You’ll Want These With Every Meal: TOP Korean Side Dishes (Banchan) You Must Try (Part 1)

If you’ve ever eaten Korean food, you already know one thing: the side dishes steal the show. Known as banchan (반찬), these small plates are served alongside almost every Korean meal, and they’re unlimited at many restaurants

From spicy to savory, fermented to fresh, here are the TOP Korean side dishes in Korea, with their Korean names you’ll see on menus everywhere.

This is Part of the list, for part 2, click here.

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1. Kimchi (김치) : Korea’s Most Iconic Side Dish

No list is complete without kimchi (김치), Korea’s national dish. Made from fermented napa cabbage or radish and seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and fish sauce, kimchi is spicy, tangy, and packed with probiotics.

Why Koreans love it:

• Served at every meal

• Boosts digestion

• Comes in 100+ varieties

Try: Baechu Kimchi (배추김치) and Kkakdugi (깍두기)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons/쑤기언니

2. Sigeumchi Namul (시금치나물) : Seasoned Spinach

Sigeumchi namul (시금치나물) is blanched spinach mixed with sesame oil, garlic, and sesame seeds. Simple, clean, and deeply comforting.

Why it’s a staple:

• Light and healthy

• Balances spicy dishes

• Found in almost every home-style meal

Classic Korean home cooking at its best.

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3. Gamja Jorim (감자조림) : Sweet Soy Braised Potatoes

Gamja jorim (감자조림) features baby potatoes simmered in a glossy sweet soy-based sauce.

Why people love it:

• Slightly sweet, slightly salty

• Comfort food vibes

• Extremely addictive

One of the most popular banchan in lunchboxes and cafeterias.

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4. Kongnamul Muchim (콩나물무침) : Seasoned Soybean Sprouts

Kongnamul muchim (콩나물무침) is made from blanched soybean sprouts tossed with sesame oil, garlic, and sometimes chili flakes.

Why it’s essential:

• Low-calorie and nutritious

• Helps cleanse the palate

• Perfect with grilled meats

You’ll almost always find this on a Korean table.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Eunyoung Lee

5. Eomuk Bokkeum (어묵볶음) : Stir-Fried Fish Cake

Eomuk bokkeum (어묵볶음) is Korean fish cake stir-fried with soy sauce, garlic, and sometimes gochujang for a spicy kick.

Why it’s so popular:

• Chewy and savory

• Delicious hot or cold

• A lunchbox favorite

A nostalgic dish for many Koreans.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons/쑤기언니

6. Oi Muchim (오이무침) : Spicy Cucumber Salad

Oi muchim (오이무침) is made with crunchy cucumbers mixed with chili flakes, vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil.

Why it’s loved:

• Refreshing and crunchy

• Cuts through greasy foods

• Perfect for summer meals

Spicy, fresh, and addictive.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Asadal

7. Gyeran Mari (계란말이) : Rolled Korean Omelette

Gyeran mari (계란말이) is a fluffy rolled omelette, often filled with carrots, green onions, or gim (seaweed).

Why everyone loves it:

• Soft and comforting

• Mild flavor for all ages

• Common in lunchboxes

Simple but always satisfying.

Why Korean Side Dishes (반찬) Are So Special ?

Korean meals aren’t about just one dish, they’re about variety, balance, and sharing. Banchan changes with the seasons and reflects Korea’s deep food culture and home-cooked traditions.

Once you experience a full Korean table, there’s no going back.