π Two Unique Kimbap Restaurants Near Gwangju, Korea: Cheomdan Kimbap & Soso Kimbap
If you are traveling around Gwangju or Jeollanam-do(Newly changed as Jeonnam–Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan Special City), don't miss the chance to try Korean kimbap (κΉλ°₯).
Kimbap is one of Korea's most popular casual foods. At first glance, it may look like sushi, but the two are quite different. Korean kimbap is usually made with rice, seaweed, vegetables, and various fillings, and it is enjoyed as a quick meal, picnic food, or snack.
But some Korean kimbap restaurants go much further than ordinary kimbap.
Two interesting places to discover are Cheomdan Kimbap in Gwangju and Soso Kimbap in Jangseong.
Both restaurants have their own personality, creative menus, and loyal customers.
π°π· 1. Cheomdan Kimbap in Gwangju
Cheomdan Kimbap is located in the Cheomdan area of Gwangju.
It has become known for its creative kimbap combinations rather than simply offering the usual tuna or ham kimbap.
One interesting fact is that Cheomdan Kimbap has been invited to the Gimcheon Kimbap Festival, an event associated with one of Korea's well-known kimbap cities.
This has helped the restaurant gain attention beyond its local neighborhood.
π Location
Cheomdan area, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
It is a convenient stop if you are exploring the Cheomdan district.
⭐ Signature Kimbap at Cheomdan Kimbap
There are four varieties that particularly represent the character of this restaurant.
① Burdock & Fried Tofu Kimbap
Burdock and fried tofu kimbap is one of the basic signature choices.
Sweet and savory seasoned burdock is combined with soft fried tofu and other kimbap ingredients.
It is a good choice if you want to start with something familiar but slightly different from ordinary Korean kimbap.
Price: about KRW 3,800
② Green Onion Kimbap
Green onion is the star ingredient in this creative kimbap.
The fresh aroma and slightly spicy flavor of green onion add a completely different character to the roll.
If you enjoy the fresh and savory flavor of Korean green onions, this is one menu item worth trying.
Price: about KRW 4,500
③ Onion Kimbap
Another unusual option is Onion Kimbap.
The natural sweetness and crunchy texture of onion create a refreshing contrast with the rice and other fillings.
It is a good choice for visitors who want to try something beyond the standard Korean kimbap menu.
Price: about KRW 4,500
④ Gat Kimchi & Tuna Kimbap πΏπ
This is one of the most distinctive menu items at Cheomdan Kimbap.
It combines gat kimchi, a type of mustard-leaf kimchi, with tuna.
The result is a combination of spicy, sour, savory, and slightly bitter flavors that is quite different from ordinary tuna kimbap.
Because this can be a limited or popular menu item, calling ahead to reserve it is recommended.
Price: about KRW 5,500
π Why Is Cheomdan Kimbap Special?
The restaurant's appeal comes from using familiar Korean ingredients in unexpected ways.
Instead of simply making traditional kimbap, Cheomdan Kimbap experiments with ingredients such as:
- Burdock
- Fried tofu
- Green onion
- Onion
- Gat kimchi
- Tuna
The restaurant's invitation to the Gimcheon Kimbap Festival is also an interesting part of its story.
For visitors interested in Korean food culture, it is an example of how a simple everyday food like kimbap can develop into a specialty food with its own identity.
πΏ 2. Soso Kimbap in Jangseong
About a short trip outside Gwangju, you can find another interesting kimbap restaurant in Jangseong, Jeollanam-do.
It is called Soso Kimbap.
The name "Soso" has a warm and casual feeling in Korean, and the restaurant itself has a similarly friendly atmosphere.
But the food isn't boring at all.
Soso Kimbap offers a wide variety of creative kimbap combinations.
⭐ Signature Kimbap at Soso Kimbap
Here are four menu items that represent Soso Kimbap particularly well.
① Soso Kimbap
The restaurant's namesake menu is a natural place to start.
If you want to experience the basic style of Soso Kimbap, ordering the Soso Kimbap is a good option.
Price: about KRW 4,500
② Salad Kimbap π₯
For visitors who prefer fresh and crunchy ingredients, Salad Kimbap is an interesting choice.
Fresh vegetables add a lighter texture and flavor compared with heavier meat-based kimbap.
Price: about KRW 5,000
③ O'Crab Kimbap
The name itself is enough to make you curious.
