Korean Dictionary
How to say "Ssamjang" in Korean
“Ssamjang” in Korean is 쌈장 (pronounced "ssamjang").
쌈장
ssamjang
Usage & Context
Ssamjang is a thick, spicy Korean dipping paste used when wrapping meat in lettuce or other leaves. It combines doenjang and gochujang with garlic and sesame oil.
Example Sentence
삼겹살을 상추에 싸 먹을 때 쌈장이 빠질 수 없다.
Ssamjang is indispensable when wrapping samgyeopsal in lettuce.
How to use 쌈장 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Ssamjang” is 쌈장, romanized as ssamjang.
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 쌈장.
Pronunciation Guide
'Ssam' sounds like 'sum' with a strong, tense 's' at the beginning, almost like 'ss-ahm'. 'Jang' rhymes with 'fang' or 'hang'. The stress is fairly even, but the initial 'ss' is pronounced with more tension.
More Example Sentences
Describing a meal at a Korean BBQ restaurant.
삼겹살에 쌈장을 듬뿍 찍어 먹었어요.
I dipped my samgyeopsal generously in ssamjang and ate it.
Sharing homemade food with friends.
이 쌈장은 직접 만든 거라 더 맛있어요.
This ssamjang is homemade, so it tastes even better.
Commenting on a dish's taste.
매콤한 쌈장이 고기 맛을 확 살려주네요.
The spicy ssamjang really brings out the flavor of the meat.
Cultural Context
Ssamjang is an absolute essential for Korean BBQ, especially when eating grilled meats like samgyeopsal (pork belly) or galbi (ribs). It's a thick, savory, and slightly spicy paste that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the meat. Koreans typically put a piece of meat, a slice of garlic, and a dollop of ssamjang on a lettuce or perilla leaf, then wrap it up (a 'ssam') and eat it in one bite. This communal and interactive way of eating is a core part of Korean dining culture.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 쌈장 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
쌈장 좀 더 주세요.
Please give me some more ssamjang.
쌈장 찍어 먹어.
Dip it in ssamjang and eat.
쌈장 맛집.
A restaurant famous for its ssamjang.
Related Expressions
고추장
gochujang
Korean chili paste (a main ingredient of ssamjang)
된장
doenjang
Korean soybean paste (a main ingredient of ssamjang)
쌈
ssam
Wrap, leafy vegetable wrap
쌈밥
ssambap
Rice and various wraps with ssamjang
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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