Daewang Kimbap (대왕김밥)

Finding a place for weeknight eats or takeout treats that uses quality ingredients and offers a variety of hearty portions bursting with flavor, all for a low cost, can be a challenge. But Daewang Kimbap boasts just that.  Bustling at all hours, this local favorite offers delightfully quick and fresh Korean fast food.

Location:  Daewang Kimbap is near the main gate of CNU. If you are coming out of the main gate, cross the street on the right-hand side (look for Nanta Pizza) and walk for about 5 minutes.  The small restaurant will be on your right, nestled next to Paris Baguette.

Transportation:  Take buses 26, 30, 57, 64, 180, or 78 to Chonnam National University Main Gate (전남대학교 정문). If you are facing the main gate when you get off the bus, the restaurant it will be on your left-hand side.

Phone number: 514-0867

Atmosphere:  This hopping hotspot is filled with tiny wooden tables that are always packed.  It is an exciting and fast-paced atmosphere, but while eating you don’t actually feel rushed.  Daewang Kimbap is the perfect pit stop for lunch, and catch up with friends during the week.

Service: The service is quick, friendly and efficient.  The menu is a simple sheet of paper with the list of eats in Korean, so a bit of basic reading is required.   Just check the items you would like to demolish and voila: within minutes they will appear before you.  Takeout is also very popular and at prime time or on a sunny day is a particularly valid option.

 Food: The menu is packed with a plethora of platters, soups, rolls, and noodle options – udon, ramen, kimchi jigae, piping hot mandu and everything in-between.   All dishes are prepped, rolled, boiled or fried right before your eyes.  Main dishes are also served with sides of kimchi and pickled radish to munch on.

I’ve sampled many dishes and have settled on a few favorites.  First and foremost is the California roll (켈라퍼니아), starring the rare and revered avocado.  This roll, combined with a bowl of the spicy pork and tofu-packed kimchi jigae, makes for a beautifully balanced meal.  My friend’s faves include the manduguk (만두 국) and the deliciously different donkas (돈가스).  Be forewarned: portion sizes are large and most dishes are best attacked by two.

Prices:  The food ranges from 1,500-4,500 won.  Don’t be fooled by the low cost as the price is not a reflection on the quality of grub being served.   Two people on average might spend about 8,000 won in total, and walk out with seriously full bellies and smiling faces.

This local Gwangju favorite is not your average kimbap shop and is well worth searching out.  I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!