Kimchi did not contain chilli prior to the 17th century because chilli had not yet arrived in Korea! The Americas are where hot chilies originated. In the early 1600s, they were brought to Korea by western merchants. Koreans embraced them and included them into their kimchis. Indeed, gochugaru (or chilli powder pepper) and its vibrant red hue are now required ingredients in kimchi. This pepper has a delicious, smokey, and rich flavour.