Everything About Korean Sesame Oil: What Makes It So Savory?
Creatrip Team
a month ago
Sesame oil, a key flavor in Korean cuisine, is driving K-food exports—exports rose nearly 50% (Jan–May). A recent comparison of six products from Korea’s top brands, Ottogi and CJ CheilJedang, found differences in ingredients, taste and price. Two products used sesame powder (참깨가루) and four used whole sesame seeds (통참깨). Producers say neither ingredient is universally more “savory” (고소함); whole seeds can retain aroma while powder gives an immediate, intense nuttiness. Taste also depends on roasting and processing. Prices vary widely—100 ml equivalents ranged from about ₩1,500 to ₩16,000—because of ingredient origin (domestic vs. foreign), seed form, processing time, and packaging. The priciest item used 100% Korean whole sesame (국산 통참깨) and involved longer roasting. Both companies export the same domestic-made products, mainly to the U.S., and say export versions are produced under the same conditions. The story suggests choosing sesame oil based on personal preference and the dishes you use it for—e.g., sauces, salads, or seasoned vegetables.
