I’ve seen a lot of content showing office workers in other countries having a quick sandwich at their desks or eating alone. But for Korean office workers, lunch hour is about more than just grabbing a quick bite.
It’s a valuable time to socialize and bond with colleagues. Plus, since I work in Seongsu-dong—one of the trendiest spots in Seoul—there are always various pop–up stores and events happening year-round.
So, I often spend my lunch break visiting these pop-ups with my teammates or enjoying some “me-time” by soaking in the local culture.
Yesterday, I finally went to see an exhibition during my lunch break that I’d been putting off for a long time. Because of that, I had to grab some Kimbap for takeout and ate it on the move. Even though it was a quick meal, it didn’t feel like I was just “making do” with something random, because it was from one of my favorite Kimbap spots!
Gimbap is made by rolling rice and various ingredients like vegetables in seaweed and slicing it into rounds. It’s the ultimate “K-fast food”—you can eat it with your hands without needing chopsticks, making it perfect for eating on the go or in a car.
While it’s a convenient and balanced meal packed with veggies and protein, for Koreans, Gimbap is inseparable from school picnic memories. On picnic days or sports days, moms would always make Gimbap because it was so easy to carry and eat.
That’s why Gimbap is more than just a dish; every household has its own unique style and taste, making it a food filled with precious family memories.
Anyway, when Korean office workers need to have a “quick and simple” meal, Gimbap is probably the most popular choice.
These days, you can find frozen Gimbap at Costco or Korean grocery stores(H Mart), so definitely give it a try! While it might not be quite as good as freshly made ones, it’s actually surprisingly decent and worth eating.
Of course, we don’t eat Korean food every single day. Just a few days ago, I went out with my teammates to grab some delicious burgers. Since Seongsu-dong, where my office is located, is a popular travel destination for foreigners, I’m planning to share some great local spots here from time to time. Stay tuned to find out where the true locals actually go!
What is lunch like for office workers where you live? I’d love to hear how it differs from lunch in Korea!
Best from Korea,
MJay
If you want to get a real glimpse into the daily life of a Seongsu-dong office workers, check out my previous post below!
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