If you’ve ever visited Korea or stepped into a Korean restaurant abroad, chances are you’ve seen gimbap (also spelled kimbap)—those colorful seaweed rice rolls that look like sushi but have a unique flavor and identity all their own. But did you know that there are dozens of different types of gimbap, each with its own loyal fans?
So, what kind of gimbap do Koreans love the most? Let’s take a delicious tour of the top contenders from the searching counts from NAVER.
1. Keto Gimbap (키토 김밥) 49,410/m
Surprisingly, the hottest gimbap trend right now is keto gimbap. With more people turning to low-carb diets, this rice-free version is gaining serious attention.
Instead of rice, the roll is generously filled with thin egg crepes (gyeran-jidan)—layered or folded to create a soft, protein-rich base. It’s then wrapped with fresh vegetables like cucumber or perilla leaves, and sometimes includes slices of ham, cheese, or avocado.
This clean, satisfying option delivers the familiar flavors of gimbap without the carbs, making it a favorite among health-conscious eaters and anyone looking for a lighter bite.
2. Tuna Gimbap (참치 김밥) 14,900/m
A modern favorite, especially among younger people. This version includes canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise, paired with crunchy vegetables like cucumber and perilla leaves. The creamy filling makes it extra satisfying.
3. Beef Bulgogi Gimbap (불고기 김밥) 2,520/m
This is a more hearty and luxurious type of gimbap, often enjoyed as a meal in itself. Marinated sweet-savory beef (bulgogi) is packed into the roll, often with pickled radish and fresh greens.
4. Vegetable Gimbap (야채 김밥) 2,250/m
A favorite among vegetarians and health-conscious eaters. This version skips the meat and fish, focusing entirely on fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrot, spinach, perilla leaves, and pickled radish. Sometimes tofu or burdock root is added for extra texture and flavor. It’s simple, clean, and incredibly satisfying.
5. Cheese Gimbap (치즈 김밥) 1,440/m
Cheese makes everything better—at least, that’s what cheese gimbap lovers will tell you! A slice of processed cheese is rolled inside, adding a rich and salty note to the otherwise fresh-tasting roll.
We’ve explored a variety of gimbap variations, but unsurprisingly, the most popular one is the classic version—just plain gimbap with the number of 286,300 per month. No fancy fillings—just the basics: ham, pickled radish, carrot, spinach, and egg.