What Does ‘Maebjjiri’ (맵찔이) Mean in Korea? – Koreans’ Love for Spicy Food & Spice Tolerance Levels
When people think of Korean food, one of the first things that comes to mind is spicy flavors. Dishes like kimchi (김치) , tteokbokki(떡볶이), buldak (불닭,fire chicken), and spicy seafood stew are staples in Korean cuisine. But here’s the thing—not all Koreans can handle spicy food!
That’s where the fun slang term ‘maebjjiri’ (맵찔이) comes in.
1. What Is ‘Maebjjiri’?
‘Maebjjiri’ is a combination of ‘maeun’ (매운, spicy) + ‘jjiri’ (찔이, a playful, teasing way to say weakling). It’s a lighthearted way to describe someone who can’t handle spicy food. In Korean culture, people often admire those who can eat super spicy food without breaking a sweat, while those who struggle with it might get playfully called a maebjjiri.
But the funny thing is, even foods that Koreans consider “mild” can still feel spicy to foreigners. Take Nongshim’s ‘Twigim Udong’ (튀김우동,Tempura Udon, 튀김 means fried) instant noodles, for example. Koreans see this as a non-spicy, kid-friendly ramen, but some foreigners say it actually has a spicy kick! That really makes you think—maybe Korea’s "normal" spice level is just naturally high?
2. Why Do Koreans Love Spicy Food?
So, why are Koreans so into spicy food? There are a few key reasons:
- Growing up with kimchi(김치) and gochujang(고추장, red pepper paste)
From a young age, Koreans eat fermented spicy foods like kimchi and gochujang. Over time, they build up their spice tolerance, so what seems mild to them might be overwhelming to someone who’s not used to it. - Spicy food as stress relief
Eating spicy food releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones. That’s why many Koreans crave a steaming bowl of spicy ramen or tteokbokki when they’re stressed. - The ‘spicy food challenge’ culture
In Korea, eating spicy food is sometimes seen as a test of strength. There are tons of spicy food challenges, like trying to finish a bowl of extreme fire noodles without drinking water. If you can handle it, people see you as "strong." If not, well… you might get called a maebjjiri.
3. The Hidden Spice in Everyday Korean Food
Raising a child made me realize that Korean food is naturally spicy—even when we don’t think it is.
For example, Korean fried chicken is usually seen as a non-spicy option. But did you know that even the plain ‘original’ fried chicken has a little bit of spice in its seasoning? It’s not obvious to most adults, but kids (or people who are sensitive to spice) can definitely taste it.
That's why I ate BHC's fried chicken with my daughter—
I thought it was the only non-spicy option in Korea.
So if you want to eat non-spicy fried chicken in Korea,
go for BHC's fried chicken, guys!
It’s the same with a lot of other Korean foods. Even dishes that Koreans consider mild can feel spicy to someone who isn’t used to it. It just goes to show that spice is deeply embedded in Korean cuisine.
4. Spicy Food Levels – How Hot Can Koreans Go?
Korean spicy foods come in different levels:
- Beginner level: Shin Ramyun(신라면), mild kimchi jjigae
- Intermediate level: Spicy tteokbokki, buldak (fire chicken noodles)
- Advanced level: Nuclear fire noodles, extra spicy jjampong (spicy seafood noodle soup)
- Extreme level: Devil ramen, ultra-spicy jjampong (you’ll find these in viral YouTube challenges!)
Beginner level is fine, but beyond that, even many Koreans don’t eat those often. I wouldn’t recommend trying them too easily!
Koreans love challenging themselves with spicy food, and among friends, there’s often playful competition to see who can handle the heat. And if you can’t? Well, you might hear a friendly "Ha! You’re such a maebjjiri!"
5. Foreigners and Korean Spicy Food – Is ‘Maebjjiri’ a Bad Thing?
For many foreigners, Korean food is spicier than expected. Even something as simple as kimchi can feel super hot for those not used to it.
But don’t worry—being a maebjjiri isn’t a bad thing! In Korea, it’s mostly a joking, affectionate term, not an insult. And actually, Koreans are pretty considerate about spice levels. If they know someone can’t handle spicy food, they’ll often adjust the seasoning or recommend non-spicy alternatives.
6. It’s Okay to Be a ‘Maebjjiri’!
At the end of the day, spicy food is just a preference—it’s not a measure of strength or toughness.
It’s funny how people in Korea sometimes pressure others by saying, "Come on, this isn’t even that spicy!" But the truth is, everyone’s spice tolerance is different. And that’s totally okay!
So, if you ever find yourself in Korea struggling with spicy food, don’t feel bad. Even if you can’t handle the heat, there are plenty of delicious non-spicy dishes to enjoy. And if someone jokingly calls you a maebjjiri?
Just laugh it off—it just means you’re in on the joke! 😆🔥
