What Does 반찬 (Banchan) Mean in Korean?
10-Second Answer
반찬 (banchan) means the small side dishes served alongside rice at a Korean meal — kimchi, seasoned vegetables, pickles, and more. They're placed in the center of the table and shared by everyone, and at most restaurants, refills are free.
Quick Examples
반찬 더 주세요.
banchan deo juseyo.
Could I get more side dishes, please?
A completely normal, expected request — most banchan refills are free.
이 집 반찬이 진짜 맛있어요.
i jip banchan-i jinjja masisseoyo.
The side dishes at this place are really good.
Banchan quality is a real point of pride for restaurants.
How Banchan Actually Works at the Table
Banchan aren't appetizers — they arrive with (or before) the main dish and stay for the whole meal, shared from the center rather than portioned individually, as covered on the dining etiquette page. A typical meal might include kimchi, 나물 (seasoned vegetables), 계란말이 (rolled omelette), and pickled radish, varying by restaurant and region.
Kimchi: The One Banchan That's Basically Guaranteed
김치 (kimchi) — fermented, seasoned vegetables, most famously napa cabbage — shows up at nearly every Korean meal as a banchan, to the point that its absence would be unusual. There are dozens of kimchi varieties beyond the cabbage version, made from radish, cucumber, and other vegetables.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Assuming banchan cost extra
At the vast majority of Korean restaurants, banchan (and refills) are included in the meal price — no need to hesitate before asking for more.
Mistake #2 — Treating banchan as a starter course
They're eaten throughout the meal alongside rice and the main dish, not finished before the entrée arrives.
Mini Quiz
1. What does 반찬 refer to?
2. Do you typically need to pay extra for banchan refills?
3. What is 김치's role at a Korean meal?
Related Knowledge
Learn Next
What Does 삼겹살 (Samgyeopsal) Mean?
Banchan is the supporting cast — samgyeopsal is one of Korea's most iconic main events.
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Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-10 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.