I’d like to introduce a market favorite that even Gyeongju locals line up for: the burdock gimbap at Bobae Gimbap in Seongdong Market.
The cafe street of Hwangnidan-gil is nice, but if you want a real local taste, Seongdong Market is the answer.
Bobae Gimbap, which gimbap fans travel from all over Korea to try, has become a Gyeongju landmark thanks to one sweet-salty ingredient: burdock.
Why Is Bobae Gimbap’s Burdock Gimbap So Popular?
From the outside it looks like an ordinary gimbap shop. But one bite and you’ll say, “This isn’t gimbap, it’s a burdock dish!”
- More burdock than rice: about 80% of the filling is seasoned burdock. Braised in a special soy sauce, it has a perfect sweet-salty balance and an addictively chewy texture.
- Minimal extra ingredients: just a little pickled radish and egg, so you can focus on the flavor of the burdock. Even after a whole roll, it never feels greasy, and you keep reaching for more.
- Addictive in one bite: after eating a roll in the car, you’ll always wish you’d bought one more.
Visiting Tips and How to Avoid the Line
Bobae Gimbap is takeout only, with no seating.
There’s always a line, but with good timing you can buy surprisingly fast.
- Hours: Daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closes early when sold out)
- Price: 7,000 won for one serving of burdock gimbap (two rolls)
- Location: 51-1 Seongdong-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, inside Seongdong Market
- Phone: 054-772-7675
How to avoid the wait:
- Visit before 10 a.m.: the gimbap is freshest and the line is short.
- Lunchtime (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) is peak time, with waits of 20 to 30 minutes or more.
- Right before the market closes (around 7 p.m.) is surprisingly relaxed.
Parking Tips
- Use the Seongdong Market public parking lot (3 minutes on foot).
- The merchants’ association elevator at the market entrance connects straight to the alley, which is convenient.
Our Honest Review
The sweet-salty balance in the first bite was amazing.
The deep soy aroma and sweet savoriness made me wonder how burdock could taste this good.
The rice is rolled thin and firm, playing the perfect supporting role to the burdock.
One roll is filling enough to work as a snack on the road or a lunch substitute during your Gyeongju trip.
If you’re looking for a market restaurant in Gyeongju, Bobae Gimbap’s burdock gimbap is all you need.
It’s not fancy, but people line up for the taste alone.
It’s also perfect to take away and eat while strolling Hwangnidan-gil.
Try it yourself and you’ll see why people keep coming back.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in October 2025 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.