This menu uses crab-stick-style ingredients in a creative kimbap combination.
It is one of the more unusual choices at Soso Kimbap and is fun to try if you want something different from standard kimbap.
Price: about KRW 6,000
④ Aged Kimchi Kimbap
Korean aged kimchi (묡μμ§) has a deeper, more developed flavor than freshly made kimchi.
When combined with kimbap ingredients, it creates a savory, slightly sour, and rich flavor.
If you enjoy Korean fermented foods, this is a particularly interesting menu to try.
Price: about KRW 6,000
✍️ One of the Fun Things About Soso Kimbap: Poems on the Wall
Food isn't the only reason people remember Soso Kimbap.
Look around the restaurant and you may notice short poems and humorous writings displayed on the walls.
These are original writings created for the restaurant, and the content is updated from time to time.
While waiting for your kimbap, you can read the latest poem or message and enjoy a little Korean-style humor.
It gives the restaurant a warm, personal character.
Instead of feeling like just another takeout restaurant, Soso Kimbap feels like a small neighborhood place where the owner enjoys sharing little stories with customers.
π Friendly Service Is Part of the Experience
Another appealing feature of Soso Kimbap is its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant feels personal and relaxed rather than overly commercial.
For travelers, this can make the experience more memorable.
You are not simply ordering food and leaving.
You can enjoy the kimbap, look at the changing poems on the wall, and experience the warm atmosphere of a small Korean local restaurant.
Sometimes these little details become some of the best memories of traveling in Korea.
π Should You Make a Reservation?
If you are specifically traveling to these restaurants for their popular menu items, calling ahead is recommended.
Cheomdan Kimbap
If you want the Gat Kimchi & Tuna Kimbap, it is better to reserve in advance because popular items may sell out.
The restaurant also has relatively short business hours, so checking before visiting is recommended.
Soso Kimbap
If you are traveling from Gwangju to Jangseong specifically to visit Soso Kimbap, advance ordering is also a good idea.
Some menu items may sell out, and the restaurant may close early when ingredients run out.
A simple phone call before leaving can save you an unnecessary trip.
π Business Hours
Cheomdan Kimbap
- Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
- Early closing may occur when ingredients sell out.
Soso Kimbap
- Monday–Wednesday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Thursday: 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
- Early closing may occur when ingredients sell out.
Please check by phone before visiting, as opening hours and prices can change.
π Cheomdan Kimbap vs. Soso Kimbap
| Cheomdan Kimbap | Soso Kimbap | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Cheomdan, Gwangju | Jangseong, Jeollanam-do |
| Signature menus | Burdock & Tofu, Green Onion, Onion, Gat Tuna | Soso, Salad, O'Crab, Aged Kimchi |
| Main attraction | Creative ingredient combinations | Variety and friendly atmosphere |
| Special story | Invited to Gimcheon Kimbap Festival | Original poems displayed on the wall |
| Atmosphere | Modern, creative kimbap shop | Small, warm and friendly |
| Price range | About KRW 3,800–5,500 | About KRW 4,000–6,500 |
| Reservation | Recommended for popular items | Recommended before visiting |
π A Great Food Trip from Gwangju
If you are staying in Gwangju, these two restaurants can also be part of a small Korean food adventure.
Cheomdan Kimbap is convenient if you are already exploring Gwangju's Cheomdan area.
Soso Kimbap is a good destination for a short trip toward Jangseong.
Instead of visiting a large tourist restaurant, you can experience something more local: a simple Korean meal, creative kimbap, friendly service, and a little bit of everyday Korean culture.
❤️ Why These Two Kimbap Restaurants Are Worth Discovering
Cheomdan Kimbap and Soso Kimbap show two different sides of modern Korean kimbap.
Cheomdan Kimbap focuses on creative combinations such as burdock & tofu, green onion, onion, and gat kimchi with tuna. Its invitation to the Gimcheon Kimbap Festival is also part of the restaurant's story.
This is what makes Korean local restaurants interesting.
It is not always about expensive ingredients or fancy interiors.
Sometimes the most memorable experience comes from one delicious roll of kimbap, a friendly smile, and a funny little poem on the wall. π°π·π
If you are exploring Gwangju or nearby Jangseong, consider adding these two local kimbap restaurants to your Korean food itinerary.
Comments