Gujeolpan
Gujeolpan is one of Korea’s most iconic royal dishes, often served on special occasions. It consists of eight different ingredients—vegetables, meat, seafood, and egg strips—beautifully arranged in a round wooden platter with nine compartments. At the center lies thin wheat pancakes (miljeonbyeong), used to wrap the colorful fillings like a mini Korean-style taco. Beyond being a meal, Gujeolpan is an edible artwork, showcasing balance, harmony, and elegance in Korean cuisine. Its vibrant presentation makes it perfect for modern dining tables, food styling, or even pop-culture inspired reinterpretations such as rainbow-colored wraps or fusion fillings.
1h
medium
Cooking Order
Ingredients
Basic ingredients
Shiitake mushroom2 pieces
Cucumber1/2 piece
Carrot1/2 piece
Bean sprouts1 handful
Beef (flank steak)120 g(4.2 oz)
Burdock root1 piece
Eggs4 pieces
Salta pinch
Cooking oilas needed
Pine nuts (opt.)
Wheat Pancake (Miljeonbyeong)
All-purpose flour1(cup)
Water1(cup)
Turmeric/Gardenia powder (optional)
Salta pinch
Sesame oil2(drops)
Soy Sauce Seasoning
Soy sauce1 tbsp
Cooking wine1 tbsp
Sugar1/2 tbsp
Minced garlic1 tsp
Sesame oil1 tbsp
Black peppera pinch
Beef Marinade
Minced garlic1/2 tbsp
Dark soy sauce1/2 tbsp
Brown sugar1/3 tbsp
Sesame oil1 tbsp
Rice syrup (Oligodang)1/2 tbsp
Black peppera pinch
Mustard Dipping Sauce
Yellow mustard paste1/2 tbsp
Soy sauce1 tbsp
Vinegar5 tbsp
Sugar1 tbsp
Step 1:
Rub the cucumber with coarse salt, cut into quarters, then peel thin strips of skin in a spiral. Slice the cucumber into thin matchsticks.
Step 2:
Remove the stems from shiitake mushrooms, slice them thinly across, then cut into fine strips.
Step 3:
Slice the burdock root thinly into flat pieces, then cut into fine strips.
Step 4:
Slice the carrot thinly into flat pieces, then cut into fine strips.
Step 5:
Heat a pan with a little oil, add a pinch of salt, and stir-fry the carrot. (When stir-frying vegetables, season lightly with a pinch of fine salt.)
Step 6:
In a heated pan, add a handful of bean sprouts and 1 cup of water. Blanch briefly, then transfer to a plate. Lightly season with a little salt and sesame oil.
Step 7:
In the same pan, add the sliced burdock with half of the soy sauce mixture. Simmer down until slightly reduced, then stir-fry.
Step 8:
Using the same pan, add shiitake mushrooms with the remaining soy sauce mixture and stir-fry.
Step 9:
Separate egg whites and yolks, cook thin crepes (jidan), then slice into thin strips.
Step 10:
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the wheat pancakes (miljeonbyeong). (For colorful variations, add a small amount of natural food colorings such as turmeric or gardenia powder.)
Step 11:
Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes before cooking to achieve a smoother texture. The batter should be runny enough to drip off a spoon easily.
Step 12:
On low heat, lightly oil a pan, then wipe off the excess. Pour 2 spoonfuls of batter into the pan, swirling to form a round shape. Gently spread with the back of the spoon to the desired size. Place the cooked pancakes on a tray or basket to cool slightly, making sure they don’t stick together.
Step 13:
Arrange the prepared fillings neatly around a serving platter or gujeolpan tray. Place the pancakes in the center, and garnish with pine nuts or other decorative touches if desired.
Editor's Detail
Gujeolpan: The Instagram-Worthy Korean Royal Platter That’s Taking Social Media by Storm
Discover Gujeolpan, the stunning Korean royal platter with 9 colorful sections. Learn styling tips, K-drama connections, and creative modern adaptations for this Instagram-worthy dish.
Recipe Card Summary
- Servings: 4-6 people as appetizer, 2-3 as main course
- Difficulty: Intermediate (focus on presentation)
- Diet: Adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
- Origin: Joseon Dynasty Royal Court Cuisine (1392-1910)
- Perfect For: Special occasions, dinner parties, K-drama marathons
This stunning Korean royal platter isn’t just food – it’s edible art that’s been captivating hearts (and Instagram feeds) for over 600 years. From Korean drama glimpses to modern fusion adaptations, Gujeolpan represents the pinnacle of Korean royal court cuisine’s visual sophistication.
The Royal Story Behind the Nine-Section Wonder
Gujeolpan literally translates to “nine section plate” – gu (구) meaning nine, jeol (절) meaning section, and pan (판) meaning plate. The number nine represents everything, fullness or perfection in Korean culture. Gujeolpan holds the meaning of harmony, as all the different ingredients create harmony together.
Historically being a royal court dish during the Joseon Dynasty, gujeolpan consists of 8 delicate fillings served around thin crepe-like wheat flour pancakes called miljeonbyeong (밀전병). This dish was served to royalty and important guests, representing the finest culinary artistry of Korean palace cuisine.
