Korean snack packaging is full of useful information — how spicy it is, how to cook it, whether it contains peanuts — but only if you can read it. Translation apps struggle with stylized fonts and tiny print, so here are the words you will actually meet on ramyeon, snacks, drinks and convenience store meals.
Search this page (Ctrl+F or Find in page) for the word you see, or skim the sections below.
Flavor and heat
| Korean | Sounds like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 매운맛 | maeun-mat | Spicy flavor |
| 아주 매운맛 / 극한 매운맛 | aju maeun-mat / geukhan | Extra hot / extreme heat |
| 순한맛 | sunhan-mat | Mild flavor |
| 불맛 | bul-mat | Smoky, wok-fired flavor |
| 달콤한 | dalkomhan | Sweet |
| 짭짤한 | jjapjjalhan | Salty |
| 고소한 | gosohan | Nutty, toasty |
| 새콤달콤 | saekom-dalkom | Sweet and tangy |
| 치즈 | chijeu | Cheese |
| 까르보 | kkareubo | Carbonara-style creamy flavor |
Product types
| Korean | Sounds like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 봉지라면 | bongji ramyeon | Packet instant noodles |
| 컵라면 | keop ramyeon | Cup noodles |
| 볶음면 | bokkeum-myeon | Stir-fried (drained) noodles |
| 비빔면 | bibim-myeon | Cold mixed noodles |
| 짜장 | jjajang | Black bean sauce |
| 짬뽕 | jjamppong | Spicy seafood noodle soup flavor |
| 삼각김밥 | samgak gimbap | Triangle rice ball |
| 도시락 | dosirak | Packed meal / lunch box |
| 과자 | gwaja | Snack, chips, crackers |
| 음료 | eumnyo | Drink |
| 아이스크림 | aiseukeurim | Ice cream |
Cooking instructions
| Korean | Sounds like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 조리방법 | jori bangbeop | Cooking instructions |
| 끓는 물 | kkeunneun mul | Boiling water |
| 물 붓는 선 | mul butneun seon | Fill line for water (cup noodles) |
| 전자레인지 | jeonja-reinji | Microwave |
| 분 | bun | Minutes |
| 뚜껑 | ttukkeong | Lid |
| 분말스프 | bunmal seupeu | Powder soup base |
| 액상스프 | aeksang seupeu | Liquid sauce packet |
| 건더기스프 / 후레이크 | geondeogi seupeu / flake | Dried vegetable flakes |
Dates and storage
| Korean | Sounds like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 소비기한 | sobi gihan | Use-by date (the date now printed on most Korean food) |
| 유통기한 | yutong gihan | Sell-by date (older labeling) |
| 제조일자 | jejo ilja | Manufacture date |
| 냉장보관 | naengjang bogwan | Keep refrigerated |
| 냉동보관 | naengdong bogwan | Keep frozen |
| 실온보관 | sion bogwan | Store at room temperature |
| 개봉 후 | gaebong hu | After opening |
| 직사광선을 피해 | jiksagwangseon-eul pihae | Keep out of direct sunlight |
Ingredients and nutrition
| Korean | Sounds like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 원재료명 | wonjaeryo-myeong | Ingredients list |
| 영양정보 | yeongyang jeongbo | Nutrition facts |
| 내용량 | naeyongnyang | Net weight / volume |
| 열량 | yeollyang | Calories (kcal) |
| 나트륨 | nateurium | Sodium |
| 당류 | dangnyu | Sugars |
| 제로 / 무설탕 | jero / museoltang | Zero / sugar-free |
| 알레르기 유발물질 | allereugi yubal muljil | Allergens |
| 함유 | hamyu | Contains |
Common allergens
| Korean | Sounds like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 우유 | uyu | Milk |
| 대두 | daedu | Soybean |
| 밀 | mil | Wheat |
| 땅콩 | ttangkong | Peanut |
| 메밀 | memil | Buckwheat |
| 알류 / 달걀 | allyu / dalgyal | Eggs |
| 새우 | saeu | Shrimp |
| 게 | ge | Crab |
| 돼지고기 | dwaeji-gogi | Pork |
| 쇠고기 | soe-gogi | Beef |
| 닭고기 | dak-gogi | Chicken |
| 오징어 | ojingeo | Squid |
| 조개류 | jogaeryu | Shellfish |
| 호두 | hodu | Walnut |
| 잣 | jat | Pine nut |
Store deals
| Korean | Sounds like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1+1 | won-peul-reoseu-won | Buy one, get one free |
| 2+1 | tu-peul-reoseu-won | Buy two, get one free |
| 증정 | jeungjeong | Free gift included |
| 한정판 | hanjeongpan | Limited edition |
| 신제품 | sinjepum | New product |
| 행사상품 | haengsa sangpum | Promotion item |
Reading a label quickly
- Spice is usually shown as 순한맛 (mild) or 매운맛 (spicy), sometimes with a chili icon scale. Compare brands with our ramyeon spice chart.
- Allergens are listed after 알레르기 유발물질 or in a box near the ingredients. If you have a serious allergy, check with the manufacturer, as shared factory lines are common.
- Most Korean food now shows 소비기한 (use-by date) instead of the older 유통기한 (sell-by date).
Looking for something specific? Try the Korean snack finder or browse the guides.
Romanizations are simplified to show pronunciation. Allergen lists vary by product; always read the actual package.