Bomdong Bibimbap Turns the Table: 5 Questions the SNS Craze and 30% Price Spike Raise About Korea's 'Seasonal Core' Trend

Why now? Bomdong — Korea's first seasonal spring green — went viral on SNS algorithms almost overnight, triggering a price surge and supply shortage. This humble bowl of rice has become a window into Korea's food market and the 'Seasonal Core' trend.

TL;DR

• Bomdong bibimbap emerged as the biggest food craze on SNS in February–March 2026
• Bomdong retail price rose more than 30% in one month (Yonhap News, 3/5)
• Homeplus Jindo bomdong sales surged 115% year-over-year
• Daesang Jongga bomdong kimchi sold over 20,000 units in just two months after launch
• Celebrity recipes from Kang Ho-dong and Ryu Su-young served as the initial spark for the craze

The Facts: What Is Bomdong Bibimbap?

Bomdong (春冬) is a type of cabbage that grows through winter, and it is known for its sweet, nutty, and crisp texture thanks to the sugars stored during the cold months. The recipe is simple: tear bomdong leaves by hand, toss them in a seasoning sauce (gochujang, sesame oil, sesame seeds), and place them on top of warm rice before mixing.

Following the 'Dujeoncku (tofu-chewy-cookie)' trend of late 2025–early 2026, bomdong bibimbap surged as the next big SNS food item. The #봄동비빔밥 hashtag exploded on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and a recipe video by chef Ryu Su-young from the KBS show Pyunstorang racked up hundreds of thousands of views.

Why It Spread: What Made Bomdong Bibimbap Go Viral?

1. Almost No Barrier to Entry

All you need is bomdong and a seasoning sauce made from gochujang and sesame oil — staples already in most Korean kitchens. The 'value + healthy eating' combination struck a chord with consumers tired of rising prices.

2. The Peak of the 'Seasonal Core' Trend

Bomdong bibimbap became the spring flagship of the 'Seasonal Core' movement — a minimal cooking trend that emerged on SNS in the second half of 2025, centered on enjoying seasonal ingredients as they are. Bomdong is only available from winter to early spring (December–March), and its scarcity only amplified the craze.

3. The Celebrity Effect

Following Ryu Su-young's Pyunstorang recipe, Kang Ho-dong introduced bomdong bibimbap as a menu item at his restaurant, and the dish spread virally across YouTube mukbang videos and Instagram Reels.

Context & Background: Impact on the Food and Retail Market

A Daesang spokesperson noted: "Our Jongga bomdong kimchi is a limited seasonal product that reflects the 'Seasonal Core' trend, and it is receiving an enthusiastic response thanks to the bomdong bibimbap craze." Production regions (South Jeolla Province's Jindo, Jeju, etc.) are reportedly managing shipments carefully due to concerns about supply shortages.

Outlook: How Long Will It Last?

Bomdong season ends in mid-to-late March. Its lifespan is short by nature. But the legacy of this trend extends beyond a passing fad.

• Food companies strengthening seasonal limited lineups: Daesang, CJ, and others are already planning additional bomdong-related products
• Accelerating SNS food trend cycles: The seasonal baton is expected to pass to the next 'Seasonal Core' contenders (Korean water parsley, wild chives, mugwort) as spring progresses into summer
• K-food global spread: Foreign students and tourists sharing bomdong bibimbap videos are also driving the trend on international K-food channels

Checklist: 5 Key Questions

References

• Bomdong bibimbap craze sends bomdong prices rising — up more than 30% in a month — Yonhap News
• 'Bomdong bibimbap' craze: Daesang says 'Jongga bomdong kimchi sold 22 tons in two months' — Newsis
• Bomdong bibimbap craze sends bomdong viral on SNS — Threads @aifunnnel.kr

Image Credit

• Cover image: Bibimbap from Jeonju, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 (original link)