Those who have tried Korean food already know that the taste of Korean food comes from its sauces. As K-food draws attention abroad with K-contents, ‘Jang (Korean traditional sauce)’, a key ingredient, is also widening its its presence. It is mistaken to think that Korean sauce includes only ‘gochujang’, which is recognized as the major sauce. In addition to these sauces, the demand for seasonings to help easily prepare for Korean food is also increasing significantly. Pork Bulgogi paste and Beef Bulgogi paste are popular seasonings, with a gradually increasing number of types.

#K-sauces occupying the online mall Shopee
According to the Korea Customs Service, the export of sauces has continued to grow and is breaking new records every year. Exports last year were USD 360.75 million, an increase of 13.7% from 2020. This popularity can easily be checked in online malls, too. First, let’s connect to Shopee Vietnam, an online mall representing Southeast Asia. If you search for ‘Gochujang’, you can find dozens of gochujang products labeled as ‘Favourite’. They include CJ Haechandle's Gochujang, which is also widely known in Korea, followed by Sempio Taeyangcho Gochujang and ChungJungOne’s Gochujang with 100% brown rice. ‘Maeil Shin Gochujang Chili Sauce’, which is somewhat unfamiliar to Koreans, also rose to popularity.
Let's search Ssamjang this time. CJ Haechandle's Korean Seasoned Soybean Paste, ChungJungOne’s Seasoned Bean Paste, and Original Seasoned Soybean Paste also received the ‘Favorite’ label. As a mixture of doenjang (soybean paste) and gochujang (red pepper paste), Ssamjang has a savory yet spicy taste. Other popular products when Bulgogi is searched are Bulgogi Sauce for Beef and ‘Bulgogi Sauce for Beef, and recently, Spicy Sauce for Braised Chicken is also being chosen by consumers.

#Making Tteokbokki and Korean food myself
What is the secret to the popularity of Korean sauces? According to the consumer reviews, the main reasons for the popularity of gochujang were its sweet and spicy taste, along with pretty packaging and the low risk of spoilage. That it is an essential ingredient of tteokbokki was also mentioned. Next, ssamjang’s less spicy and salty taste than gochujang was chosen as a strength. The review that it was excellent as a BBQ sauce like in Korea especially drew attention. One consumer who purchased pork bulgogi and beef bulgogi seasonings said, “Ssamjang is good for people who want to cook fast and avoid spicy taste—a lazy person like me,” giving such a positive evaluation.
#With seasoning sauce, I'm also a Korean chef
Gochujang, doenjang, and ganjang (soy sauce) are essential ingredients for making Korean food since they make the seasoning that is the basis of Korean food. However, the taste of marinade can change depending on the measurement and it can be a hassle, which may make one hesitate from cooking. But buying the finished product can solve this. Just pour the finished sauce over the ingredients. Let's make popular Korean food easily and simply with the finished sauce introduced by <Korea Agrafood>.