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If you're exploring Korean cooking, one ingredient you’ll see again and again is gochujang — Korea’s iconic fermented red chili paste. It’s the spicy-sweet secret behind dishes like tteokbokki, bibimbap, and Korean fried chicken. But not all gochujang is created equal. From traditional artisan pastes to global supermarket staples, here are the top Korean gochujang brands you should know — and how to choose the right one for your kitchen.
1. CJ Haechandle (해찬들)
CJ’s Haechandle brand is Korea’s most widely recognized gochujang. Known for its balance of sweet heat and fermented depth, it’s a reliable everyday gochujang. Available in mild, medium, and hot spice levels, it’s made with sun-dried red chili powder and glutinous rice. If you’ve had store-bought bibimbap sauce, chances are it started here.
- Best for: Everyday cooking, bibimbap, marinades
- Spice Level: Mild to Hot (varies by product)
- Vegan-Friendly? ❌ Not certified; contains corn syrup
2. Chung Jung One (청정원)
Chung Jung One, part of the Daesang group, is famous for its Sunchang gochujang line, made with brown rice and fermented soybean. Its flavor leans slightly sweeter and milder than others, making it ideal for beginners. The brand also offers vegan-certified and gluten-free gochujang, popular in Western markets.
- Best for: Beginners, dipping sauces, fusion dishes
- Spice Level: Medium Hot
- Vegan-Friendly? ✅ Yes — certified vegan options available
3. Sempio (샘표)
Sempio is Korea’s oldest soy sauce brand, but their gochujang is also well-loved for its deep, aged flavor. They focus on naturally fermented sauces and now offer vegan gochujang using only plant-based ingredients. Their flavor tends to be richer and earthier, great for stews and slow-simmered dishes.
- Best for: Slow-cooked stews, soups, vegan Korean dishes
- Spice Level: Mild to Medium
- Vegan-Friendly? ✅ Yes (check label for specific product)
Other Popular Brands
- O’Food (오푸드): A global export brand by Daesang, known for convenience packs and sauces.
- Bibigo: CJ’s premium global brand offering squeeze bottles and fusion-friendly gochujang sauces.
- Mother-in-Law’s Gochujang: A small-batch, artisan-style gochujang made in the U.S. with Korean fermentation techniques.
Buying Gochujang: Is 100% Korean Worth the Price?
In Korean supermarkets, gochujang made with 100% locally-sourced ingredients is often priced higher than mass-market versions. These artisan-style pastes usually use Korean-grown chili peppers, rice, and soybeans — resulting in a richer, more traditional flavor. If you're serious about quality and authenticity, this upgrade might be worth the extra cost.
- Tip: Look for labels like “국산 100%” (100% Korean ingredients) for premium quality.
- Best Use: Home fermentation projects, gifting, premium stews
How to Choose the Right Gochujang
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right gochujang for your cooking style:
- For traditional Korean recipes: Haechandle or Sempio
- For milder, more approachable flavor: Chung Jung One
- For vegan or gluten-free cooking: Sempio or Chung Jung One vegan lines
- For convenient sauces: Bibigo or O’Food squeeze packs
The best gochujang isn’t just spicy — it’s balanced, fermented, and full of depth. Try a few and discover your favorite flavor!
