gamja

Gamja refers to the Korean word for potato. While the term encompasses all varieties of potatoes, it is particularly associated with the culinary uses of potatoes in Korea. Potatoes were introduced to Korea in the late 18th century and have since become a staple ingredient in Korean cuisine. They are valued for their versatility, affordability, and nutritional content.

In Korean cooking, gamja can be found in a wide array of dishes. One of the most popular is gamja jorim, a braised dish where potato chunks are simmered in a sweet and savory soy sauce-based marinade. Gamja tang is another well-known dish, a hearty and spicy stew made with pork neck bones and potatoes. Gamja jeon, a type of savory pancake, is made by grating potatoes and pan-frying them with other ingredients. Potatoes are also a common addition to stir-fries, soups, and side dishes. Their mild flavor and starchy texture allow them to absorb the tastes of other ingredients, making them a flexible component in many recipes. The cultivation of gamja is widespread throughout Korea, and it remains an important crop for both domestic consumption and the agricultural economy.