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Korean food continues to gain worldwide popularity, and this time, Korean pancakes are getting the spotlight. In the latest ranking of the world’s best pancakes by TasteAtlas, several beloved Korean dishes earned places on the list, introducing global food lovers to the rich variety of Korean street food and home-style cooking.

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What Is TasteAtlas?

TasteAtlas is a popular online food and travel guide that introduces traditional dishes, local ingredients, and restaurants from around the world. The platform is known for its global rankings, including lists of the best soups, desserts, breads, and street foods based on audience ratings and culinary research.

© TasteAtlas

Although TasteAtlas rankings often spark debate among food lovers, they are widely shared online and have become influential in introducing regional cuisines to international audiences. For many travelers, these lists serve as inspiration for what to eat during their next trip abroad.

Korean Pancakes

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When foreigners hear the word “pancake” they often imagine sweet breakfast dishes served with syrup. Korean pancakes, however, are a completely different experience.

A lot of Korean traditional pancakes, known broadly as jeon (전), are savory and made by pan-frying ingredients coated in flour and egg batter. They can include vegetables, seafood, meat, tofu, or kimchi. Some are crispy and thin, while others are soft and hearty. Korean pancakes are deeply connected to everyday life and Korean traditions. They are commonly enjoyed during holidays like Chuseok and Seollal, served as side dishes, paired with makgeolli (Korean rice wine), or eaten as comforting snacks on rainy days.

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At the same time, sweet pancakes like hotteok represent another side of Korean food culture – especially the vibrant street food scene that tourists love exploring in Korea.

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Jeon: Korea’s Classic Savory Pancake

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Among the Korean dishes recognized by TasteAtlas, jeon stands as one of the most iconic. Jeon is not just one single dish but a broad category of Korean savory pancakes made by pan-frying ingredients coated in flour and egg batter. Popular versions include seafood jeon, vegetable jeon, potato jeon, and meat-filled varieties.

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One reason jeon remains so beloved is its comforting texture — crispy on the outside and soft inside. It is often served with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce and is especially popular during Korean holidays and family gatherings. Today, jeon can easily be found everywhere from traditional markets to modern Korean restaurants.

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Hotteok: Korea’s Sweet Street Food Favorite

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Hotteok is one of Korea’s most famous street foods, especially during winter. This sweet pancake is made with chewy dough filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts or seeds before being fried until golden brown. The outside becomes crispy while the inside melts into a rich syrup-like filling.

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Freshly made hotteok is considered one of the ultimate Korean street food experiences. In recent years, modern versions with cheese, green tea, or savory fillings have also become increasingly popular among locals and tourists alike.

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Kimchijeon: Korea’s Famous Kimchi Pancake

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Kimchijeon, or kimchi pancake, is one of the most internationally recognized types of jeon. Made with fermented kimchi mixed into batter, kimchijeon is known for its spicy, tangy, and savory flavor. Some versions also include squid or pork for extra richness.

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In Korea, kimchijeon is strongly associated with rainy days and is commonly enjoyed with makgeolli, Korean rice wine. Its bold flavor and simple ingredients have also made it a popular Korean dish to recreate at home around the world.

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Pajeon: Beloved Green Onion Pancake

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Another Korean pancake that deserves attention is pajeon, a savory pancake made primarily with green onions (pa means green onion in Korean). The most famous version is haemul pajeon, which includes seafood such as squid, shrimp, or clams. Pajeon is known for its crispy edges, soft center, and rich umami flavor from the seafood and green onions.

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Like kimchijeon, pajeon is often enjoyed with makgeolli and is especially popular on rainy days. It is one of the Korean dishes many visitors try first when exploring traditional Korean cuisine.

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From savory jeon enjoyed during rainy days to sweet hotteok filled with brown sugar and nuts, Korean pancakes offer flavors and textures that are completely different from the fluffy breakfast pancakes many foreigners are familiar with. The success of jeon, hotteok, and kimchijeon on TasteAtlas’ list reflects the growing appreciation for Korean cuisine around the world. These dishes may look simple, but they carry deep cultural meaning and showcase the incredible variety of Korean food traditions.