Sangam gimbap takeout with tuna yubu gimbap: Samhyeongje Gimbap

When I was working in Sangam-dong, I visited Samhyeongje Gimbap, Sangam branch, while looking for gimbap to eat for breakfast or lunch. I tried the original yubu gimbap and tuna yubu gimbap, and noticed a difference in their textures and seasoning.

Where is Samhyeongje Gimbap, Sangam branch?

The restaurant is in Store 1029 on basement level 1 of Nuritkum Square. It is closer to Susaek Station Exit 1 on the Gyeongui–Jungang Line than to Digital Media City Station. Enter through Nuritkum Square Gate 4, turn right, then turn right once more; it is opposite an indoor golf facility.

The hours posted during my visit were 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays, and last order is one hour before closing.

What kinds of gimbap and fillings are available?

There are 12 kinds of gimbap, along with Samhyeongje tteokbokki. Every gimbap includes yubu stir-fried slowly in a cast-iron pot and burdock simmered until it has a texture like sweet potato, and the restaurant says it uses seaweed from Wando.

How does self-service takeout work, and is there a wait at lunch?

When you arrive, the gimbap is lined up for you to choose from. You pick the gimbap you want and pay at the kiosk.

After paying, you take chopsticks and doenjang soup yourself and pack everything to go. It is a self-service system that separates making the gimbap from payment and packing.

At lunchtime, a line forms for the kiosk. I was glad that buying before 11:30 AM meant I could get it without waiting. Samhyeongje tteokbokki is said to require a four-minute wait after ordering.

How are the texture and seasoning of the original yubu gimbap?

The original yubu gimbap had the aroma of sesame oil, and the yubu and burdock mixed into the filling felt meat-like in texture. It was striking enough that I looked at the filling again while eating. There was less rice and plenty of vegetables and other fillings.

I liked the flavors of the yubu and burdock, but it was a little salty for me. Having the doenjang soup mixed with water alongside it made it easier to eat.

Why did I prefer the tuna yubu gimbap?

The tuna yubu gimbap was on the larger side, but it was sliced thinly enough to eat in one bite. Compared with the original, it had slightly less yubu and burdock, and plenty of tuna mixed with mayonnaise.

With the tuna included, the seasoning suited my taste better and felt more satisfying. The flavors of the yubu and burdock also went well with the tuna. Since I usually like tuna-mayo gimbap, this one suited my preferences more.

How was it for a quick meal during a workday in Sangam-dong?

When I had gone to work without breakfast or wanted a simple lunch, it was convenient to choose and pack gimbap myself. The original was a little salty for me, but I liked the seasoning and filling combination of the tuna yubu gimbap. At lunchtime, it is worth allowing for a wait to pay, and group orders are also said to be available.