🎵 K-Culture A2 ✓ Native Reviewed

먹방

mukbang

Eating broadcast / Eating show

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What it means

먹방 = 먹다 (to eat) + 방송 (broadcast). The Korean word that went global — a video or livestream of someone eating, usually large amounts of food. Korea invented this content genre.

Nuance & when to use

먹방 started on Korean streaming platforms around 2009 and exploded globally. Creators known as BJ (broadcast jockeys) would eat enormous amounts while chatting with viewers. Now a worldwide YouTube phenomenon. 먹방 channels earn millions. The ASMR eating sounds are a key feature.

⚠ Common mistake

먹방 is both a noun (a mukbang video) and can be used as a verb colloquially: 먹방 찍다 = to film a mukbang. Don't call all food videos 먹방 — cooking shows are 쿠킹쇼.

Example sentences

오늘 먹방 볼래요? Oneul mukbang bollaeyo? Want to watch a mukbang today?
그 유튜버는 먹방으로 유명해요. Geu yutyubeoneun mukbang-euro yumyeonghaeyo. That YouTuber is famous for mukbangs.
먹방 보면 배고파져요. Mukbang bomyeon baegopajyeoyo. Watching mukbangs makes me hungry.

See also

ASMR 유튜버 배달음식
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗ Wikipedia ↗
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FAQ

When is this used?

먹방 started on Korean streaming platforms around 2009 and exploded globally. Creators known as BJ (broadcast jockeys) would eat enormous amounts while chatting with viewers. Now a worldwide YouTube phenomenon. 먹방 channels earn millions. The ASMR eating sounds are a key feature.

What's a common mistake?

먹방 is both a noun (a mukbang video) and can be used as a verb colloquially: 먹방 찍다 = to film a mukbang. Don't call all food videos 먹방 — cooking shows are 쿠킹쇼.

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