Budae Jjigae or Military Stew was one of Korea's first "fusion dishes and was a development of Korea's unique food culture. During and after the Korean war, the country was in ruins and many people were left homeless. Much of the country's food production and farm land was destroyed as well. With the US Military presence most people were forced to rely on foreign food aid in order to survive. However, Koreans were being introduced to a type of food they never had before. The relief aid foods included things like processed ham (SPAM), pasta, milk, cookies, crackers, cheese, baked beans and much more. Most Koreans didn't have food like this and many couldn't really eat them because they were too foreign. Koreans enjoy eating a meal centered around rice. So out of hunger came budae jjigae, or “army base stew.”

The most famous places to eat budae jjigae or also called Johnson tang after president Johnson, is in areas were there are military bases like in Uijeongbu, Songtan and Munsan where they said this dish originated. While many other nations have come to shun "war-time fare," Korea has actually embraced it and made it a part of the culture.

If you go to Uijeonbu's Jungang Station, you can find Uijeonbu Budae Jjigae street. There are over 10 restaurants that specialize in this dish.

The relationship with the American military can still be seen in the ingredients in budae jjigae, including distinctly American ingredients such as hot dogs, Spam, and bacon which at the time were called “budae gogi,” or “army base meat.” Then to this base are added baked beans, macaroni, and sliced American cheese. Koreans also like to add tteok (rice cakes), kimchi, red pepper paste, and various types of noodles including both ramen and fresh noodles. Some places have upgraded this common dish by adding beef stock.

The mix of different ingredients create a unique flavor. It is a hearty dish that has a lot of flavor. It is perfect on a cold day. While you can go to Uijeonbu to taste the original, you can find it all across the country. Although it has very common and humble origins, it is enjoyed by all different classes of people. Even the popular singer Rain, now serving his mandatory term in the Korean military, stopped by Uijeongbu Budae Jjigae Street for his last meal as a civilian before enlisting.

Budae jjigae remains a symbol of the impoverished country that Korea once was, as well as the tremendous spirit of the Korean people that helped them to rebuild their country.