Gyeongju, located in the southeastern part of South Korea, is an incredibly picturesque city that has earned the moniker of the ‘Museum without Walls’ thanks to its amazing collection of ancient architecture, shrines, and ruins. It’s also a great destination for cuisine, and if you’re looking for a unique and delicious experience on your next trip to Gyeongju, you can’t go wrong with traditional Korean dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi. This article will provide you with a helpful guide to the best restaurants for experiencing these iconic Korean delicacies.
What is Bibimbap and Bulgogi?
Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that consists of white rice topped with various vegetables (such as spinach, cucumber, and bean sprouts), beef or other proteins, gochujang (a red chilli paste), and a fried egg. The ingredients are all mixed together before eating, producing a savoury and delicious meal.
Bulgogi, meanwhile, is a type of Korean barbecue that is made from marinated beef or pork. Thin slices of the meat are cooked on a skillet or grill, and the finished dish is usually served with flavorsome side dishes such as lettuce, garlic, and onions.
Gwangbokjung
Gwangbokjung is a restaurant that has become well-known for its signature dish, dolsot bibimbap. Dolsot bibimbap is a variation of traditional bibimbap and is served in a hot stone bowl. The simmering heat of the bowl gives the dish an extra layer of flavour and texture, making it incredibly delicious. Gwangbokjung has been a favourite spot for locals and travellers alike since it opened in 2009, and it’s easy to see why.
Sikgetang
Sikgetang is a restaurant specialising in spicy food, and their signature dish is Sindongtang, a traditional beef soup. However, the menu also features a variety of other dishes, such as bibimbap and bulgogi. The bibimbap is served in a earthenware bowl, making it especially flavourful, and the bulgogi is marinated with a special mixture of herbs and spices, giving it a unique taste.
Samsam Dolsot
Samsam Dolsot is located in the heart of downtown Gyeongju, and their speciality is, unsurprisingly, dolsot bibimbap. They use only the freshest ingredients in their dishes, and the bibimbap is served in a hot stone bowl to give it added flavour. The restaurant also features a variety of other dishes, such as bulgogi, which is cooked with a traditional marinade.
Kkongjibang
Kkongjibang is a restaurant that has been a popular spot for bibimbap and bulgogi since 1993. The bibimbap is cooked in a special earthenware bowl, and it is topped with a variety of fresh vegetables and spices. The bulgogi is marinated in a special blend of herbs and spices to give it a unique flavour.
Bulgaemak
Bulgaemak is one of the most popular restaurants in Gyeongju for bibimbap and bulgogi. The bibimbap is served in a traditional earthenware bowl, and the bulgogi is cooked with fresh herbs and spices for added flavour. They also offer a wide variety of side dishes, such as kimchi and namul (seasoned vegetables).
Yeomcheon Yangbanjeong
Yeomcheon Yangbanjeong has been serving up traditional Korean dishes since the 1970s, and their speciality is their signature Yangban Jeong, a type of dolsot bibimbap. The bibimbap is made with a unique blend of spices and herbs, giving it a distinct flavour. The restaurant also serves a variety of bulgogi dishes, cooked with traditional herbs and spices.
Samjak
Samjak is a restaurant that specialises in spicy food, and its signature dish is the Samjak Jeong, a type of spicy bibimbap. The bibimbap is cooked in a special earthenware pot to give it extra flavour. The restaurant also serves a variety of other dishes, such as bulgogi, which is marinated in a special blend of herbs and spices.
Gaegook Dog for Bibimbap
Gaegook Dog is a restaurant that has been serving up traditional bibimbap since 2004. The bibimbap is cooked in a special earthenware bowl, and it is topped with a variety of fresh vegetables and spices. The restaurant also features a variety of other dishes, such as bulgogi, which is marinated with a special mixture of herbs and spices.
Gyeongju is a great destination for experiencing traditional Korean cuisine, and the restaurants listed above are some of the best spots for experiencing delicious bibimbap and bulgogi. All of the restaurants serve up unique versions of the dishes, so you can find one that suits your tastes. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Gyeongju is a great place to sample these iconic Korean delicacies.