파전 is a thick crispy Korean savoury pancake made with green onions, wheat flour, egg, and often seafood — squid, shrimp, oysters. The outside is golden and crunchy; the inside soft and full of flavour. Traditionally eaten on rainy days (the sizzling sound resembles rain on a tin roof) and the perfect companion to 막걸리 (milky rice wine).
✅ Best for: Rainy days, casual drinking snacks, sharing starters. Best at Insadong and Jeonju.
⏰ When: All day at Korean restaurants and markets. Peak demand on rainy days.
How to Experience Pajeon
- For the best version, visit a dedicated pancake restaurant (전집).
- Dip in soy-vinegar sauce (간장 + 식초 + chilli) — provided on the table, never skip it.
- Try 동래파전 (Dongnae-style from Busan) for the premium seafood experience.
- Order alongside makgeolli (막걸리) — Korea's quintessential pairing.
- Ask for extra crispy (바삭하게) when ordering.
💰 Price & Budget
💡 Insider Tips
- Gwangjang Market's bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) stalls are equally excellent.
- The secret to crispy pajeon is very high heat and a well-oiled pan.
- Rainy days genuinely drive a rush at pajeon restaurants — "비 오는 날 파전" is a real phenomenon.
- Kimchi jeon (김치전) — spicy kimchi pancake — is a great alternative variation.
- Haemul pajeon with whole oysters is a Busan specialty worth seeking out.
🗺️ Location & Maps
🔗 Useful Links
More Korean Food in Korea
❓ FAQ
What is Pajeon?
파전 is a thick crispy Korean savoury pancake made with green onions, wheat flour, egg, and often seafood — squid, shrimp, oysters. The outside is golden and crunchy; the inside soft and full of flavour. Traditionally eaten on rainy days (the sizzling sound resembles rain on a tin
Where can I find Pajeon in Korea?
Pajeon is best experienced in Nationwide. Rainy days, casual drinking snacks, sharing starters. Best at Insadong and Jeonju.
How much does Pajeon cost?
₩8,000 – ₩18,000. Seafood version (해물파전) costs more. Size ranges small (소) to large (대).
Planning a trip to Korea?
Add Pajeon to a free AI-built itinerary in seconds.