Sempio is the most widely available chunjang brand through Korean grocers and online, and a reliable jar for jjajangmyeon. Chunjang is a roasted, fermented Korean black bean paste, darker and slightly sweeter than Chinese black bean sauce.
The best chunjang to buy in the UK
What to check on the label
- Whether it is labelled “chunjang” specifically, since Chinese black bean sauce is a different, saltier product.
- Instant or ready-mixed versions, which some brands sell alongside the plain paste for a quicker jjajangmyeon.
- Jar size, since a little goes a long way in most recipes.
Chunjang vs Chinese black bean sauce
| Type | Flavour | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Chunjang | Darker, roasted, slightly sweet | Jjajangmyeon and other Korean-Chinese dishes |
| Chinese black bean sauce | Saltier, more savoury | Cantonese stir-fries |
Sweetness level
Chunjang brands vary in how sweet the finished paste is, since some add more caramelised sugar during roasting than others. If you have made jjajangmyeon before and found it too sweet or not sweet enough, trying a different brand is often the fix rather than adjusting the recipe itself.
Ready-mixed sauce vs plain paste
Some brands sell a ready-mixed jjajang sauce alongside plain chunjang paste, the ready-mixed version is quicker but gives less control over the final consistency and sweetness of your dish.
Jar size
Chunjang keeps for months in the fridge once opened, a larger jar is sensible if you make jjajangmyeon regularly rather than repeatedly buying smaller jars.
Where to buy chunjang in the UK
Chunjang is a specialist item, best found through a Korean grocer or online rather than a mainstream UK supermarket.
Which aisle is chunjang in?
Mainstream UK supermarkets do not generally stock chunjang, so it is not found in a standard aisle. Korean grocers keep it with the other pastes and sauces.
Asian supermarkets
A Korean grocer is the most reliable source, and usually carries more than one brand to compare.
Buying it online
Online is a good option if there is no Korean grocer nearby, and a jar keeps well once opened.
Instant vs plain chunjang
Some brands sell a ready-mixed jjajang sauce alongside plain chunjang paste, check which one a shop has in stock, since the ready-mixed version saves time but the plain paste gives more control over the final dish.
How to store chunjang
Keep the jar in the fridge once opened, where it keeps for several months.
Frequently asked questions
Can I substitute Chinese black bean sauce for chunjang?
It works in a pinch, but the flavour is noticeably saltier and less roasted than true chunjang.
What is chunjang used for?
Mainly jjajangmyeon, the Korean-Chinese black bean noodle dish.
