Cheongyang chili pepper
In its own language: 청양고추
Capsicum annuum
A medium-sized Korean cultivar of Capsicum annuum with 10,000 Scoville heat units.
The Cheongyang chili is a medium-sized cultivar of the species Capsicum annuum, developed in South Korea. It delivers a sharp heat of 10,000 Scoville units and turns from green to deep red when ripe.
- Cultivar of Capsicum annuum developed in South Korea.
- Reaches 10,000 Scoville Heat Units.
- Hybridized from Jeju Province and Thai chilies.
- Turns deep red when ripe and stays red when dried.
What is Cheongyang chili pepper?
The Cheongyang chili is a specific cultivar of the species Capsicum annuum. It is a medium-sized fruit that resembles standard Korean chilies but carries significantly more intensity. When unripe, the peppers appear light purple or green. As they mature, they darken to a deep red. This vibrant colour is preserved even after the fruits are dried for use.
Where does Cheongyang chili pepper come from?
This variety was created in South Korea through hybridization. The developer, Yoo Il-Woong, crossed local chilies from Jeju Province with Thai chili plants. The name derives from Cheongsong and Yeongyang Counties, regions associated with its development history. Commercial rights to the cultivar were later sold to Monsanto.
What does Cheongyang chili pepper taste like?
The primary characteristic of this pepper is its heat. It registers at 10,000 Scoville Heat Units on the standard scale. While it shares visual similarities with regular Korean chili peppers, the Cheongyang is many times spicier. The flavour profile is dominated by this pungent warmth rather than complex aromatic notes.
How Cheongyang chili pepper is grown and processed
The plant is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum. It was produced by crossing local Jeju Province varieties with Thai chili strains. The fruits transition from green or light purple hues to a deep red upon ripening. Drying processes maintain the dark red pigmentation of the mature pods.
Cheongyang chili pepper, drawn
How Cheongyang chili pepper is used
Cooks utilize this pepper for its significant heat output in Korean cuisine. It serves as a potent seasoning ingredient. The dried form retains its colour and intensity, making it suitable for various preparations where spice is required.
Cheongyang chili pepper in the world's kitchens
The Cheongyang chili is integral to Korean cooking. It provides a distinct level of spiciness compared to other regional varieties. Its development involved combining local genetics with international strains to achieve its specific heat profile.
At a glance: where it turns up
Cuisines
Questions people ask about Cheongyang chili pepper
What is the heat level of the Cheongyang chili?
It measures 10,000 Scoville Heat Units. This makes it significantly spicier than regular Korean chili peppers, though milder than super-hot varieties.
Where does the Cheongyang chili come from?
It originates in South Korea. It was developed by crossing local Jeju Province chilies with Thai chili plants to create a hotter cultivar.
How does the Cheongyang chili look?
It is a medium-sized fruit. Unripe peppers are light purple or green. They turn a deep red color when fully ripe, which is retained even after drying.
Good reading and sources
- Cheongyang chili pepper on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Cheongyang chili pepper", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryMasala rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names, strengths and customs differ from one grower, kitchen or shop to the next. Traditional and medicinal uses are described as tradition, never as medical advice, and none of this is a substitute for a doctor. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.
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