Bibimbap

By Chung Min-uck

Located within walking distance of Gyeongbok Palace, Insa-dong, a focal point of traditional Korean culture, has many venues offering various Korean dishes waiting to appease your stomach’s cravings.

Among them, “bibimbap,” one of the best-known Korean dishes, can readily be found in the streets of Insa-dong.

Bibimbap contains white rice, vegetables, beef, garnish, fried egg and red pepper paste. The dish is known to have come from the customs of memorial services in rural villages in the past. It is also rumored to have been on the king’s dining table during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

It is very easy to prepare by just mixing together rice and the other ingredients.

It has been widely adored particularly by gourmets who care about diet and well-being as it is low in calories but doesn’t leave out essential nutrients.

One of the famous restaurants for bibimbap in Insa-dong is Chon.

Chon serves many Korean dishes and has made a name for itself in Insa-dong with its “hanjeongsik” (traditional Korean table d’hote) for the food’s taste and a unique traditional atmosphere created differently in each room.

Nearest subway: Exit 6 of Anguk Station, line 3. For more information, call 02-720-4888.