Do the Bongouse Bop (Burger)

What? Bongouse Bop Burger franchise
Where? All across Korea
Directions: If you can't find it, you're not looking hard enough!

Living abroad teaches you many things. There are new experiences around every corner. One of my favorite experiences comes in the form of new cuisine. Being here as long as I have, (four years and counting), I've come to believe that I've seen the many different foods Korea has to offer.

One of the most unique ideas I've seen to date is a characteristically Korean take on the hamburger called a bop burger (밥버거, or "rice burger"). This unique twist on an American favorite uses not bread but two patties of rice. In between the patties, you'll find any number of combinations: bulgogi and cheese, spam and egg or one of many other Korean favorites. One of my faves is the chicken mayo burger. As the name suggests, it's comprised of chicken mixed with soy sauce and mayonnaise, all smashed between two rice patties. While it's not the healthiest thing in the world, it's one of the most delicious things I've tried.

Happiness comes in a plastic and foil wrapper.
Remember to recycle!

Here in Gunsan we have an up-and-coming franchise that offers these rice burgers. In fact, they're the only thing on the menu at Bongouse, a small shop with several locations in our city and all across the country. The shop I’m in most often can be found on the corner of a street about halfway between Lotte Mart and Lotte Cinema. 
The bap burger joint makes your burger as you order it. The rice and meat is pre-cooked and your burger is ready within minutes of placing your order.

You can't miss it. It's the brightest building on the block.

So if you are looking for a quick lunch, stop in and try a rice burger. I like to make a meal of it with a little west-meets-east: chips and a coke.

Hangul translations:
Lay's "Po-Tae-Eee-To-Cheep"
Coca-Cola "Choi-Go-Yah"
Hunh?

Jessica Russell

Jessica is a writer and photographer who has lived and taught in Korea for long enough to earn a black belt in taekwondo. A true global pedestrian, Jessica loves to travel, her sights now set on places as diverse as Rio de Janeiro and Mt. Fuji. Her dream is to open a childcare center. Read more about our staff writers.