Cooked namul
시금치나물 Sigeumchinamul
A small side dish of blanched spinach seasoned with sesame oil, garlic and salt, served with rice.
Spice: Not spicy
Sukchae (cooked namul)
콩나물무침 Kongnamulmuchim
Blanched soybean sprouts seasoned with sesame oil, garlic and salt, often with chili flakes, served cold as a side dish.
- Bean Sprout Salad
- Spice: Mild
- Vegetarian option
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Soybean sprouts, sesame oil, garlic, salt |
| How it's served | A small heap in a side dish bowl, served cold with the other side dishes |
| Spice level | Mild — A little warmth. Fine for most people. |
| Diet | Vegetarian option — The dish is meat-free, or a meat-free version is commonly served. Still check the broth and sauces. |
| Allergens | Soy · Sesame |
| Ask about | Some versions are seasoned with soy sauce (wheat), chili flakes or fish sauce. |
| On the menu | 콩나물무침 (Kongnamulmuchim) |
| Also called | kongnamul muchim · kongnamul · kong namul · seasoned soybean sprouts |
| Region | Nationwide |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to eat Bean Sprout Salad
Take a small bunch with chopsticks
The sprouts come in a small dish for the table to share. Lift a few at a time.
Pair it with rice or the main dish
Eat it with rice, soup or grilled meat. Some people add it to a bowl of rice.
Ask for a refill
Side dishes, including kongnamulmuchim, are often refilled for free.
On the table
Order it as 콩나물무침. You rarely need to: it usually comes free as a side dish with a meal, and you can ask for more.
- On the menu: 콩나물무침
- Usually sold: Included with a meal, as a side dish
Where it comes from
When Koreans began eating bean sprouts, the main ingredient, is not known. In Korean writing, they appear in a medical book from 1236 under the name daeduhwang.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (encykorea.aks.ac.kr)
Similar dishes
Questions about Bean Sprout Salad
Is kongnamulmuchim vegetarian?
Often, yes. The usual version uses only sprouts and plant seasonings. Some versions add fish sauce, so ask the staff.
What is the difference between kongnamulmuchim and sukjunamul?
The sprout. Kongnamul is soybean sprouts with a large yellow head and a firm crunch, while sukjunamul uses thinner mung bean sprouts.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 24, 2026