I havent bought kimchi from that grocery store in a while, so I cant speak to the MSG issue. However if your wife is in that area, another option on the same block may be KumGangSan.... its a restaurant on the same blk, same side of the street, just closer to broadway... i believe they sell their kimchi downstairs. dont know if its small batch, etc, but if youre looking to try a different variety she can start there.

so my favorites are:
-mul kimchi
-'regular' cabbage kimchi
-old kimchi--- the type where you feel the bubbles of the fermentation on your tongue
- uber old kimchi--- which i only had with the uber old fermented in fish in choengju, i think... ill have to look back & make sure i have the city right
-kimchi'd genip (sesame/perilla) leaves-yum

also:
-putting the kimchi on the barbeque w/ or after the meat
- or! over steam w/ pork & tofu