The Magic of Obangsaek: Korean Five-Color Philosophy
As with many Korean dishes, gujeolpan reflects 5 Korean traditional colors, obangsaek (오방색), — white, black, red, yellow, and blue, which represent hope and longevity. In cooking, blue is substituted for green.
Color Styling Guide:
- Red: Energy and passion (carrots, bell peppers, beef)
- Yellow: Joy and prosperity (egg yolks, yellow squash)
- White: Purity and new beginnings (radish, egg whites, mushrooms)
- Black: Depth and wisdom (dark mushrooms, seaweed)
- Green/Blue: Growth and harmony (cucumber, spinach, scallions)
K-Drama Fame and Instagram Appeal
I caught a glimpse of this dish while watching a Korean drama and was instantly intrigued. None of the Korean restaurants in my city serves it – a sentiment echoed by many K-drama fans worldwide. The dish perfectly embodies the Korean Wave’s emphasis on visual aesthetics and Instagram-worthy content.
Modern Styling and Presentation Tips
Instagram-Worthy Setup
- Natural Lighting: Highlights the vibrant colors best
- Color Arrangement: Arrange the filling ingredients, placing the same/similar color foods on opposite sides
- Modern Platter Alternatives: It was difficult finding the special gujeolpan platter online so I went with something I already own. Other people have used large plates or trays so you don’t need a special platter for the dish
Creative Presentation Ideas:
- Large round wooden boards with small bowls
- Modern divided serving platters
- Individual mason jars for each ingredient
- Bento-style compartment boxes
Creative Modern Ingredient Combinations
Traditional Base
The main ingredients of gujeolpan are beef, eggs, carrots, cucumbers, bean sprouts, shitake and rock mushrooms, and flour.
Fusion Variations
Vegetarian/Vegan: Royal Vegan Gujeolpan recipe, with seasoned Beyond Beef, sautéed veggies, and a garlic mustard sauce
International Fusion:
- Mexican-Korean: Kimchi, seasoned black beans, corn, avocado
- Mediterranean: Marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives
- Seasonal: Spring pea shoots, summer zucchini ribbons, fall roasted squash
Alternative Proteins: Bamboo shoots, shrimp, abalone or sea cucumber can also be added to the dish
Essential Korean Ingredients
Miljeonbyeong (밀전병) – The Delicate Pancakes
Korean Name: 밀전병 (mil-jeon-byeong) Pronunciation: “mill-john-byung” Why Essential: These delicate wheat crepes provide the perfect neutral base that doesn’t overpower the colorful fillings.
Sourcing Tips:
- Asian markets for authentic ingredients
- Online Korean suppliers for specialty items
- Regular mushrooms can substitute for Korean varieties
Cultural Significance and Wellness
It is said to be a well-being food that looks beautiful, tastes good, and is nutritionally balanced. As gujeolpan is made with various ingredients, the dish provides a balanced, abundant amount of nutrition. As it’s light and not very oily, people from all around the world who wish to pursue both taste and health at the same time can enjoy the dish.
Perfect Occasions:
- Korean New Year (Seollal)
- K-drama marathon nights
- Special celebrations
- Cultural dinner parties
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this recipe authentically Korean?
It’s considered to be a classic dish of Korean Royal Court Cuisine, the style of cooking popular with the royal court of the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea from 1392 to 1897. Unlike a lot of the Korean cuisine we know today, it’s not really spicy or pungent. It’s mild, refined, and delicate. The authentic elements include the nine-section presentation, obangsaek color philosophy, and delicate miljeonbyeong pancakes.
What if I can’t find a traditional gujeolpan platter?
You can use any ingredients you like, but try to reflect the 5 different colors. You can definitely serve these delicacies on a large serving platter. Modern alternatives include divided serving plates, multiple small bowls arranged on a large tray, or creative uses of muffin tins.
How do I know when my presentation is properly styled?
Look for visual balance in colors, uniform cutting of ingredients, and proper placement that creates harmony. The traditional principle suggests placing similar colors on opposite sides for visual balance. Each ingredient should be distinct yet contribute to the overall aesthetic.
What should I serve with this dish?
In a small bowl, mix the hot mustard paste and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the remaining liquid ingredients and mix well again. Serve with the gujeolpan. Traditional accompaniments include Korean mustard sauce, though modern interpretations might include various Korean condiments or tea service.
Conclusion: Bringing Royal Elegance to Modern Tables
You don’t need a special celebration to treat yourself and your family like royalty. An ordinary dinner can be made extraordinary by this platter of delicious treasures.
Whether you’re inspired by K-drama aesthetics, seeking Instagram-worthy content, or exploring Korean royal cuisine, Gujeolpan offers endless opportunities for creativity and cultural appreciation. The dish’s emphasis on harmony, balance, and visual beauty makes it perfect for our modern appreciation of food as both nourishment and art.
Ready to create your own royal feast? Start planning your Gujeolpan presentation today and share your creations using #GujeolpanRoyalty to join the growing community celebrating this magnificent Korean cultural treasure!
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