Menu
Korean-style serving of Water kimchi

동치미 · Water kimchi

Water kimchi

동치미

What exactly is it?

Radish ferments in a clear brine with aromatics. Sweet radish and refreshing acidity lead the flavor, sometimes with a slight fermented fizz. Both the radish and its liquid are served.

Main ingredients

Radish, brine, scallion, garlic, ginger, optional pear

Ordering and serving

Sip small amounts of the chilled liquid with the meal. It is a salted fermented accompaniment, not a drink to consume in large quantities.

Origins and changes

This is a winter-radish preservation food. Northern diners used its liquid for winter naengmyeon, and dongchimi still contributes broth to cold noodle dishes.

Sources checked

Related foods

How do similar dishes compare?

Choose a dish to compare ingredients, flavor and serving style side by side.

Dish to compare

Water kimchi

동치미

Main ingredients
Radish, brine, scallion, garlic, ginger, optional pear
Flavor and character
Radish ferments in a clear brine with aromatics. Sweet radish and refreshing acidity lead the flavor, sometimes with a slight fermented fizz. Both the radish and its liquid are served.
How to eat it
Sip small amounts of the chilled liquid with the meal. It is a salted fermented accompaniment, not a drink to consume in large quantities.
Read about this dish →

White kimchi

백김치

Main ingredients
Napa cabbage, radish, pear, garlic, ginger, brine, optional seafood seasoning or chili
Flavor and character
Pale cabbage kimchi uses little or no red chili powder, with radish, pear and brine. Crisp leaves and fermented liquid lead the flavor. It is generally milder than red kimchi, though garlic or chili can still add pungency.
How to eat it
It is useful to compare if red kimchi feels too hot, but pale color does not guarantee vegetarian ingredients. Ask about fermented seafood or stock when relevant.
Read about this dish →
Find nearby food places →

Check the restaurant’s actual menu for the dish you want.