Must-Try Foods In Gyeongju (South Korea) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Gyeongju Food History

Gyeongju, a city known for its rich history as the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, also boasts a unique culinary heritage that complements its historical significance. The traditional foods of Gyeongju often carry historical stories and have been passed down through generations. Influenced by Buddhist culture, which was prevalent during the Silla period, many traditional Gyeongju dishes veer toward vegetable-based ingredients, though seafood and meat are also used due to the city's proximity to the coast. Royal court cuisine also played a role in shaping Gyeongju's food culture, with several dishes originating from the elaborate feasts prepared for the Silla royalty.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Gyeongju

1. Hwangnam-ppang (Hwangnam Bread): A sweet red bean-filled pastry, famous in Gyeongju and a popular snack among tourists. (Vegetarian)
2. Gyeongju Chalboribbang: A soft cake made from barley flour and filled with red bean paste. It is a healthy snack with a subtle sweetness. (Vegetarian)
3. Beopju: A traditional Korean liquor, historically associated with Buddhist rituals. It carries profound cultural value and a unique flavor. (Vegetarian)
4. Ssambap: A dish consisting of rice wrapped in vegetables such as lettuce or perilla leaves, often accompanied by a variety of side dishes. (Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian)
5. Yakgwa: A traditional Korean honey cookie, deep-fried and soaked in honey, often shaped into flower-like forms. (Vegetarian)
6. Omegi-tteok: Glutinous rice cakes filled with sweetened red bean paste and coated with powdered soybean flour. (Vegetarian)
7. Gujeolpan: A platter of nine different foods, including various vegetables and meats, served with thin wheat flour pancakes. (Non-vegetarian)
8. Seafood: As a coastal area, Gyeongju offers fresh seafood delicacies such as grilled fish, hoe (raw fish), and various soups and stews. (Non-vegetarian)
9. Kimchi: An essential side dish in Korean cuisine, Gyeongju has its own regional variations of this fermented vegetable dish. (Vegetarian)
10. Heukdwaeji Bulgogi: Marinated and grilled pork from a specific black pig variety found in the Gyeongju region. (Non-vegetarian)

Top Famous Restaurants in Gyeongju

Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

Address: 44-2, Gyochonan-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Famous Food: Hwangnam-ppang (Vegetarian)

Todamgol

Address: 30-2, Poseok-ro 925beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Famous Food: Ssambap (Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian)

Hwangnam Bread Hwangnam Main Store

Address: 125-1, Hwangnidan-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Famous Food: Hwangnam-ppang (Vegetarian)

Jukbuin Traditional Tea House

Address: 109-1, Daereungwon-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Famous Food: Traditional teas and Yakgwa (Vegetarian)

Sorabol Korean Table d'hote

Address: 380-3, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Famous Food: Gujeolpan (Non-vegetarian)

Jungang Market Street Food Stalls

Address: Jungang Market, Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Famous Food: Various street food items including Omegi-tteok (Vegetarian) and Heukdwaeji Bulgogi (Non-vegetarian)