Open a bag of sushi nori and you will usually find one of two sizes: full-cut sheets, roughly the size of a bamboo rolling mat, or half-cut sheets that are already sliced in two. Both are the same roasted seaweed, so the real question in full-cut vs. half-cut nori is simple: what are you going to roll? This guide walks through which size fits gimbap (kimbap), sushi rolls, temaki hand rolls and onigiri, so you buy the right pack the first time.
What is sushi nori?
Sushi nori is plain roasted laver — no oil and no salt — pressed into thin, even sheets. That is different from Korean seasoned gim, which is brushed with oil, salted and toasted to eat as a side dish with rice. For rolling, you want the plain kind: it stays flexible against warm rice, seals neatly and does not make the roll greasy. Korean cooks use the same plain sheets for gimbap, which is why you will see packs labeled both "sushi nori" and "gimbap gim."
Full-cut vs. half-cut nori: the differences
- Size: a half-cut sheet is a full sheet cut in half, so it is the same width but half as long.
- Sheets per pack: for the same weight you get twice as many half-cut sheets. Our I'm Real packs are both 260g — 100 full sheets or 200 half sheets.
- Best for full-cut: standard gimbap with many fillings, thick futomaki and inside-out (uramaki) rolls.
- Best for half-cut: temaki (hand rolls), gunkan-maki (battleship sushi), thin hosomaki, mini gimbap and wrapping onigiri.
- Prep time: half-cut saves you from cutting each sheet with scissors, which is handy for a hand-roll party or lunch boxes.
A simple rule: if one roll feeds a person, buy full-cut. If each person makes several small rolls at the table, buy half-cut.
The sushi nori we carry
[I'm Real] Sushi Nori Full-Cut (100 Sheets)
Full-size roasted sheets made for sushi rolls, gimbap and hand rolls, with a crisp texture and roasted seaweed aroma. One 260g (9.17 oz) bag holds 100 sheets — enough for regular gimbap days or a big batch for a picnic. See Sushi Nori Full-Cut.
[I'm Real] Premium Half-Cut Sushi Nori (200 Sheets)
The same roasted laver pre-cut to half the size of a standard gimbap sheet. It is made for temaki, gunkan-maki, mini gimbap and onigiri, so there is no need to cut sheets yourself. 200 sheets in a 260g (9.17 oz) bag. See Half-Cut Sushi Nori.
How to use each size
Full-cut sheet for gimbap
- Place the sheet shiny side down on a rolling mat.
- Spread seasoned rice thinly over about two-thirds of the sheet, leaving a strip at the far edge bare.
- Line up fillings across the middle, roll tightly, and seal the edge with a few grains of rice.
- Brush the outside with a little sesame oil and slice with a wet knife.
Half-cut sheet for temaki hand rolls
- Hold a half sheet in your palm, shiny side down.
- Put a small spoon of rice on the left third and add fillings at an angle.
- Fold the bottom corner up and roll into a cone. Eat right away while the nori is crisp.
Half sheets also wrap rice balls neatly: wrap just before eating, or pack the nori separately so it stays crisp in a lunch box.
Related: How to Make Korean Gimbap at Home (Beginner Guide)
Storage tips
Nori softens quickly in humid air. After opening, press the air out, reseal the bag tightly and keep it in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, put the sealed bag in the freezer and let it come to room temperature before opening so no moisture condenses on the sheets. If a sheet turns a bit soft, pass it quickly over low heat to crisp it again.
Where to buy sushi nori in the U.S.
Both sizes are on the shelf at our LA Koreatown store — 3506 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005 (Mon–Sat, 10 AM–6:30 PM). You can also order online:
- LA Koreatown: free same-day delivery on orders of $49 or more
- California: free shipping on orders of $99 or more
- Mainland U.S.: free shipping on orders of $149 or more
- Nori is shelf-stable and ships right after you order. Refrigerated and frozen items ship every Monday and Tuesday (PT).
FAQ
Can I use half-cut nori for gimbap?
Yes, for mini gimbap. A half sheet makes a slim roll about the size of a finger — popular for kids and snack plates. For regular gimbap (kimbap) with many fillings, use full-cut sheets.
Is sushi nori the same as gimbap seaweed?
Both are plain roasted laver sheets, so you can use sushi nori for gimbap. What you should not use for rolling is seasoned snack gim, which is oiled and salted.
Which side of the nori goes on the inside?
Place the rough side up so the rice sits on it, and keep the shiny side facing out. The rough side grips the rice better.
How many half-cut sheets do I need for a hand-roll party?
Plan on about three to five hand rolls per person. A 200-sheet bag of half-cut nori covers a large gathering with plenty left over.