 1 — Reading Comprehension

What is the primary reason for the increase in Korea’s kimchi imports from China?

A. Growing global interest in Korean cuisine
B. Lower domestic demand for kimchi
C. Higher production costs caused by inflation and rising cabbage prices
D. Decreased exports to major markets like Japan and the United States

---

TOEIC Question 2 — Reading Comprehension

What does the passage suggest about Korea’s kimchi trade balance this year?

A. It is improving compared to last year.
B. It remains in deficit and has become worse.
C. It is expected to break even by the end of the year.
D. It shows that imports are decreasing steadily.

---

✅ IELTS 문제 2개

IELTS Question 1 — Short Answer Question

According to the passage, why are many Korean consumers choosing imported kimchi instead of domestic products?

---

IELTS Question 2 — Discussion / Opinion

The passage presents both global growth and domestic challenges in Korea’s kimchi industry.
To what extent do you think a country should prioritize protecting local food production over expanding global markets?
Provide your opinion with supporting reasons.

---

✅ TOEFL 문제 2개

TOEFL Question 1 — Reading / Inference

What can be inferred about the future of Korean kimchi production based on the passage?

A. Domestic farming conditions may become more unstable due to climate change.
B. Consumers will prefer domestic kimchi regardless of price differences.
C. Export markets for Korean kimchi are expected to decline sharply.
D. The government plans to reduce its focus on the kimchi industry.

---

TOEFL Question 2 — Reading / Vocabulary in Context

In the passage, the word “reliance” in the sentence “The reliance on cheaper imported kimchi raises concerns…” is closest in meaning to:

A. resistance
B. dependence
C. protection
D. competition

정답과 설명을 읽고 단어들과 숙어 그리고 활용 예들을 익히세요.

정답과 설명으로 이동하기

마무리글

한국 김치는 이미 세계인이 즐기는 글로벌 식품으로 자리 잡았지만, 국내 산업 기반을 지키기 위한 전략도 동시에 필요합니다. 

가격 경쟁력, 농업 환경 변화, 소비자 인식 등 다양한 요소가 얽혀 있는 만큼 장기적인 산업 체계 개선과 생산 안정성 확보가 중요합니다. 

앞으로 한국 김치가 세계 시장에서 영향력을 더 넓히면서도 국내 생산자와 소비자가 함께 성장할 수 있는 균형점이 마련되기를 기대합니다.