Culture — Entry No. 1003
보쌈
bossam · noun
보쌈
bossam
[boh-SAHM]
nounbeginner
Meaning
Korean boiled pork wraps where tender sliced pork is served with Korean lettuce, garlic, ssamjang (dipping sauce), and red peppers for hand-wrapping. A celebration dish in Korean cuisine representing sharing and community, often served at special occasions.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Bossam is featured prominently in K-dramas during family gatherings and celebratory meals, symbolizing togetherness. TWICE members have discussed their favorite Korean foods in interviews, and bossam remains a quintessential Korean restaurant staple. The interactive wrap-your-own format reflects Korean dining’s emphasis on communal participation.
Example Sentences
보쌈 한 접시 주세요.
Bossam han jeopssi juseyo.
One plate of bossam, please (한 접시 = one plate)
상추에 고기를 싸서 먹어요.
Sangtchuae gogireul ssaseo meogeoyo.
We wrap the meat in lettuce and eat it (상추 = lettuce, 싸다 = to wrap)
보쌈은 명절에 먹는 음식이에요.
Bossameun myeongjeore meokneun eumsigi-eyo.
Bossam is a food eaten on holidays (명절 = Korean holiday)
⚠️ Don’t use bossam when…
Don’t confuse bossam with jeokbal — bossam is boiled whole pork slices, jeokbal is braised feet. Some restaurants charge premium prices for bossam; quality varies significantly by restaurant.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Crash Landing on You — features bossam in family dinner scenes, symbolizing Korean hospitality and family bonding
- K-Pop: IU — Korean cuisine documentaries and shows featuring her discuss bossam as a comfort food and special occasion dish
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.