10 Best Gimbap Spots in Seoul: A Local’s Guide

Hello, world! I’m Min, your K-culture guide with a deep-rooted passion for the flavors of Korea. As a certified expert in both Korean Cuisine and Patisserie, I spend my days exploring the delicate balance of ingredients that make our food so special. I take my flavors very seriously—but I always make sure to serve them with a side of fun!

Today, I’m taking you on a journey through Korea’s most beloved “soul food”: Gimbap. Forget what you know about “sushi rolls”—Gimbap is a vibrant, crunchy, and savory masterpiece. It’s a rhythmic harmony of seasoned rice and colorful fillings wrapped in roasted seaweed. Ready to find your “soul roll”? 🥢✨

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1. Chick Gimbap (Myeongdong) – The “Cute” Starter

Located in the bustling heart of Myeongdong shopping district, this spot is as adorable as its name (which means “Chick”). It’s the perfect “Gimbap 101” for beginners!

• The Taste Experience: Imagine a mini-sized roll where the rice is seasoned with a hint of nutty sesame oil. The Tuna Mayo is a crowd favorite—creamy, rich tuna tucked inside a bite-sized wrap. Because they are “mini,” you can try several flavors like cheese or spicy stir-fried pork without feeling too full!
• Best For: Shoppers who want a quick, “Instagrammable” lunch.
• Address: B1, 19-3 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Maps: Naver Map | Google Maps

2. Bangbae Gimbap (Seoul Square) – The Umami King

Just across from Seoul Station, this place is legendary for its “meaty” secret.

• The Taste Experience: There is no actual beef here, but you’d never guess! They use Yubu (Fried Tofu) that has been roasted and stir-fried for over 2 hours in a secret bulgogi-style soy glaze. The result? A smoky, chewy, savory explosion that mimics the texture of meat perfectly. When paired with crunchy pickled radish and fresh greens, it’s the ultimate umami bomb.
• Address: B1, 416 Hangang-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Maps: Naver Map | Google Maps

3. Yeonhui Gimbap (Main Store) – For the Spice Seekers

Tucked away in the quiet, foodie-favorite neighborhood of Yeonhui-dong, this shop is where the “real locals” wait in line.

• The Taste Experience: Their signature Spicy Squid Gimbap is legendary. The squid is chopped finely and marinated in a fiery, addictive red pepper paste. It’s hot, but the sweetness of the carrots and the savory seaweed keep you coming back for more.
• Min’s Pro Tip: Order one “Yeonhui Gimbap” (standard) and one “Spicy Squid Mini.” Pop them in your mouth together to experience the perfect spicy-savory balance!
• Address: 2 Yeonhui-ro 11ga-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
• Maps: Naver Map | Google Maps

4. Seongsu Gimbap Funny Tongue – The Hipster’s Choice

Seongsu is the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” and this shop is just as trendy.

• The Taste Experience: The Yellow Gimbap is a masterpiece of texture. Instead of a thick slab of egg, it features finely shredded egg strips that create a fluffy, cloud-like mouthfeel. For something truly unique, try the Tofu Roll with Cream Cheese—the richness of the cheese melts into the earthy tofu, creating a fusion flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
• Address: 1F, 10-1 Seongdeokjeong 3-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
• Maps: Naver Map | Google Maps

5. Otto Gimbap (Itaewon) – The New York Times Favorite

This shop changed the Gimbap game by focusing on fresh, salad-like textures.

• The Taste Experience: Their Wasabi Gimbap is a revelation. It’s light, refreshing, and features a sharp zing that cleanses your palate. But the real secret is the combo: you must order it with their Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken. The crunch of the chicken and the kick of the wasabi are a match made in heaven.
• Address: 1F, 93 Noksapyeong-daero 26-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Maps: Naver Map | Google Maps

6. Ssada Gimbap (Jongno Gwancheol) – The “Everything” Spot

In the heart of the historic district, this is the most convenient spot for a midnight snack or a fast breakfast.

• The Taste Experience: This is a classic “Bunsik” (snack food) style. Their Gimbap is straightforward, reliable, and perfectly seasoned. With over 70 menu items, you can pair your roll with Flat Dumplings (Napjak Mandu) or a bowl of spicy Ramen. It’s the ultimate “comfort food” experience for a tired traveler.
• Address: 1F, 391 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Maps: Naver Map | Google Maps

7. Cheon-guk-ine Gimbap (Yeonnam) – Nostalgia in a Roll

Located in the charming alleys of Yeonnam-dong, this place feels like a warm hug.

• The Taste Experience: While their basic Gimbap is wonderfully nostalgic—tasting like the ones Korean moms pack for school trips—their Handmade Pork Cutlet is the hidden star. Imagine a thick, crispy, golden-fried cutlet served alongside a simple Gimbap. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a local student again.
• Address: 46 Donggyo-ro 27-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Maps: Naver Map | Google Maps

8. Tong Tong Gimbap (Hoehyeon) – The “Packed” Roll

Near Namdaemun Market, this shop is famous for stuffing as many ingredients as possible into one roll.

• The Taste Experience: The Aged Kimchi (Mukeunji) & Tuna Gimbap is a must. The deep, fermented tang of the kimchi cuts through the creamy tuna mayo, creating a complex and satisfying flavor. One roll is so heavy and thick, it’s practically a three-course meal in your hand!
• Address: 1 Toegye-ro 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Maps: Naver Map | Google Maps

9. Olbareun Gimbap (Mapo) – The Gourmet Lab

This shop approaches Gimbap with a healthy, modern twist.

• The Taste Experience: Every roll here contains broccoli, giving it a unique, fresh crunch. Their Avocado Pollock Roe Gimbap is a standout—creamy avocado meets the salty, savory punch of pollock roe. It’s clean, sophisticated, and perfect for a picnic by the Gyeongui Line Forest Park.
• Address: 1F, 42 Donggyo-ro 46-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Maps: Naver Map | Google Maps

10. Haenam Wonjo Gimbap (Bangbae) – The Master of Fried Tofu

Traveling to Gangnam? This legendary spot is worth the detour for its traditional craftsmanship.

• The Taste Experience: Their signature Yubu (Fried Tofu) Gimbap features tofu that is perfectly seasoned—sweet, savory, and nutty. They also use burdock root and spinach that are stir-fried to perfection, ensuring every bite is a harmony of traditional Korean flavors. It’s simple, yet perfection in every slice.
• Address: 200 Bangbae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
• Maps: Naver Map | Google Maps

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💡 Min’s Insider Tips for Gimbap Lovers

1. The “Dipping” Rule: Always, always try dipping your Gimbap into Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cake) sauce. It’s the ultimate Korean flavor hack!
2. Look for the “Kko-ri”: The end pieces of the Gimbap (the “tail”) are the most flavorful because they have the most fillings sticking out. Don’t let your friends steal them!
3. Drink Pairings: A simple Oksusu-cha (Corn Silk Tea) or a warm cup of fish cake broth (often free at the counter) is the best way to wash down a savory roll.

I hope this guide makes your Seoul food tour absolutely unforgettable! Which one are you going to try first?

• Note: If you want to try making kimbap yourself, check out my recipe.