South Korea's exports of kimchi surged 35 percent on-year in the first four months of 2021 on the back of growing demand for healthier food products amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, outbound shipments of kimchi reached 61.1 million dollars over the January-April period.

Japan was the biggest kimchi importer accounting for 31 million dollars of total exports, followed by the United States at 11 million dollars and Europe at 5.5 million dollars.

Exports of kimchi reached a fresh high in 2020, posting 144 million dollars.

The traditional Korean side dish, normally made of fermented cabbage, salt and hot peppers, is believed to help boost the body's immune system.