Korean Dictionary
How to say "Muchim" in Korean
“Muchim” in Korean is 무침 (pronounced "muchim").
무침
muchim
Usage & Context
Muchim refers to Korean side dishes made by seasoning raw or briefly blanched ingredients with spices and sauces. Common examples include spinach muchim and bean sprout muchim.
Example Sentence
시금치무침은 영양 많고 간단한 반찬이다.
Spinach muchim is a nutritious and simple banchan.
How to use 무침 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Muchim” is 무침, romanized as muchim.
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 무침.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'mu' (무), sounds like 'moo' in English. The second syllable, 'chim' (침), sounds like 'chim' in 'chimney'. The 'u' in 'mu' is like the 'oo' in 'moon'. The stress is fairly even across both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Discussing refreshing summer dishes.
오이무침은 여름에 시원하게 먹기 좋아요.
Cucumber muchim is great to eat cool in the summer.
Sharing a simple and healthy recipe.
콩나물무침은 만들기도 쉽고 영양도 풍부해요.
Bean sprout muchim is easy to make and rich in nutrients.
Enjoying a flavorful side dish at a meal.
매콤달콤한 도라지무침이 입맛을 돋우네요.
The spicy and sweet bellflower root muchim stimulates my appetite.
Cultural Context
Muchim refers to a category of Korean side dishes made by seasoning raw or briefly blanched ingredients (often vegetables, but also seafood or meat) with a mix of spices and sauces. It's known for its fresh, vibrant flavors, often incorporating gochujang (chili paste), gochugaru (chili powder), soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Muchim dishes are quick to prepare and are a staple banchan, offering a refreshing and often slightly spicy or tangy contrast to heavier main courses. They are a common sight in K-dramas and everyday Korean meals.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 무침 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
오이무침이 새콤달콤해요.
The cucumber muchim is sweet and sour.
콩나물무침은 만들기 쉬워요.
Bean sprout muchim is easy to make.
매콤한 무침이 당기네요.
I'm craving spicy muchim.
Related Expressions
나물
namul
Seasoned vegetable side dish (muchim is a type of namul)
샐러드
saelleodeu
Salad (similar concept of mixing fresh ingredients)
생채
saengchae
Raw vegetable salad (a specific type of muchim)
볶음
bokkeum
Stir-fried dish (different cooking method)
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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