The Korean Art Of Shared Side Dishes

Korean banchan are not just garnishes but essential, shared side dishes served in small, replenishable portions. The more formal the meal, the more variety you will find on the table.

Unlike Western meals where individual plates reign, Korean dining centers on communal bowls placed in the middle of the table. You are encouraged to finish these small portions and ask for refills throughout your meal. This tradition reaches its peak in the Jeolla Province, where tables can be completely buried under dozens of unique, flavorful varieties. It turns every dinner into a sprawling, interactive feast designed for exploration.