ahhh kimchi
i've been hearing that over and over again when talking about korean gastronomy

whatd does it tastes like?
what purpose does it have?
how can I relate it to other kind of gastronomies?
what IS IT?
I know how some of it is made... with lettuce and pepper powder an such

if you really want a detailed explanation about kimchi.
i suggest you read this. -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchi

kimchi is something like preserved vegetables.
however, kimchi is cabbage and chili paste.
there's chili paste in kimchi so you can expect it to be spicy.
and due to the preservation, it also taste somewhat sour.
kimchi usually serves as a side dish.
(but i dont like eating kimchi as a side dish :/)

i've seen many soompiers mention that they add kimchi to their ramen.
kimchi ramen tastes really good <3
my korean friend invited me over to her house that day.
her mom made mini kimchi pancakes, and they were heavenly. *-*
if you're not really fond of asiany taste, i suggest that you don't try it.

i hope my explanation on kimchi helped you. ^^

edit.

haha. i noticed that i made grammar mistakes in this post.
forgive me, my brain is screwing up since it's late @__@
ps: i was suddenly reminded of Chowder because of this thread xD

haha thanks, I'd really like to try it someday
I'm quite adventurous concerning food I'll give it a try once I get the occasion
is always made with seafood? that'd be too bad since I'm allergic..

it's not always made with seafood. you can make/buy it without seafood.

for me, kimchi seems like pickles. hehehee