Masters of Life — 5 Unusual Kimbap Spots Across Korea
Kimbap — simple rice rolls — gets playful across Korea. Here are five shops featured by 생활의 달인 where fillings and rolling tricks turn an everyday snack into something memorable.
Key Highlights
- •Five shops chosen for unusual fillings or distinctive rolling techniques
- •Mostly casual, local counter-style spots—great for a quick, affordable meal or late-night bite
- •Tip: order each shop’s signature roll and pair it with tteokbokki or a warm soup for a fuller meal
Overview
A foodie guide to five unconventional gimbap shops around Korea, each noted for a distinctive filling or style — colorful presentation, sesame-oil fragrance, hearty dried-greens, seasoned dried squid, and strong value at a market stall. The piece includes practical details (locations, hours, prices) and short local reviews from people who visited after the TV spotlight.
— rice and a variety of fillings rolled in (seaweed) and sliced into bite-sized pieces — shows off wildly different personalities depending on what goes inside. From rolls packed with crunchy cucumber to those filled with nutty, savory (dried radish greens), there’s a for every mood. Here are five unusual shops around Korea that were featured on the TV show 생활의 달인 (Master of Living).
1. Eye-catching, rainbow visuals — Anseong Daecheon-dong ‘Dukkeobisnek’ (두꺼비스넥)
This place is all about colorful presentation: the rolls are visually playful and designed to grab attention. Perfect if you want a fun, snackable bite or an Instagram-friendly plate while exploring Anseong’s neighborhood streets.
Location: Daecheon-dong, Anseong
2. Toasted sesame oil aroma — Jeonju Samcheon-dong ‘Oseonmo Yennal ’ (오선모옛날김밥)
A simple, old-fashioned where the scent of sesame oil comes through right away. Reviewers praise the rice cooked with bean sprouts and the generous, sweetly seasoned sautéed carrot that gives this roll a slightly addictive quality.
Location: 1 Songjeong 1-gil, Wansan District, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do
Hours: Daily 05:00–18:00, closed Mondays
Price: 2,500 KRW
Reviewer note: “Jeonju’s carrot-packed ‘mayak’ (literally ‘addictive’) — the rice made with bean sprouts and the richly seasoned fried carrots combine with a garlicky sweetness that makes each bite memorable.”
3. Hearty rolls — Pyeongtaek Bijeon-dong ‘Daejung ’ (대중김밥)
This shop is known for its comforting, homey — the dried greens give a deep, savory earthiness. Locals also recommend the (wild herb) roll; both feel wholesome and satisfying, especially for a quick breakfast or lunch.
Location: 102 Pyeongtaek 2-ro, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi Province
Hours: Daily 06:00–20:00
Price: 3,000 KRW; 3,500 KRW
Reviewer note: “After the TV spotlight it used to be packed, but it’s calmer now. The owner is friendly and the has a lovely, mild savoriness — try the spicy -pepper roll if you like heat.”
4. Umami from seasoned dried squid — Busan Seodong ‘Dongwon Bunsik’ (동원분식)
A classic bunsik (snack shop) feel where more than ten fillings go into a single roll. The addition of (seasoned shredded dried squid) gives a pronounced umami chew that balances chewy rice and fresh ingredients.
Location: 9 Geumsa-ro 51beon-gil, Geumjeong District, Busan
Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00
Price: Ilmi 3,000 KRW; Noodles 5,000 KRW
Reviewer note: “Featured on 생활의 달인 — the rolls feel substantial with many ingredients, and the rice is pleasantly chewy. The is not tough; it’s nicely tender and adds a savory pop.”
5. Big value for money — Busan Gwang-an-dong ‘Gwang-an Market ’ (광안시장김밥)
If you’re at Gwangalli or exploring Gwang-an Market, this stall is all about affordable, tasty . Expect lines at lunchtime; some items like inari-style (tofu pouch rice) sell out early.
Location: 14 Suyeong-ro 603beon-gil, Suyeong District, Busan
Hours: Daily 09:30–16:00, closed Sundays
Price: Bakgoji 2,900 KRW; Kimchi-mari 2,000 KRW
Reviewer note: “I didn’t know this famous stall was inside Gwang-an Market. I bought three rolls and they were delicious — there was still a line behind me. If you want , come before noon.”
Summary
- •Each shop specializes in a distinct gimbap: colorful visual rolls in Anseong, sesame-scented old-fashioned gimbap in Jeonju, siraegi (dried radish greens) rolls in Pyeongtaek, jinmichae-enhanced rolls in Busan, and budget-friendly market gimbap in Gwang-an Market.
- •Practical tips: check opening times (some open very early), expect lunchtime lines at popular stalls, and come early for limited items like yubu-chobap.
- •Prices are wallet-friendly (roughly 2,000–3,500 KRW per roll); these places are great for quick bites that show regional or creative takes on gimbap.
Glossary
- Gim
- Toasted laver (seaweed) sheets used to wrap kimbap.
- Gimbap
- Rice and assorted fillings rolled in gim (seaweed) and sliced into bite-sized pieces; often eaten as a convenient snack or light meal.
- Gondre
- A wild mountain herb (gondeure) used in Korean cuisine, with a subtly herbal, nutty character.
- Jinmichae
- Seasoned, shredded dried squid that adds a chewy texture and strong umami flavor to dishes.
- Kimbap
- Rice and various fillings rolled in gim (seaweed) and sliced into bite-sized pieces; a common Korean picnic and street-food item.
- Mayak gimbap
- Literally 'drug gimbap' — a playful Korean nickname meaning the roll is so tasty it feels addictive.
- Siraegi
- Dried and rehydrated radish greens, used in Korean cooking for a deep, earthy, slightly chewy texture and savory flavor.
- Yubu-chobap
- Rice stuffed into seasoned fried tofu pouches (similar to inari sushi), a common and popular market snack.
- 생활의 달인
- A Korean TV program (often translated as 'Masters of Life') that profiles skilled artisans and long-running small businesses, frequently inspiring food-focused recommendations.
- 생활의 달인 (Master of Living)
- A Korean TV program that spotlights highly skilled artisans and chefs; a feature on the show often boosts a shop’s popularity.