Hwangnambbang
황남빵
Baked here since 1939 and the thing Gyeongju is known for. A thin shell around almost nothing but red bean paste, boxed by the piece so it travels between sights.
Gyeongju food
Hwangnam bread · barley bread · ssambap · rice wine · markets
Only in Gyeongju
Chalboribbang · barley bread
찰보리빵
Gyeongju grows barley, and this is what came of it — chewier than hwangnambbang and less sweet.
Ssambap · leaf-wrapped rice
쌈밥
Rice and side dishes wrapped in leaves. The restaurants line a street beside Daereungwon, and ten-odd little dishes come to the table.
Gyodong Beopju · rice wine
교동법주
A rice wine brewed by one family in their old house for generations, listed as national intangible heritage. Look for it around Gyochon Village.
Haejangguk · morning soup
해장국
A cluster of soup houses at the ParuJeong roundabout, some open before dawn. For an early bus or a late night.
Gyeongju Jungang Market
경주 중앙시장
The place to try several things in small amounts. On dates ending in 2 or 7 the five-day market sets up around it too. Smaller stalls may want cash.
Gyeongju Seongdong Market
경주 성동시장
Known for its snack alley: gimbap, tteokbokki, sundae and fried things. Burdock-root gimbap and sticky-rice sundae are the ones it is famous for. A row of Korean buffet places sits here too.
While you are in Korea
Chimaek · fried chicken and beer
치맥
Ask for 후라이드 (plain fried) or 양념 (sweet-spicy sauce) — or 반반, half and half.
Samgyeopsal · grilled pork belly
삼겹살
Grilled at the table and wrapped in lettuce. Most places take orders from two portions up.
Jjigae · the everyday stew
찌개
What Koreans actually eat every day. Comes with rice and side dishes, and works for one person.
Kimbap · rice rolled in seaweed
김밥
Cheap, quick, everywhere. Even the convenience-store ones are fine for a bus ride.
Bibimbap · rice under vegetables
비빔밥
Vegetables and rice mixed with chilli paste. Go light on the paste and it is not spicy.
Naengmyeon · cold noodles
냉면
Noodles in ice-cold broth, eaten in summer. Cutting them with the scissors provided is normal.
