[Top13] Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Scallion Pancake) : The Charm of Korean Pizza: Haemul Pajeon, Everything About Pajeon

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Haemul Pajeon is a popular savory Korean pancake, celebrated for its crispy edges and soft, chewy interior, generously studded with fresh seafood and vibrant green scallions. It's made by lightly battering seafood like shrimp, squid, and mussels with chopped scallions and other vegetables, then pan-frying it to a golden crisp. This comforting dish is particularly cherished on rainy days, often paired with makgeolli (Korean rice wine), as its rich flavors and satisfying texture provide a perfect culinary complement to the weather.

Main Ingredients: Scallions, various seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels), flour, eggs, water.

Side Dishes: Typically served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce, often enhanced with chili flakes and sesame seeds. Kimchi is also a common accompaniment.

Beverage Pairings: Makgeolli (Korean rice wine), beer, soju.

Dining Tips: Enjoy it fresh off the pan while it's still hot and crispy. Dip generously in the accompanying soy-vinegar sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Pairing Haemul Pajeon with makgeolli is a classic combination, especially on a rainy day. Don't be afraid to try different varieties, as some restaurants might add other vegetables or specialize in certain types of seafood.

Derived Dishes:

  • Kimchi Pajeon (Kimchi Pancake)

  • Yukjeon (Beef Pancake)

  • Gyeran Mari Pajeon (Egg Roll Pajeon, fusion)

  • Vegan Pajeon (without seafood)

  • Pajeon-inspired Croquettes

Similar Dishes: Okonomiyaki (Japan), Roti Canai (Malaysia), Crepe (France), Fritters (Various cultures), Latke (Jewish cuisine).

Restaurant Type: Traditional Korean restaurants, Pajeon specialty restaurants, Jujeom (Korean pubs/taverns), seafood restaurants.

Best Time to Eat: Dinner, late-night snack (anju), rainy days.

Average Price per Person: $15-$25

Foreigner Preference (out of 10 stars): ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10) 

Spiciness (out of 10 stars): ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (2/10 - generally not spicy, spiciness comes from dipping sauce) 

Saltiness (out of 10 stars): ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ (5/10) 

Sweetness (out of 10 stars): ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (2/10)

Top 5 Restaurants in Seoul Preferred by Foreigners (Please note: these are representative examples and may vary by individual preference and time. It's always best to check recent reviews):

  1. Gongdeok Jeon Alley - Area around 256-12 Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (A famous alley filled with various jeon (Korean pancakes) stalls, offering a lively atmosphere and freshly made pajeon.)

  2. Jangsu Makgeolli House - While a brand, many traditional makgeolli houses serve excellent Haemul Pajeon (look for popular local spots in areas like Hongdae or Jongno).

  3. Insadong Pajeon Alley - Various restaurants within Insadong, e.g., 10 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Offers several traditional Korean restaurants known for their pajeon.)

  4. Samcheongdong Sujebi - 101 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Famous for sujebi (hand-pulled dough soup), but their Haemul Pajeon is also highly recommended and complements their main dish well.)

  5. Gwangjang Market - 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Many vendors within this bustling market offer delicious bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), a similar savory pancake often enjoyed with makgeolli, and some may offer pajeon as well.)

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