Wanju Bongdong: A Solo Stroll Through Town and Gimbap Delights

A Solo Explorer's Wanju Adventure

Without a car for the day, I hopped on a bus, heading straight for Bongdong-eup, a charming town within Wanju, South Korea. Ready for a true local experience!

It was a blazing 2 PM, with the sun shining brightly.

Since it was market day, I took some time to browse the stalls. But first things first – I was starving! My foodie map pointed me to Bongdong & Gimbap, a highly-rated gimbap spot in Wanju's Bongdong area.

Bongdong & Gimbap

Address

55 Nakpyeongjang-ro, Bongdong-eup, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday: 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Break Time: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 06:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Last Order: 02:30 PM

Closed on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month

I was craving all sorts of gimbap: the classic original, cheese gimbap, spicy chili gimbap, and even aged kimchi tuna gimbap. But, alas, I arrived at Bongdong & Gimbap, which closes at 3:00 PM on Saturdays, around 2:40 PM. Talk about cutting it close!

They only had three rolls of regular gimbap left, so I grabbed one to go and headed back outside.

This gimbap spot even had a terrace and parking! I'll definitely be back to try all their other delicious options.

Clutching my gimbap roll, I headed towards Bongdong Elementary School, which I had passed earlier. Its gates were wide open – only pets prohibited, so I figured I was good to go!

Wanju Bongdong Elementary School

Ta-da! My water bottle and the gimbap from Bongdong & Gimbap!

I'd read reviews saying this place uses more carrots than other gimbap shops. Was it a lot? Honestly, it was so good, I wouldn't mind even more!

While I usually prefer spinach over cucumber in my gimbap, the seasoning was perfectly balanced and absolutely delicious. I could have easily devoured two rolls, haha!

Munching on my gimbap, I began exploring the school grounds of Wanju Bongdong Elementary School.

The vibrant green paths were so beautiful, it felt more like a peaceful park than a school.

The sun was beating down intensely, so I could only admire the playground from a distance, rather than actually playing.

They even had swings!

This was my perfect lunch spot, thankfully with plenty of shade from the hot afternoon sun.

I even checked out a monument, chuckling to myself.

I playfully walked along the numbers painted on the ground.

Can an elementary school really be this picturesque? It felt like my own private flower garden.

This monument marked the school's 100th anniversary. With student numbers declining and even schools in Seoul closing, I truly hope this charming rural school remains open for many more years.

Unlike schools in Seoul, which are often secured with iron gates and guards for safety reasons, these rural schools still keep their gates wide open. It was a wonderful opportunity to reminisce about my own elementary school days, enjoying a delicious gimbap on my solo Bongdong outing!

I had wondered what to do in such a small countryside town. While popular tourist spots like cafes or valleys are lovely, there's a unique joy in quietly exploring like this, experiencing Wanju like a true local.

Right next to Bongdong Elementary School is the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education Wanju Library, also known as Kkumchaeum Library. It's an excellent resource with DVDs and a vast selection of books. My next review? Wanju Library, coming soon!