For the love of Bibimbap (돌솥 비빔밥)

By Mark Wiens 9 Comments
Gogung Bibimbap in Seoul, South Korea
Gogung Bibimbap in Seoul, South Korea

Immediately after licking that glorious bowl of sundubu jjigae clean, I decided to go for restaurant number two.

I had about 30 more minutes before I had to head back to the Seoul-Incheon Airport and decided to check out a famous spot that I had heard about, but hadn’t had the chance to eat at the last time I was in Seoul, known as Gogung Bibimbap.

Bibimbap, a Korean food that includes rice with all sorts of goodies on top, all mixed up with a sweet chili paste, is one dish worth traveling for.

Entrance to the restaurant at the basement
Entrance to the restaurant at the basement

Gogung Bibimbap was recommended on both the Visit Korea tourism website and on CNN Travel, so I was eager to give it a shot myself.

Searching for the restaurant I randomly passed my favorite mandu spot, and almost got distracted, but managed to pull myself away.

You can't go wrong with kimchi!
You can’t go wrong with kimchi!

Again, you can never go wrong with kimchi, one of the world’s great condiments.

Dolsot bibimbap (돌솥 비빔밥) at Gogung Restaurant
Dolsot bibimbap (돌솥 비빔밥) at Gogung Restaurant

There was a full menu, but really there were only two main choices on the menu: Jeonju style bibimbap in a gold metal bowl, and dolsot bibimbap (돌솥 비빔밥) served in a flaming hot earthenware bowl.

It was a cold day, so I had no choice but to go for the dolsot version.

It arrived to our table in just a few moments after ordering, a rainbow colorful array of toppings over rice, cooking away to the beautiful sound of sizzle.

Price – 11,000 Won

Mixing up the dolsot bibimbap (돌솥 비빔밥)
Mixing up the dolsot bibimbap (돌솥 비빔밥)

One thing you have to remember about dolsot bibimbap (돌솥 비빔밥) is that you need to start mixing it up pretty quickly after it arrives at your table to prevent the bottom from getting burnt.

Doesn’t look as beautiful now… but that’s alright.

The rice was slightly crispy-fied, and the the veggies and sauces all had excellent flavor. The sauce was a sweet chili paste and there was an excellent flavor of sesame oil in the mix.

How did this famous bibimbap compare?

I’ll first say that Gogung restaurant in Seoul is very famous, and it’s written up in all the tourist information guides.

The dolsot bibimbap (돌솥 비빔밥) was excellent, but it was also very expensive.

I’ve had plenty of bibimbaps, in and out of Korea, that were just about as good and only half the price. Gogung is a really nice restaurant, the food is delicious, and the experience is great, but overall, it’s very pricey for what it is.

At the airport about to get on Korean Air
At the airport about to get on Korean Air

Stomach warm and full, we hopped back on the train and headed back to the airport.

Bibimbap on Korean Air
Bibimbap on Korean Air

We boarded our plane to Honolulu on Korean Air, and guess what I had for my next meal?

Korean Air bibimbap… and it was actually pretty good, simple, but good!

Gogung (고궁 – 인사동점) at Insadong

The restaurant is located on the main Insadong walking street. You can take the subway to Anguk station, Exit #6, walk for a minute until you get to the walking street, make a left, walk about 500 meters or so until you reach the small mall on the left side known as Ssamji-gil building. Gogung is located in the bottom basement of that building.

Open hours: 11 am – 9:30 pm daily

Do you love Bibimbap?

9 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • High Rated Gabru

    3 years ago

    Loved your blog!!

  • Daniel Cerritos

    3 years ago

    I absolutely love Jeonju style bibimbap served in a gold metal bowl, This is one the main reasons I frequent this place.

  • Vishal

    5 years ago

    Nice content guys. Keep rocking.

  • Mabaydar

    10 years ago

    Recently I am into Korean food and I have come into liking of Bibimbap. Your post inspired me to visit Korea again. When I visited Korea last 4 years ago, I am not really used to eat Korean food. But as many Korean restaurants opened in Singapore nowadays, they starting to grow on me.
    If I ever have a chance to go Korea next time, I will do free and easy and explore on my own. Try all the street food just like you. 😀

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Mabaydar, very cool to hear from you and glad you are liking Korean food now!

  • Rod Austin

    10 years ago

    I absolutely love Dolsot Bibimbap! Mmmm … my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Thanks for sharing this post.

  • Melissa @ Suitcase and Heels

    10 years ago

    My first experience with bibimbap was in Jeju Airport and it was really tasty. I’ve had it twice at Incheon since and I think it’s almost as good there as at some dedicated restaurants. Hard to mess it up really. So tasty and so good for you.

  • Maria

    10 years ago

    I love Inchon airport – I find it to be a very well thought out space; massage, showers, hotel and now I discover a great venue there for bibimbap – fantastic!

  • Paul

    10 years ago

    “I decided to go for restaurant number two.” now that’s the way to live!