Porridge
전복죽 Jeonbokjuk
A soft rice porridge simmered with sliced abalone, eaten warm as a mild meal or for breakfast.
Spice: Not spicy
Juk (porridge)
호박죽 Hobakjuk
A smooth, sweet porridge of pumpkin and glutinous rice, eaten warm as a mild meal or snack.
- Pumpkin Porridge
- Spice: Not spicy
- Vegetarian option
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Pumpkin, glutinous rice |
| How it's served | Warm in a bowl, with kimchi and a few side dishes |
| Spice level | Not spicy — No chili heat. |
| Diet | Vegetarian option — The dish is meat-free, or a meat-free version is commonly served. Still check the broth and sauces. |
| Ask about | Red beans, soybeans or corn are sometimes added, and sweetness varies. |
| On the menu | 호박죽 (Hobakjuk) |
| Also called | hobak juk · hobakjook · pumpkin congee · sweet pumpkin porridge |
| Region | Nationwide |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to eat Pumpkin Porridge
Let it cool a little
The thick porridge holds heat, so eat from the edge of the bowl first.
Taste before adding anything
It is usually sweet already. Some places set out salt or sugar if you want to adjust it.
Eat any rice balls with a spoon
Some bowls come with small, chewy rice balls. Take them one at a time with the porridge.
How to order it
Order it as 호박죽. It comes as a single portion, so one person can order it alone.
- On the menu: 호박죽
- Usually sold: 1 serving
Where it comes from
Pumpkins reached Korea after the Imjin War. Buddhist monks first grew them widely, so pumpkin was once called seungso. By the late Joseon period, it had become a common side food for ordinary people.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (encykorea.aks.ac.kr)
Similar dishes
Questions about Pumpkin Porridge
Is hobakjuk vegetarian?
Usually yes. It is made from pumpkin and glutinous rice, seasoned with sugar or salt. Ask the staff if you avoid any ingredient.
How spicy is hobakjuk?
Not spicy. It is a sweet, mild porridge with no chili.
What is the difference between hobakjuk and patjuk?
The main ingredient. Hobakjuk is yellow and sweet from pumpkin, while patjuk is dark red and made from red beans.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 31, 2026