Sempio Launches 'Spicy Joseon Gochujang'

King Yeongjo's Secret Gochujang Enhanced with Cheongyang Red Pepper Powder

On the 7th, Sempio announced the launch of ‘Spicy Joseon Gochujang,’ which enhances the spiciness of the popular ‘Joseon Gochujang.’ By adding Cheongyang chili powder to the deep umami flavor unique to Sempio’s Joseon Gochujang, the product delivers a sharper and more delicious spicy taste.

In 2021, Sempio released ‘Joseon Gochujang,’ a secret gochujang recipe enjoyed by King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty, reinterpreted to suit modern tastes. While repeatedly researching to address consumer complaints about commercial gochujang such as “store-bought gochujang is too sweet and heavy” and “all dishes with gochujang taste like tteokbokki,” Sempio was inspired by records in the Seungjeongwon Ilgi that the king, accustomed to delicacies, enjoyed gochujang when he had no appetite, leading to the creation of Joseon Gochujang.

To recreate the gochujang flavor favored by King Yeongjo, Sempio analyzed traditional gochujang manufacturing methods recorded in old literature and modernized the recipe. They also focused on developing fermentation technology to achieve authentic jang flavor. It took 10 years from research to product launch. Sempio’s Joseon Gochujang uses rice fermented malt syrup made by malt method and honey instead of corn syrup, eliminating the heaviness typical of regular gochujang and bringing out a subtle sweetness. By applying Sempio’s unique fermentation technology to the traditional malt method, they improved the heavy taste often cited as a drawback of existing gochujang and enhanced the flavor’s completeness.

The newly introduced ‘Spicy Joseon Gochujang’ adds Cheongyang chili powder to Joseon Gochujang, allowing consumers to enjoy a cleaner and more delicious spiciness. When used together with Joseon Gochujang, it enables adjusting the heat level and enjoying various spicy flavors. It adds addictive spiciness and deep flavor when used in dishes like stir-fried jjukkumi (webfoot octopus) or gochujang bulgogi for those who want a spicier taste. Additionally, when used in stews or soups, it provides a spicy broth with deep umami and savory richness.

A Sempio representative said, “Encouraged by consumers’ positive reviews that Joseon Gochujang offers a deep and clean taste, we launched ‘Spicy Joseon Gochujang’ to deliver a sharp yet delicious spicy flavor. We aim to captivate spice lovers with the authentic spiciness of Joseon Gochujang.”