빈대떡 Bindaetteok
A thick, crisp pancake of ground mung beans, often with pork and kimchi, eaten with a dipping sauce.
Spice: Not spicy
Jeon (pancakes)
김치전 Kimchijeon
A thin pancake of chopped kimchi in wheat batter, pan-fried and shared at the table.
- Kimchi Pancake
- Spice: Mild
- Contains seafood
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Aged kimchi, wheat flour batter |
| How it's served | Hot and crisp on a plate, cut into pieces, with a soy dipping sauce |
| Spice level | Mild — A little warmth. Fine for most people. |
| Diet | Contains seafood — Fish, shellfish, fish sauce, salted seafood (jeotgal) or anchovy stock is a standard ingredient. |
| Allergens | Wheat · Fish · Crustacean shellfish · Soy |
| Ask about | Pork, squid or egg may be mixed into the batter. |
| On the menu | 김치전 (Kimchijeon) |
| Also called | kimchi jeon · kimchi buchimgae · kimchi jun · kimchi buchim |
| Region | Nationwide |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to eat Kimchi Pancake
Take a piece
Use your chopsticks to pick up one of the cut pieces from the shared plate.
Dip it lightly
Touch it to the soy sauce. The kimchi is already salty, so a little is enough.
Eat it while hot
The edges are crisp when fresh and soften as the pancake cools.
How to order it
Order it as 김치전. One pancake is usually shared by two or more people, but one person can order it too.
- On the menu: 김치전
- Usually sold: 1 pancake, for sharing
Similar dishes
계란말이 Gyeranmari
A thick omelet rolled in layers with chopped vegetables, sliced and served as a side dish.
Spice: Not spicy
Questions about Kimchi Pancake
Is kimchijeon vegetarian?
Usually not. The kimchi often contains fish sauce or salted shrimp, and some add pork or squid. Ask the staff if you avoid them.
How spicy is kimchijeon?
Mild. The kimchi gives a little warmth, which is fine for most people.
How is kimchijeon different from pajeon?
The main ingredient differs. Kimchijeon is built on chopped kimchi and looks red, while pajeon is built on long green onions.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 29, 2026