Korean Dictionary
How to say "Kimchi Banchan" in Korean
“Kimchi Banchan” in Korean is 김치 반찬 (pronounced "gimchi banchan").
김치 반찬
gimchi banchan
Usage & Context
Kimchi as a banchan (side dish) is served at virtually every Korean meal. There are hundreds of varieties of kimchi made with different vegetables, seasonings, and fermentation periods.
Example Sentence
한국 식당에서는 기본으로 김치 반찬이 나온다.
Kimchi banchan is served as a basic side at Korean restaurants.
How to use 김치 반찬 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Kimchi Banchan” is 김치 반찬, romanized as gimchi banchan.
Usage tip
Use this word with ordering phrases, taste descriptions, and polite requests when speaking in a restaurant.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 김치 반찬.
Pronunciation Guide
For 'gimchi' (김치), 'gim' sounds like 'gimm' in 'gimmick', and 'chi' sounds like 'chee' in 'cheese'. For 'banchan' (반찬), 'ban' sounds like 'bahn' in 'bahn mi', and 'chan' sounds like 'chahn' in 'chant'. The stress is fairly even across both words.
More Example Sentences
Commenting on the side dishes at a new restaurant.
이 식당은 김치 반찬 종류가 정말 다양해요.
This restaurant has a really wide variety of kimchi banchan.
Explaining Korean dining culture to a foreigner.
한국에서는 김치 반찬이 기본으로 나와요.
In Korea, kimchi banchan is served as a basic side dish.
Enjoying a meal and praising the side dishes.
김치 반찬이 너무 맛있어서 밥 한 공기 더 시켰어요.
The kimchi banchan was so delicious that I ordered another bowl of rice.
Cultural Context
Kimchi banchan is more than just a side dish; it's an integral part of virtually every Korean meal, from humble home cooking to elaborate restaurant feasts. While 'kimchi' refers to the fermented dish itself, 'kimchi banchan' specifically highlights its role as a side dish. Restaurants often offer free refills of kimchi banchan, reflecting its essential status. There are hundreds of varieties, showcasing the diversity of Korean culinary traditions.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 김치 반찬 inside ordering situations, because the natural Korean phrase often includes a polite request ending.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
김치 반찬 더 주세요.
Please give me more kimchi banchan.
김치 반찬은 필수죠.
Kimchi banchan is a must.
오늘 김치 반찬이 맛있네요.
The kimchi banchan is delicious today.
Related Expressions
반찬
banchan
Side dish (general term)
깍두기
kkakdugi
Diced radish kimchi
총각김치
chonggakgimchi
Ponytail radish kimchi
나물
namul
Seasoned vegetable side dish
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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