Korean Dictionary

How to say "Spicy seafood noodle soup" in Korean

Spicy seafood noodle soup” in Korean is 짬뽕 (pronounced "Jjamppong").

짬뽕

Jjamppong

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Usage & Context

A spicy Korean-Chinese noodle soup with seafood and vegetables in a fiery red broth. The eternal debate in Korea is whether to order jajangmyeon or jjamppong at Korean-Chinese restaurants. Some restaurants even offer half-and-half (반반) options.

Example Sentence

자장면이랑 짬뽕 중에 뭐가 더 좋아요?

Between jajangmyeon and jjamppong, which do you like more?

How to use 짬뽕 naturally

Quick answer

The Korean word for “Spicy seafood noodle soup” is 짬뽕, romanized as Jjamppong.

Usage tip

Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.

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 짬뽕.

Pronunciation Guide

The word "Jjamppong" sounds like "jahm-ppohng." "Jjam" is like "jam" but with a slightly tighter 'j' and a short 'a'. "Ppong" has a strong, aspirated 'pp' sound, like "pong" in "ping-pong" but with more emphasis on the 'p'. The double 'p' indicates a tense consonant.

More Example Sentences

Recommending food for someone with a hangover.

해장으로 짬뽕이 최고예요.

Jjamppong is the best for a hangover cure.

Expressing a personal preference for spicy food.

저는 매운 짬뽕을 좋아해요.

I like spicy jjamppong.

Praising the flavor and quality of the soup.

짬뽕 국물이 정말 시원하네요!

The jjamppong broth is really refreshing!

Cultural Context

Jjamppong is the spicy counterpart to jajangmyeon in Korean-Chinese cuisine. Its fiery red broth and generous seafood make it a popular choice, especially for those who enjoy spicy food or need a hangover cure (해장, haejang). The 'jajangmyeon vs. jjamppong' debate is a classic in Korea, often leading to '반반' (banban) orders where you get half of each. It's a staple for delivery and a beloved comfort food.

Editorial note

We review entries like 짬뽕 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.

Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.

Common Phrases

짬뽕 하나 주세요.

Please give me one jjamppong.

짬뽕이 더 매워요.

Jjamppong is spicier.

짬뽕 국물이 끝내줘요.

The jjamppong broth is amazing.

Related Expressions

자장면

Jajangmyeon

Black bean noodles (the classic rival).

짬뽕밥

Jjamppongbap

Jjamppong without noodles, served with rice.

매운맛

Maeunmat

Spicy flavor.

해장국

Haejangguk

Hangover soup (a category jjamppong often falls into).

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