Gastric cancer rates are higher in countries such as Korea, China and Japan, where a lot of pickled and smoked foods are eaten. Kimchi has been studied specifically, and those varieties that have more salt may be more dangerous than the less salty varieties.

As with anything, a balanced view should be taken. In moderation or over the short term, kimchi’s benefits far outweigh the increase in cancer risk. Eating extreme amounts of _anything_ salty is going to be bad for you in the long run, though.

The camp he was held at was very bare bones, just pens really. The food was sparse, even the guards were on short rations. But with every meal, everyone was given kimchi. As a Hispanic, the spiciness of the kimchi was acceptable to the imprisoned soldier, so he ate all he was given. He stated that of the soldiers there who ended up dying of dysentery were the ones who passed on the kimchi! He survived, perhaps a bit thinner, but basically healthy, and strongly credits the kimchi.

oh, and make friends with a local so you can try some homemade stuff - so good!