Third attempt in a year.
It’s the right texture, but I’m still missing something. It’s not as good as store bought, but good enough. And I’m working on improving that zest.
Kimchi sans fish sauce. Via https://www.liveeatlearn.com/how-to-make-kimchi/
You could also add some some extra veggies to help reduce overall moisture and kick the flavor up. Some recipes use Korean Pear or julienne carrots in place or reduction of sugar - both work great. Throw some thinly sliced Korean Radish in there for a little bit of bite, and you get that Kkakdugi bit when it’s done. Lots of options.
My mom always made a rice porridge with a ground up Korean pear in it for the sugar in her starter. Makes the paste really thick and sticky so it coats really well. I think it also gives the kimchi a bit of a kick, but I think my family likes stronger fermentation than most people.