Frozen Bibimbap – Bringing Korea’s Heritage to the World

1. Origins and Background

Pungnyeon FC Co., Ltd. was founded in Jeonju, South Korea — widely recognized as the birthplace of Korean cuisine. For over five decades, our company has carried forward the craftsmanship and philosophy behind bibimbap, Korea’s signature mixed rice dish. Our restaurant brand, Hanok Village Bibimbap & Sotbap, has become a symbol of the harmony, balance, and beauty that define Korean dining.

As global interest in Korean food continues to grow, we sought a way to share authentic Jeonju-style bibimbap with people worldwide — without sacrificing freshness, flavor, or tradition. This pursuit led us to develop our Frozen Bibimbap product line: a perfect blend of heritage recipes and modern food technology.

2. Concept and Development

Bibimbap traditionally consists of rice, a variety of seasoned vegetables, protein, and gochujang (Korean chili paste), mixed together just before eating. While this dish is beloved in restaurants, its multi-step preparation makes it challenging for international consumers to enjoy at home.

To overcome that barrier, our R&D team spent years developing a ready-to-heat frozen version that captures the true taste, aroma, and nutrition of freshly prepared bibimbap. We applied principles of Korean culinary science and advanced freezing technology to maintain the delicate balance of textures — the softness of rice, the freshness of vegetables, and the depth of our handcrafted gochujang.

3. Authenticity Through Ingredients

Each Frozen Bibimbap bowl is carefully composed of:

1. Korean Rice  – Selected from high-quality domestic farms for its chewy, aromatic texture.

2. Five Seasoned Vegetables – Typically spinach, bean sprouts, carrot, radish, and zucchini — each individually blanched and seasoned to preserve color, nutrition, and flavor.

3. Plant-Based Gochujang – Our signature chili paste, created from a 50-year-old Jeonju recipe using soy-based protein and wheat flour instead of meat or fish products, ensuring a vegan-friendly and Halal-compatible formulation.

4. Sesame Oil and Seasoning Sauce – For balance, depth, and a nutty finish that complements the rice and vegetables perfectly.

All ingredients are processed and packed in HACCP-certified facilities to ensure the highest level of safety, hygiene, and consistency.

4. The Plant-Based Gochujang Advantage

One of the most distinctive features of our Frozen Bibimbap is the plant-based gochujang. While many commercial sauces contain animal-derived ingredients or preservatives, our recipe stays true to traditional fermentation methods while being environmentally conscious and health-friendly.

• Heritage: Based on the original family recipe developed in Jeonju over 50 years ago.

• Sustainability: Fully plant-based, aligning with global trends toward sustainable, ethical eating.

• Taste Profile: Deeply umami, balanced spiciness, and a clean aftertaste — qualities only achievable through natural fermentation.

• Versatility: Suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and Halal markets.

This sauce is the heart of our bibimbap, connecting modern consumers to the authentic soul of Korean cuisine.

6. Food Safety and Production Standards

Quality and safety are paramount at Pungnyeon FC. Our Frozen Bibimbap products are manufactured under strict supervision using HACCP-certified production lines and comply with global standards for frozen ready-to-eat meals.

We have also achieved FDA certification, enabling exports to North America. The production process is fully traceable — from ingredient sourcing to packaging — and adheres to both Korean and international food regulations.

Our goal is to provide a product that is not only delicious but also trustworthy. Every bowl reflects Korea’s culinary heritage and our company’s dedication to quality craftsmanship.