5.158
12 (Thu) June 2014
Bareun Gimbab
3.5
by Bareuda Kim Seonsaeng
at home
-Oksu, Seongdong, Oksu, Republic of Korea-
solo
The Prodigal Son Returns to Fulfill His Teaching Obligations (Day 1 of 4)
Ostensibly, the reason for this trip is to give a lecture at the university. Although I’ve resigned my position, I agreed to cover a couple lectures that I would’ve been scheduled to give, one tomorrow, the other in a couple weeks. I do feel a lingering sense of responsibility to my students. Fortunately, June 12 is Independence Day in the Philippines, a national holiday; with a day of leave on Friday, I get a 4-day weekend, only 2 hours of which I will spend teaching.

Bareuda Kim Seonsaeng (바르다 김선생) is a Korean chain of gimbab shops. Over 20 locations around the country, mostly in and around Seoul. Whereas commercial gimbab is widely regarded as a quick-fix item of convenience, typically sold cheap (see for example 3.110 Wonjo Kimbap), this place attempts to do it right. In fact, the name of the place means “is proper/righteous (bareuda) + Kim (the name) +”teacher (seonsaeng),” like the guy is trying to show us the way. According to the signage, they don’t use any preservatives, MSG, food coloring, etc., and only high quality eggs, sesame oil, laver, etc.

My first experience, the gimbap was excellent. The basic bareun variety was nothing special really, but the roll was stuffed with finely sliced carrots and cucumbers, providing wonderful bursts of lively freshness with every bite. They should remove the ham and make it a true vegetarian item. In any case, I look forward to trying other varieties next time.
(See also FOODS.)
(See also PLACES.)