Meme Dictionary

Mukbang (Eating broadcast)

먹방

Mukbang, a blend of the Korean words for "eating" and "broadcast," is a type of online video in which a host eats large

Webtoon (Korean digital comics)

웹툰

Webtoons are digital comics designed to be read by scrolling vertically on a smartphone, a format pioneered and populari

Pepero Day (November 11)

빼빼로데이

Pepero Day, celebrated on November 11 (11/11), is a Korean occasion when people exchange "Pepero," thin stick-shaped cho

Suneung (Korean college entrance exam)

수능

Suneung (officially the CSAT) is South Korea's national college entrance exam, a single high-stakes test that largely de

Jeonse (Korean lump-sum deposit lease)

전세

Jeonse is a uniquely Korean housing lease system in which, instead of paying monthly rent, a tenant hands the landlord a

Chojang (Vinegared chili sauce)

초장

Chojang is a tangy, sweet-and-spicy dipping sauce made by mixing gochujang with vinegar, sugar, and often garlic and ses

Makjang (Quick-fermented soybean paste)

막장

As a food, makjang is a type of quickly-made, coarse soybean paste, a rougher,more casual cousin of doenjang, traditiona

Bapdoduk (Rice thief — food so good you overeat rice)

밥도둑

"Bapdoduk" literally means "rice thief." It's an affectionate term for a dish so delicious, usually savory, salty, or s

Gisa-sikdang (Taxi-driver diner)

기사식당

A gisa-sikdang is a type of Korean diner originally catering to taxi and truck drivers ("gisa" means driver). They're k

Jeyuk-bokkeum (Spicy stir-fried pork)

제육볶음

Jeyuk-bokkeum is thinly sliced pork stir-fried in a spicy gochujang- and gochugaru-based sauce with onions, garlic, and

Bulgogi (Marinated grilled beef)

불고기

Bulgogi, literally "fire meat," is thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet-savory sauce of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil,

Samgyeopsal (Grilled pork belly)

삼겹살

Samgyeopsal is thick slices of pork belly grilled at the table, one of Korea's most popular and social dishes. The meat