The new Bibimbap: A modern take on a Korean food favorite

For Seoulites craving some variation on their traditional bowl of bibimbap, these three creative innovations new to the scene serve up a culinary adventure. 

1. The Lounge: the artistic touch

A plate of art at The Lounge.

For a more artistic experience of this beloved dish, visit The Lounge on the 24th floor of the Park Hyatt hotel in Samseong-dong.

Instead of the standard rice in a bowl with various vegetables and other ingredients laid on top, the Park Hyatt lays the bibimbap ingredients out separately on a large, rectangular plate, like a palette. 

More than 10 colorful ingredients decorate the plate while the rice is placed in the middle. The spicy red pepper paste -- a must when mixing up bibimbap -- is smeared here and there, as if someone used a brush to add that finishing touch.  

₩24,000; 995-14 Daechi 2-dong, Gangnam-gu (강남구 대치2동 995-14); 11 a.m.-midnight, +82 2 2016 1205

2. Baesangmyeonjuga: creative toppings

Salmon and tuna with a lemon dressing: bibimbap with a twist.

Baesangmyeongjuga is a traditional liquor company, but it also runs an eponymous traditional Korean restaurant. 

Located in the Seoul Finance Center at the heart of Gwanghwamun, the restaurant is always busy with customers on dates or business dinners. 

The overall concept of Baesangmyeongjuga's bibimbap is not too different from the traditional version, but instead of vegetables and ground beef, the restaurant offers more interesting toppings: Galbi steak, eel marinated in soy sauce, salmon, tuna and smoked duck.  

₩ 12,000- ₩ 13,000; 103 Finance Center 84 Taepyeongro-1ga, Jung-gu (중구 태평로1가 84 파이낸스센터 103); Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; +82 2 773 3238 

3. Bibigo: takeout 

Bibimbap on the go, at Bibigo.

For all those who subscribe to the "ppalli ppalli" (fast, fast) culture in Korea, Bibigo came up with a special take-out version of bibimbap which is simple, convenient and fast. 

The toppings are placed in a neat box, while the rice is offered in a separate container, enabling the eater to choose the exact amount of vegetables and rice. The red pepper paste and other liquids are also tucked in separately. 

₩ 7,500; Officia Building, 163 Sinmunri-1 ga, Jongro-gu (종로구 신문리1가 163 오피시아빌딩);  open daily 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; +82 2 730 7423

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