Understanding the commercial significance of geographical indications and the implications for Korean kimchi through the example of Columbian coffee

A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. This paper explores ways to protect Korean goods as GIs in the U.S. and EU by examining the efforts of the Colombian Coffee Federation (FNC) to protect Colombian coffee. The FNC enhanced the global awareness of Colombian coffee and increased the profits of Colombian coffee producers by registering Colombian coffee as a certification mark in the U.S. and as a GI under the EU's quality schemes. The Korean government protects kimchi under its own GI system. For kimchi products to earn the label "Korean kimchi," the three main ingredients must be produced in Korea. This has been a challenge for kimchi producers, who often rely on imported ingredients. Korea could learn from FNC's strategies to improve the current GI system for kimchi.

콜롬비아 커피의 지리적 표시 활용 전략을 통해 본 지리적 표시의 상업적 의의와 김치의 지리적 표시제 개선 방향