BIBIMBAP

10th January 2022

At 6 a.m. Korean Time, we arrived at Incheon International Airport and took our PCR test. Mei Chen, one of our friends who visited South Korea a few years ago, accompanied us on this trip, volunteering as our tour guide. Following the PCR test, we traveled 49 kilometers in a 44,000 South Korean won airport cab to Seoul.

We have checked in at the Lotte Hotel Seoul which is located in Myeongdong. We had a nap since we were too exhausted after the six and a half hour journey.

After that, at approximately 2:30 p.m., we showered and headed to Gogung Myeongdong store located at the Insadong Neighborhood, a renowned bibimbap restaurant. The trip to the restaurant was just five minutes.There’s a small mall called Ssamji-gil, the Gogung shop is located below the basement. 

Most commonly, older Koreans in Seoul cite this restaurant as having the greatest bibimbap. Their style of bibimbap is inspired after the dish that the kings of the Joseon Dynasty received. However, the restaurant have a relaxed and casual vibe. Its atmosphere itself blends modern and traditional elements. 

Bibimbap, or Korean mixed rice dish, is a well-known traditional Korean cuisine. Bibimbap's major ingredients are white rice and side dishes served on top of the rice, which might include namul (processed veggies), gochujang (Korean chili sauce), eggs, and meat. 

This restaurant serves two types of bibimbap: Jeonju bibimbap and Dolsot bibimbap. Jeonju bibimbap is served cold, prepared in the Jeonju style, made using Jeonju ingredients, and served in a golden metal bowl. Dolsot bibimbap is served in a black hot ceramic bowl when still scorching hot. Despite the fact that the ingredients are the same, the meal has a distinct flavor. If you mix the soft boiled egg yolk immediately, it will be somewhat more cooked. Bibimbap bowls are quite large; one person eating this dish will be very full. Furthermore, to produce the consistency of the rice when blended, a sauce is created using sweet chili and a little sesame oil. Moreover, complimentary side dishes, such as kimchi and pickled vegetables like radish, napa cabbage, or seaweed, are served first.

The restaurant's menu is quite straightforward and offers set meals as well as the option to order each plate of rice and individual side dishes. There are three multiple types of set meals: Sets A and C cost 35,000 won, while Set B costs 36, 000 won and includes the same two main dishes: 2 bowls of mixed rice, for 2 persons. 

Due to its rich ingredients, the meal provides numerous nutrition, flavor, and colours. It’s not only tasty but healthy as well. Chef's kiss!  Not to forget, their customer service was top-tier too. In conclusion, I would rate this restaurant a 9 out of 10. After our lunch, we strolled the street to enjoy the afternoon breeze while enjoying the street food. We had a lot of fun.

Location: Jung-gu, Chungmuro-2-ga 12-14, Seoul, South Korea