Exploring Korean Pancakes: Buchimgae, Bukkumi, Jijim, and Their Hidden Stories!

Hello everyone! On a rainy day, what comes to mind for Koreans is often our soul food: "pan-fried" dishes. Today, we're going to dive deep into Buchimgae, its cousin Bukkumi, and Jijim, known by its Gyeongsang-do dialect. Shall we embark on this fascinating journey together?

1. What is 'Buchimgae'? Korea's Diverse Jeon (Pan-fried Delicacy) Culture

Buchimgae refers to dishes made by mixing flour (such as wheat or buckwheat flour) with water to form a batter, then adding various vegetables, meats, and seafood, and pan-frying them in oil. It is the most comprehensive term that encompasses numerous types of "Jeon (煎)" that we commonly know, such as Kimchi-jeon, Pajeon (green onion pancake), Haemul Pajeon (seafood green onion pancake), and Gamja-jeon (potato pancake). The savory aroma of oil and the golden-brown appearance alone are enough to make your mouth water.

2. A Sweet and Chewy Delicacy, 'Bukkumi'

Bukkumi is similar to Buchimgae in that it's pan-fried, but it possesses a slightly different charm. It is primarily made by shaping glutinous rice flour or wheat flour dough into flat, round discs, filling them with red bean paste, honey, or sugar, and then folding them in half before pan-frying. It's closer to a type of 'tteok' (rice cake). Buckwheat Bukkumi and Sorghum Bukkumi are particularly representative delicacies of the Gangwon-do region, characterized by their crispy exterior, chewy interior, and sweet taste. It has long been cherished as a traditional snack enjoyed at feasts and holidays.

3. 'Jijim': The Heartwarming Gyeongsang-do Dialect

Jijim is the dialect used primarily in the Gyeongsang-do region to refer to 'Buchimgae'. It is often used with specific ingredients, such as "Let's make Kimchi Jijim!" or "One more Buchu Jijim (chive pancake)!". It is said that the term 'Jijinda' (to pan-fry) originated from the sizzling sound of oil during cooking. It's a heartwarming name deeply rooted in the local culture. Even a seemingly plain Radish Jijim (Musijijim) has an inexplicable charm that keeps you reaching for more.

4. The Infinite Transformations of Buchimgae: Varieties and Cultural Significance

Korean Buchimgae has as many varieties as the ingredients used. It can be made with vegetables like cabbage, chives, and pumpkin, as well as seafood like oysters, squid, and shrimp. Dongnae Pajeon from Busan's Dongnae district is a prime example, showcasing local specialties with abundant green onions and seafood.

Beyond being just delicious food, Buchimgae is deeply intertwined with the lives of Koreans. During holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), making Buchimgae together as a family becomes an important ritual for sharing affection. Additionally, it serves various roles in daily life: as a side dish for meals, a snack when hungry, a perfect accompaniment to makgeolli (Korean rice wine) on a rainy day, and even a packed lunch item.

Historically, on Samjinnal (the third day of the third lunar month), which marked the beginning of spring, people would pick azalea flowers to make Hwajeon (flower pancake), reflecting its role in embracing the seasonal ambiance.

5. Buchimgae's Lookalikes: 'Jeonbyeong', 'Jeonya', 'Bindae-tteok'

Dishes similar to Buchimgae include the thinly pan-fried Jeonbyeong, the smaller and more refined Jeonya, and Bindae-tteok, a specialty of Seoul's Gwangjang Market. Despite its name, which includes 'tteok' (rice cake), Bindae-tteok is primarily made by grinding mung beans and pan-frying them thickly. It has been widely loved as a hearty meal for common people and a perfect side dish for makgeolli. In the Andong region of Gyeongsang-do, certain types of Buchimgae served on ancestral altars are called 'Jeok (炙)', indicating subtle regional differences and unique names.

Thus, Buchimgae, Bukkumi, and Jijim, though differing in name, are cherished foods that have shared the lives and emotions of Koreans. The next time you encounter a Korean pancake, why not savor the stories and culture embedded within it?