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Visiting only well-known tourist attractions can feel a bit bland, and the same goes for restaurants. Rather than frequenting restaurants crowded with tourists, experiencing the humble food culture at places that reflect the daily lives and tastes of locals greatly enhances the richness of any trip. This article introduces restaurants truly loved by Gyeongju locals. Jeongipum Jjukkumi, Sinseong Banjeom, Mokjang Saenggalbi, and Unsudaetong Dakgalbi are all beloved local restaurants, proven by long-time regulars for their unpretentious flavors and reasonable prices.

Jeongipum Jjukkumi: A Harmonious Blend of Spicy Stir-Fried Webfoot Octopus and Pork Belly

Jeongipum Jjukkumi is a popular jjukkumi (stir-fried webfoot octopus) specialty restaurant frequently recommended by Gyeongju locals when bringing friends. The signature dish, stir-fried jjukkumi on hot iron plate, is enjoyed by wrapping the spicy webfoot octopus and savory pork belly in perilla leaves or gim (laver). Adding peanut mayo sauce gently balances the spiciness and enhances the dish with a unique flavor. The jjukkumi here is made from top-quality ingredients, cleaned, seasoned, and aged in-house. The side dishes are also made with care, including homemade pickled radish wraps, pickled onions, and kelp noodle salad, allowing you to taste the sincerity and craftsmanship in every dish. Priced reasonably at KRW 12,000 per serving, it offers a generous portion perfect for sharing with a friend. It is an ideal humble meal to enjoy like a local in Gyeongju.

  Recommended for travelers who want to enjoy spicy jjukkumi and pork belly like a true local

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Sinseong Banjeom: Comforting Chinese Dishes at Local Prices

Sinseong Banjeom is a humble Chinese restaurant located near the intercity bus terminal in Noseo-dong. It is a modest eatery favored more by locals than tourists. The menu features familiar Chinese dishes, such as jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles), jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), ganjjajang (thick black bean noodles), fried rice, and tangsuyuk (deep-fried pork with sweet and sour sauce), all reflecting the tastes and lifestyle of local residents in both flavor and price. In particular, the jjamppong is a spicy noodle soup combining fresh seafood and meat, with noodles that maintain a pleasant chewiness, offering the distinctive flavor of Korean-style Chinese cuisine. The tangsuyuk features crispy fried pork coated in a tangy and sweet sauce, boasting a crunchy exterior and moist interior. Prioritizing practicality and flavor over extravagance, it is an ideal spot to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends.

  Recommended for those who want to enjoy Chinese cuisine comfortably, the way locals do

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Mokjang Saenggalbi: Grilled Pork Galbi Using Mungyeong Yakdol Pork

Mokjang Saenggalbi specializes in pork galbi prepared with Mungyeong Yakdol Pork, a regional variety raised on granite-ground stone, giving the meat its juicy and tender texture, with minimal odor and a rich flavor. The pork galbi, which can be described as Korean-style marinated pork barbecue, are characterized by a sweet and savory marinade. When grilled over charcoal or on a pan, the aroma and seasoning blend harmoniously, and the moment you bite into it, the savory flavor and juices of the meat fill your mouth. The accompanying side dishes and leafy vegetables enhance the taste of the meat and are well-suited for pairing. With generous portions at a reasonable price, it is perfect for sharing with friends. The restaurant is known for its consistent taste and atmosphere, recommended by long-time regulars and local residents.

  Recommended for meat lovers curious about pork galbi infused with the flavor of Yakdol pork

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Unsudaetong Dakgalbi: The Aroma of Lotus Leaf–Aged Dakgalbi

Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) is a popular Korean dish made by stir-frying spicy and sweetly marinated chicken on a hot iron plate or pan. It is a special meal that can be richly enjoyed when cooked together with ingredients such as cabbage, sweet potato, and rice cake. Unsudaetong Dakgalbi is a dakgalbi specialty restaurant that has been a local favorite for 22 years, operating from the same location. The restaurant prepares its chicken using a unique lotus leaf aging method. Thanks to the long-standing practice of wrapping each piece of marinated chicken in lotus leaves to enhance its aroma and moisture, the subtle fragrance unique to lotus leaves permeates the chicken, resulting in a moist and tender flavor. The seasoning of the dakgalbi strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet, and it tastes even better when enjoyed with a friend on a rainy day. The side dishes are simple yet thoughtfully prepared, enhancing the natural flavors of the main dish. This trusted restaurant, proven by its long-time regulars, is a must-visit spot when traveling to Gyeongju.

  Recommended for those who want to experience a unique dakgalbi aged in lotus leaves

These four locally favored restaurants are not just places to fill your stomach, but spaces where you can experience the lifestyle and food culture of Gyeongju locals. Each dish is filled with local ingredients, homemade flavors, traditional cooking methods, and heartfelt care—clearly explaining why locals, including long-time regulars, keep coming back. From spicy stir-fried jjukkumi, light jjamppong, and local-style tangsuyuk, to charcoal-scented Yakdol pork galbi and lotus leaf–aged dakgalbi, every dish offers a taste of Korea’s local flavors that enrich your travel memories when shared together. If you’re visiting Gyeongju, enjoy a special journey filled with flavor, stories, and human warmth at these four beloved local spots.