About Us
Our Story
I discovered kimchi in the most unexpected of places—right in the middle of my dissertation research. Originally, my academic focus was on the paradox of sustainable flood defenses: the conflict between high-carbon concrete structures and carbon-induced flooding. But then, one fateful day, while watching a documentary on the incredible story of kimchi, my curiosity was ignited, and I found myself irresistibly drawn to the art of kimchi-making.
For three months, I immersed myself in the craft, nurturing each jar as if it were my own child—checking on them late into the night, like a vigil by a crib in my fridge. This passionate experiment not only refined my recipe but also deepened my love for a tradition rich in history and flavour.
Encouraged by the overwhelming positive response from friends and family, I pivoted my dissertation entirely. I self-published my findings (you can read more here), focusing on how kimchi can serve as a school-based intervention to mitigate adolescent obesity in secondary schools. My research revealed that kimchi isn’t merely a culinary delight—it’s a powerhouse for the gut microbiome, obesity management, skin and eye health, and so much more.
My journey then took me to South Korea in 2024, as part of a six-month adventure across Southeast Asia. I spent a transformative month working on a farm in Cheongyang-gun (청양군) with a dedicated Korean family. Immersed in rural life and preparing for the harvesting season, I found myself trekking up and down steep hills in blistering heat. From the early hours at 5 AM until 11 AM—and again in the afternoon—we deployed netting with relentless determination. If we pushed ourselves even harder, halmoni (the formidable grandma) would reward us with even more hearty meals. Needless to say, I was more than willing to work until exhaustion just to savor as much kimchi as my stomach could handle.
The Chestnut farming team of August '24. Pictured: Lee (Our host), halmoni (the arduous Grandmother) and haraboji (the equally arduous Grandfather), myself and 2 other volunteers.
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The Chestnut farming team of August '24. Pictured: Lee (Our host), halmoni (the arduous Grandmother) and haraboji (the equally arduous Grandfather), myself and 2 other volunteers.
A short while later, I visited the beloved kimchi museum—a sanctuary for anyone passionate about this living tradition. It was exhilarating to be surrounded by fellow enthusiasts who shared my fervor. I learned that kimchi even has its own national day (November 22nd), underscoring its cultural significance. The museum took me on a journey through the science of lactic acid fermentation, the evolution of kimchi over centuries, and the astonishing variety of recipes developed in Korea. By the end of my visit, I came to view kimchi not as a static dish but as a dynamic process—a continuously evolving art form that marries tradition with science.
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At The Lonely Mouth, our mission is simple: to share the transformative benefits of kimchi with everyone across the UK. Our story is one of unexpected passion, relentless curiosity, and a commitment to blending heritage with modern innovation. Join us on this journey—taste the passion, and experience the magic of kimchi
