Themes & Stories

Gyeongju is a region with excellent agricultural products thanks to its fertile soil and climate. Bean cultivation is particularly active here, and thanks to its deep Buddhist culture from having been the capital of the Silla Dynasty for a thousand years, a diverse culinary culture utilizing beans as a source of vegan protein has developed here. Beans are rich in botanical protein and particularly popular among people interested in health and dieting. Enjoying bean dishes that are common but have a flavor unique to the region will be a special treat.

Maetdol Sundubu – Sundubu Full of Good Ingredients of High Standard

Sundubu (soft bean curd) is a soft bean curd lump made by grinding soaked beans in a millstone, filtering out the bean pulp, then boiling and coagulating it. But Maetdol Sundubu's soft bean curd is particularly special because it uses good ingredients and insists on following processes of high standard. It is made by grinding 100% Korean beans purchased from local agricultural cooperatives directly in millstones daily, and it preserves the soft texture by keeping it under slight heat even after the bean curd is made. The secret to having continuously been loved by both Gyeongju residents and tourists for over 30 years is perhaps not the cooking skill, but its insistence on using good ingredients and keeping high standards. Main menus include specially crafted soft bean curd, soft bean curd stew with a refreshing and spicy flavor thanks to the seafood and red pepper powder in it, and barbecue salad that goes well as a side dish.

  Recommended for travelers who want to enjoy soft bean curd of high standard that is faithful to the basics

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Yetgoeul Tosok Sundubu – Harmony of Meat and Bean Curd that Even BTS RM Fell For

We recommend this restaurant to travelers who want to enjoy meat menus along with bean dishes. Representative menus are “smoked pork belly and bean curd” and “smoked duck and bean curd,” which have enhanced flavor and soft texture from being made by grilling Korean grade 1 pork and duck over charcoal and cooking once more in a steamer. Duck and pork belly with oil removed, thick bean curd, and short-fruit pimpinella salad are this restaurant's unique culinary combination. Besides soft bean curd, various side menus include seafood pancake, grilled galbi patties, and firm bean curd, which complete a family table that everyone, from parents to children, can enjoy. It's also famous as BTS RM's favorite restaurant, with the added fun of seeing his photos.

  Recommended for travelers who are gourmets and want to enjoy a hearty meal with meat, family travelers, and BTS fans!

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Gyeongju Wonjo Kongguk – Warm Soybean Soup, a Gyeongju Delicacy Enjoyed with Sweet Rice Donuts

Gyeongju Wonjo Kongguk is considered a must-go restaurant that uses local specialties and provides soybean soup that is uniquely warm, unlike the typical summer food enjoyed cold. It boils beans with water to make the soft broth and tops it with grain powder containing black sesame and black beans, as well as sweet rice donuts. The savory and light broth that tastes both nutty and chewy gently fills the stomach with a mouth-watering experience. It's a familiar yet new taste and a delicacy that can only be enjoyed in Gyeongju. Other traditional Korean menus include noodles in cold soybean soup, cold agar soybean soup, soft bean curd stew, and seafood pancake.

  Recommended for travelers seeking delicacies that can only be tasted in Gyeongju

Gyeongju's various bean dishes offer unique experiences that go beyond simple food. Warm soybean soup, carefully made soft bean curd, and delicacies made in traditional ways are both healthy and delicious. As travelers, enjoying these special bean dishes that can only be tasted in Gyeongju will be a time to experience the region's agricultural products, food culture, and long history together.