About This Spot

Stepping into Rockville Arirang Restaurant, you immediately sense a comforting hush settle over you, a quiet pause from the outside rush. Nestled in a modest strip by E Gude Drive, the restaurant exudes the charm of a neighbourhood gem—warm wooden accents and unpretentious furnishings invite diners to lean back and settle in. The rhythm here is unhurried; a place where meals aren’t just about eating but about returning to familiar flavors that feel like an embrace from a friend.

The atmosphere mirrors the heart of Korean home cooking. It’s the kind of spot where the scent of simmering soups and sizzling dishes gently weaves through the air, promising both nourishment and a touch of nostalgia. The menu unfolds like a warm conversation—seafood pancakes that arrive crisp and golden, softly bubbling tofu stews rich with depth, and vibrant bowls of bibimbap that come alive with color and texture. Each dish carries a sense of care, as if lovingly prepared by hands that know the value of tradition and comfort.

Here, meals unfold slowly, with side dishes thoughtfully laid out, each bite offering a subtle mix of flavors—a hint of spice balanced with fresh, earthy notes. The friendly bustle of attentive staff complements the unpretentious space, making it clear that this is a place rooted in community. It’s easy to imagine spending a quiet afternoon here, savoring the warmth in the food and the space itself, where casual conversation flows as naturally as the savory stews warming your bowl.

Visitors return often, drawn not only by the dependable quality of each dish but by the lived-in, heartfelt atmosphere—a sincere reminder that some of the best meals come from places where the cooking is as genuine as the smiles that greet you.

What’s Available Here

  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconDelivery
  • IconFast service
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconAlcohol
  • IconBeer
  • IconComfort food
  • IconHealthy options
  • IconVegetarian options
  • IconWine
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSeating
  • IconTable service
  • IconToilet
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconGroups
  • IconLocals
  • IconTourists
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconHigh chairs
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconParking

Location & Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 08:30 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Guest Reviews

Kevin Liao 16 Dec 2025

When I think of local Korean food, Arirang is the first restaurant that comes to mind! From bibimbap to tofu soup to the seafood pancake, this is Korean comfort food and one of the most authentic Korean restaurants in the area! I've been in Rockville for god nows how long, and a delicious meal at Arirang never disappoints!

Chef Sanji 30 Nov 2025

It's just a great local favorite for casual dining. Feels like I'm in Korean, around a backstreet restaurant where everything is made out of wood and traditional comfort furniture. Food was heartwarming, feels like a mom made it and not some business man following the Korean trends. Only problem, don't go on busy weekends or else you'll have to wait an hour for food. Which is normal everywhere.

Jeff Bredt 18 Nov 2025

UPDATE: The Missus (bless 'er) insisted we return and so we did. She went with the grilled mackerel (a favorite) and I had the Galbi Bibimbap. Everything was hot, fresh and delicious. The pickles were of particular note. The service was very friendly and efficient. The rating stands for consistency. The Missus (bless 'er) and I had lunch here recently after discovering that our favorite papusa spot located next door had closed its doors permanently (d'oh!). We shared a tofu and clam soup and beef bibimbop. Both were outstanding. The broth of the soup was delicate, with a hint of clam that only comes from fresh clams and their liquor. The sizzling pot of rice, beef and veg did not disappoint. In fact, their preparation has now become the standard by which others will be judged. The veggies were still crisp and hot. The rice sticky and crispy, the meat flavorful and spicy. The pickles, ranging from the standard kimchi to eggplant, each were lively on the palate with spice, but not to the point that the flavors of the veg were overpowered. The service was very polite, but our server was extremely busy. The men's room was spotless. Really... We are planning on returning very soon, after which I will re-visit this review and the star rating.

Roland Kim 02 Nov 2025

Another week back in the “rock” decided to get some jjajang myun on the fourth. Unfortunately, although it normally is open until later. Wang closed just as I pulled up with another couple at around 4 pm. Saw that this was the closest Korean place open and took a chance. Very homey feel, awesome waitstaff, hard working diligent. Kept my expectations low, however, not to be disappointed. I ordered only two dishes instead of my usually go to three or if really hungry, four dishes. Food came out quick, customers sitting at the adjacent table made great recommendations. Wolfing down my food as usual, Yooooo, the 떡볶이 was fire!!!! Very 쫄깃쫄깃해. And, the Chick Neng’s was really good , too. Positive note, I 우연히 bumped into the awesome associate pastor of Maryland central and his fam. What a blessing! 그럼 안녕히 계세요 마라나타!

Rachel Barker 22 Oct 2025

We had a fantastic lunch at Arirang, a lovely Korean spot on a quiet shopping strip. On a calm weekday afternoon, we were served five classic Korean side dishes-including kimchi, potatoes, and seaweed salad. We loved the seafood tofu soup and the BBQ pork; everything was incredibly flavorful! The portions are huge, the service was as friendly as it was efficient.

Katherine Hu 21 Oct 2025

Wow best soondubu I've had, the broth is rich, thick, so good! Busy-ish for Sunday lunch, no problems with parking, & they were playing Christmas music! They have high chairs for the kiddos

Eddie K 09 Oct 2025

Been a loyal customer for years. To me this is Korean comfort food. My usual orders are the soondubu, dol sot bimbimbap, gamjatang, hamulpajun and LA Galbi. They still provide numerous banchan and service for the most part is good. They do charge for take out containers, so bring you own to avoid the charge. MoCo doesn’t have many good Korean restaurants, so give this a try if you are in the Rockville, MD area.

Manisha Sabat 08 Oct 2025

The restaurant is a casual dining place. We ordered several items, and everything was good except for chicken fried rice. The chicken fried rice didn't have any eggs and didn't taste good. The Jap chi (glass noodles), soups and the fish was really good. Overall, a good place to try out Korean food.

Share Your Experience
Related Listing

Recently Viewed Listing

4.5
370 Reviews

El Cafè

Carrer de La Savina, 1, 07160 Peguera, Illes Balears, Spain
4.4
547 Reviews

Fosters Tavern of Hinckley

1382 Ridge Rd, Hinckley, OH 44233, United States
4.6
318 Reviews

Briar & Thistle

107 E Main St, Neosho, MO 64850, United States
4.2
183 Reviews

Glasshouse Tea Room

Northumberland Park, Glasshouse Tea Room, Visitor Centre, King Edward Road, North Shields NE30 2ES, United Kingdom
4.6
2686 Reviews

Ronnie's Cafe

4323 W Cactus Rd ste. 3, Glendale, AZ 85304, United States
Subscribr Now

Get All Updates & Advance Offers