"Army-base stew" of ham, sausage and Spam simmered with kimchi, ramen noodles and tofu in a spicy broth. It is commonly said to have emerged near U.S. army bases just after the Korean War.
🇰🇷 Korean: 부대찌개🔤 Romanization: budae-jjigae📍 Uijeongbu / nationwide🏷️ stew · fusion · army base
Taste & texture
Rich and filling — the salty umami of ham and sausage, the tang of kimchi and chewy ramen noodles in a spicy broth.
How to eat it
- Cook it at the table on a burner, adding ramen noodles to the bubbling pot.
- Spoon the ingredients and broth over a bowl of steamed rice.
- Top up with extra stock or noodles as the broth reduces.
Where to try it
Uijeongbu's budae-jjigae street is famous, and specialist shops nationwide usually serve it for two or more. A serving runs about ₩9,000–13,000.
🗺️ Where to try it
Frequently asked questions
What is budae-jjigae?
A Korean fusion stew of ham, sausage, kimchi and ramen noodles, commonly said to have arisen after the Korean War.
Does it always contain Spam?
Ham, sausage and Spam-type meats are central, but the exact mix varies from shop to shop.