Chuncheon Dakgalbi Marinade is a Gochujang-based sauce designed to make Dakgalbi — a traditional chicken dish from Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea. While "galbi" means ribs in Korean, Dakgalbi actually refers to boneless chicken marinated in a spicy-sweet sauce and stir-fried on a griddle or in a frying pan. The flavour profile is defined by the deep, complex heat of Gochujang (fermented red pepper paste), the sweetness of starch syrup and sugar, and the aromatic warmth of garlic, ginger, and onion in perfect balance. Rather than being simply hot, the fermented ingredients contribute a rich umami depth that makes the overall flavour truly satisfying. The spice level is moderate — approachable even for those who are new to Korean food.

In accordance with EU food labelling regulations (1169/2011), please note the following allergen information. This product contains gluten (wheat) and soybeans. Wheat is present in multiple forms including Gochujang, wheat flour, milled wheat rice, fermented wheat, and wheat protein extract. Soybeans are present in the brewed soy sauce. There are additional points to be aware of: the ingredient list includes Curry Powder S, and blended curry powders may contain mustard, which is a mandatory EU allergen. Furthermore, the presence of food-grade ethanol may mean that sulphites cannot be entirely excluded. If you have a mustard allergy or sulphite sensitivity, please contact the manufacturer (Sempio) directly before purchasing.

The vegan and vegetarian suitability of this product has not been officially confirmed. The ingredient list includes flavour enhancer E635 (Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides), which may be derived from animal or yeast sources, making it difficult to confirm vegan or vegetarian compatibility with certainty. Additionally, this product contains food-grade ethanol, which may make it unsuitable for those who avoid alcohol. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, or if you limit alcohol consumption, we recommend verifying the source of ingredients with the manufacturer before purchasing.

No, this product does not currently hold Halal certification. The ingredients include food-grade ethanol and brewed soy sauce, which may contain trace amounts of alcohol produced during the fermentation process. For this reason, we do not recommend this product for those who strictly follow a Halal diet.

The key ingredient in this marinade, Gochujang, is a red pepper paste made using traditional Korean fermentation methods. Just as European cheeses and wines develop complex flavour through ageing and fermentation, Gochujang acquires a deep, rich umami that goes far beyond simple heat through its traditional fermentation process. In addition to Gochujang, this product contains several other fermented ingredients — fermented wheat, Nuruk (the traditional Korean fermentation starter), and brewed soy sauce — all of which add further layers of flavour depth. Nuruk is a natural fermentation culture that has been used in Korean traditional fermentation for centuries, playing a role comparable to sourdough starters or the lactic acid cultures found in European cheese-making traditions. It is the interplay of these naturally fermented ingredients that gives this marinade its distinctive, complex character.