Korean Dictionary
How to say "Ssammu" in Korean
“Ssammu” in Korean is 쌈무 (pronounced "ssammu").
쌈무
ssammu
Usage & Context
Ssammu is thinly sliced pickled radish, slightly sweet and sour, often served with Korean fried chicken. The crisp, refreshing taste cuts through the richness of fried food.
Example Sentence
치킨을 시키면 쌈무가 같이 온다.
When you order chicken, ssammu comes with it.
How to use 쌈무 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Ssammu” is 쌈무, romanized as ssammu.
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 쌈무.
Pronunciation Guide
쌈 (ssam) sounds like 'ssahm', similar to 'psalm' but with a strong, tense 's' sound. 무 (mu) sounds like 'moo' as in a cow's sound. The two syllables are pronounced distinctly but flow together.
More Example Sentences
Recommending a food pairing for a rich dish.
삼겹살 먹을 때 쌈무랑 같이 싸 먹으면 느끼함이 싹 가셔요.
When eating samgyeopsal, if you wrap it with ssammu, the greasiness completely disappears.
Observing a trend in side dishes.
치킨무 대신 쌈무를 주는 곳도 많아졌어.
Many places now give ssammu instead of chicken mu (pickled radish cubes).
Encouraging someone to try making it themselves.
집에서 쌈무 만들기는 생각보다 쉬워요.
Making ssammu at home is easier than you think.
Cultural Context
Ssammu, thinly sliced pickled radish, is a popular side dish in Korea, especially known for its refreshing ability to cut through rich, fatty foods. While often associated with Korean fried chicken (치킨, chikin) as an alternative to the cubed pickled radish (치킨무, chikinmu), it's also a fantastic accompaniment for grilled meats like samgyeopsal (pork belly). Its sweet, sour, and slightly crunchy texture provides a delightful contrast, making it a beloved palate cleanser.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 쌈무 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
쌈무랑 같이 먹다
to eat with ssammu
쌈무 싸 먹다
to wrap and eat with ssammu
쌈무 추가요
Add more ssammu, please.
Related Expressions
무
mu
radish
치킨무
chikinmu
pickled radish cubes (often with fried chicken)
쌈
ssam
wrap (general term for food wrapped in leaves)
피클
pikkeul
pickle (general term, borrowed from English)
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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