Porridge
호박죽 Hobakjuk
A smooth, sweet porridge of pumpkin and glutinous rice, eaten warm as a mild meal or snack.
Spice: Not spicy
Juk (porridge)
전복죽 Jeonbokjuk
A soft rice porridge simmered with sliced abalone, eaten warm as a mild meal or for breakfast.
- Abalone Porridge
- Spice: Not spicy
- Contains seafood
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Abalone, rice, sesame oil |
| How it's served | Hot in a bowl, with kimchi and a few side dishes |
| Spice level | Not spicy — No chili heat. |
| Diet | Contains seafood — Fish, shellfish, fish sauce, salted seafood (jeotgal) or anchovy stock is a standard ingredient. |
| Allergens | Mollusc shellfish · Sesame |
| Ask about | Some places add egg, carrot or sesame seeds; seasoning may be soy sauce (soy, wheat) or salt. |
| On the menu | 전복죽 (Jeonbokjuk) |
| Also called | jeonbok juk · junbok juk · abalone congee |
| Region | Nationwide · Jeju |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to eat Abalone Porridge
Let it cool a little
The porridge holds heat, so stir it and eat from the edge of the bowl first.
Season it to taste
Some places serve soy sauce or salt on the side. Add a little if it tastes plain.
Eat it with side dishes
Take kimchi or a side dish between spoonfuls for contrast.
How to order it
Order it as 전복죽. It comes as a single portion, so one person can order it alone.
- On the menu: 전복죽
- Usually sold: 1 serving
Where it comes from
Jeonbokjuk is rice cooked in a broth of simmered fresh abalone. It is a local dish of Jeju Island, where much abalone is harvested. It is widely eaten as a special treat.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (encykorea.aks.ac.kr)
Similar dishes
Questions about Abalone Porridge
Is jeonbokjuk vegetarian?
No. Abalone is the main ingredient, and it is cooked into the rice.
How spicy is jeonbokjuk?
Not spicy. It is a mild porridge with no chili, and kimchi on the side adds heat if you want it.
What is the green color in jeonbokjuk?
Abalone innards. Some places cook them into the porridge, which turns it pale green; others use only the meat.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 25, 2026