54.7 F
Los Angeles
Thursday, March 6, 2025

GEBANGSIKDANG LA Pop-Up: Michelin Korean Cuisine Arrives in Los Angeles

GEBANGSIKDANG, a Michelin Bib Gourmand Korean restaurant, is launching a limited-time pop-up in Los Angeles. From March 4 to March 23, food lovers can experience its authentic jang (fermented sauce) cuisine at hibi, a 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant in Koreatown, Los Angeles.

GEBANGSIKDANG’s pop-up sign on the glass door of hibi in Los Angeles, with the Michelin Bib Gourmand badge displayed on the left. [Yoonjae Jung, The Korea Daily]
GEBANGSIKDANG lands in LA. The Korean Bib Gourmand spot marks its arrival at hibi with a pop-up sign on the glass door, Michelin recognition in full view. [Yoonjae Jung, The Korea Daily]

This event offers a rare chance to taste soy-marinated crab (ganjang gejang) from one of Korea’s top restaurants. The pop-up will serve fresh Korean blue crab, imported directly from Korea, and feature a refined dining experience that blends tradition with modern aesthetics.

A Michelin Bib Gourmand-Recognized Korean Crab Restaurant

GEBANGSIKDANG has been featured in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand from 2018 to 2025, recognized for high-quality dishes at a great value. Unlike traditional crab restaurants, it offers a modern, stylish dining atmosphere while staying true to Korea’s deep-rooted fermentation techniques.

GEBANGSIKDANG LA menu featuring its signature Korean dishes on the left, including soy sauce-marinated crab and bibimbap, and a drink selection on the right, offering soju, makgeolli, sake, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. [Yoonjae Jung, The Korea Daily]
GEBANGSIKDANG LA Pop-Up lays out its signature flavors—soy-marinated crab meets makgeolli and yuzu highballs. Classic Korean tradition, modern LA setting. [Yoonjae Jung, The Korea Daily]

Founded by fashion marketer Bang Geon-hyuk and his family, the restaurant combines culinary expertise with contemporary design. The menu includes:

  • Soy-Marinated Crab (Ganjang Gejang) – Aged in a special fermented soy sauce for deep, umami-rich flavors.
  • Crab Roe & Hot Rice Bowl – Fresh crab meat and roe served over steaming rice, offering a hassle-free way to enjoy the dish.
  • Spicy Marinated Crab (Yangnyeom Gejang) – A bold, spicy alternative, marinated in a flavorful Korean chili-based sauce.

These dishes have made GEBANGSIKDANG a must-visit destination for crab lovers in Korea. Now, LA diners have a chance to experience these flavors firsthand.

Authentic Korean Blue Crab, Imported for the Pop-Up

GEBANGSIKDANG’s soy-marinated crab (ganjang gejang), usually served with rice, seaweed soup, and seasonal banchan at its LA pop-up. [Yoonjae Jung, The Korea Daily]
GEBANGSIKDANG’s soy-marinated crab lands in LA—deep flavors, classic execution. [Yoonjae Jung, The Korea Daily]

To ensure authenticity, GEBANGSIKDANG is flying in fresh Korean blue crab for the event. This guarantees that every dish reflects the same deep, complex flavors that have made the restaurant famous.

The chefs carefully prepare each crab, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of its aged soy sauce marinade. This meticulous process preserves the soft texture and deep umami taste, delivering an unforgettable dining experience.

A Collaboration with Kaizen Dining Group

Official Instagram poster for GEBANGSIKDANG LA Pop-Up, announcing its Michelin Bib Gourmand Korean cuisine event at hibi in Los Angeles from March 4-23. The poster highlights fresh soy sauce-marinated crab and traditional jang-based dishes. Captured from GEBANGSIKDANG’s official Instagram.
GEBANGSIKDANG LA Pop-Up arrives at hibi in Los Angeles from March 4-23! Experience Michelin Bib Gourmand Korean cuisine, featuring soy sauce-marinated crab and fermented jang dishes. [Captured from GEBANGSIKDANG’s Instagram]

The GEBANGSIKDANG LA Pop-Up is made possible through a partnership with Kaizen Dining Group, a renowned U.S. restaurant group known for bringing high-end international cuisine to American audiences.

By working together, Kaizen Dining Group and hibi aim to introduce Korean fermented cuisine to a broader audience, helping to elevate Korean fine dining on the global stage.

For more details, visit the Michelin Guide or GEBANGSIKDANG’s Instagram.


Related Articles


BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]

Yoonjae Jung
Yoonjae Jung
Yoonjae Jung reports on society for The Korea Daily. Before joining The Korea Daily in June 2024, he graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in economics. He has a strong interest in entertainment and culture.