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Read guide →Bunsik — Korean street-food snacks — evolved as affordable, filling fare for students and workers after the Korean War. Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), sundae (blood sausage), and odeng (fish cake skewers in broth) are the staples. Most bunsik restaurants are fast, casual, and open late, making them a go-to for a quick hot meal at any hour.
Gwanak-gu's university population (Seoul National University is the dominant anchor) drives a food scene of affordable restaurants, study cafés, and late-night delivery options. The local food culture is young, budget-conscious, and diverse — students from across Korea bring their regional food preferences and the restaurant scene reflects this variety.
Omg this place is amazing! They have unique gimbap with great portions and price!
I saw someone recommending this gimbap place on Instagram. It's right next to Nakseongdae Station, super close to my house, so I rushed over! I originally wanted to order the signature 계란말이김밥 (egg roll gimbap), but then someone in the comments recommended the 모든 김밥 (mixed flavor) and said it was amazing! So I decided to follow suit and order one for 5,000 ₩. I even specifically asked my aunt not to add the perilla leaves (I really can't get used to the taste, haha). There were so many ingredients in it, over a dozen, mixed together. While the flavor was a bit complex (but the good kind!), it was completely different from your average gimbap. The best part was that each sip was different! One side had shredded cabbage, the other had kimchi. I personally preferred the kimchi side; their kimchi wasn't spicy, had a nice aroma, and was moist and tender. The rice is also special, sticky and chewy, a bit like the texture of glutinous rice. Next time I order 모든김밥, I will ask my aunt to add kimchi on both sides. 😍💯👍🏻
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