Themes & Stories

In Gyeongju, a city beloved by people around the world, tradition, modernity, and global flavors coexist. Popular destinations include “El Rato Gyeongju,” a taco restaurant serving Mexican cuisine in the vintage hanok buildings of Hwangnidan-gil, and “Juste Une,” a fine dining restaurant where a local Gyeongju-born chef showcases his pride through elegant French courses. Lastly, at “Ku-Udon,” a handmade udon shop recreating the authentic taste of Japanese noodles, visitors are charmed by a single bowl of chewy, richly flavored udon.

Juste Une: Fine Dining for Special Occasions in Gyeongju

This fine dining restaurant is where Gyeongju locals go when they want a special meal. Upon entering the cozy restaurant, wine glasses and personal cutlery are elegantly arranged on the tables. Drawing on experience as a chef at restaurants in France and Sweden, the owner curates a beautifully plated course menu that showcases a harmony of French sensibility and local ingredients.

Guests can choose between two course menus, “Une” and “Deux,” to enjoy a variety of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Depending on the season, the French-style green onion soup is served either hot or cold—a dish that’s comforting and healthful. The first bite is especially striking, thanks to the generous drizzle of Spanish olive oil with the refreshing aroma of green tomato.

Lumache, a snail-shaped Italian pasta, is infused with Spanish olive oil, along with chives, basil, and garlic sourced from Geoncheon Village. A splash of lemon juice adds freshness, while a light topping of mascarpone cheese meringue offers a subtle, nutty taste. The main dish is a lamb fillet gently smoked over straw fire for two hours. Topped with yeolmu (young summer radish) greens and a Korean mint soy sauce infused with savory sesame oil, this dish adds a distinct Korean twist that brings out the charm of the local ingredients.

The dessert selection is also generous. The dessert features soft panna cotta topped with hibiscus granita, with an alluring hint of ginger. This is followed by wild rose tea rich with floral fragrance from dried native roses, and a serving of handmade truffle chocolates, making dessert time truly enchanting.

The cozy space features minimalist interior design and calm music, and listening to expert explanations for each course dish is as enjoyable as savoring the carefully prepared food. Since 2022, the restaurant has been consistently recognized with Blue Ribbon awards—a testament to its quality and credibility. Because hours may vary depending on reservations, calling in advance to check availability and secure a table is highly recommended.

[Juste Une]
Address: 10-5 Hwarang-ro 107beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsanbuk-do
Contact: +82-10-8412-1084
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00–23:00 (Break time: 15:00–17:00), Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

El Rato Gyeongju: A Taste of Mexico in a Hanok

This is the restaurant to visit when you want to step away from traditional Korean food and taste exotic world cuisine. El Rato Gyeongju welcomes you with an entrance set beneath a traditional hanok tiled roof, adorned with cacti and a serene blue pond. Mexican-style rattan lamps and table décor evoke the feeling of a trip to Mexico in the heart of Gyeongju.

El Rato Gyeongju’s menu is diverse and hearty. Its signature fajitas consist of tortillas, grilled meat and vegetables, fresh lettuce and tomatoes, and special sauce, making it perfect for sharing. Diners can choose from chicken, beef, or pork. The dish arrives on a sizzling iron plate, topped with shrimp and cheese, keeping the food warm until it’s finished. Side dishes, including tortillas, salsa, and olives, are refillable.

The guacamole and nacho platter, another customer favorite, combines chunks of fresh avocado, ripe tomatoes, spicy peppers, and Mexican-style spices into a rich dip, served with crispy fried nachos. One bite of nachos generously topped with guacamole brings a refreshing burst of lemon, which makes it truly delightful.

In addition to classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas, seaweed salmon bowls, and burritos, the restaurant also offers a Korean-style twist with its birria ramen, making it fun to explore the menu. There’s also a solid vegan-friendly lineup. Taco, burrito, and bowl items can be ordered vegetarian with beans as the base, or fully vegan by removing dairy ingredients.

[El Rato Gyeongju]
Address: 1045 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsanbuk-do
Contact: +82-507-1463-9026
Hours: 11:30–21:00 (Break time: 15:00–17:00), Closed on Tuesdays

Ku-Udon: A Taste of Authentic Udon in Gyeongju

Ku-Udon is a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet alley off the main street of Hwangnidan-gil in Gyeongju. Its modest and simple exterior, reminiscent of a small Japanese town, catches the eye. With Hwangnidan-gil and Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex nearby, it draws both tourists and loyal udon lovers alike.

Ku-Udon means “to eat udon.” Just like its name, the dishes are straightforward yet satisfying, featuring chewy, al dente noodles that highlight the joy of eating. The dishes prepared by the chef, who studied in Japan, are on par with authentic flavors from the homeland.

Ku-Udon’s signature menus are tempura bukkake udon and pollack roe kamabata udon, offering familiar yet unique noodle dishes. Pollack roe kamabata udon, a warm udon dish, is mixed with Isigny butter, pollack roe, and egg yolk, delivering an exceptionally savory taste. The tempura bukkake udon is topped with fried shrimp, pumpkin, eggplant, and pepper tempura, paired with thick, chewy noodles drenched in fragrant tsuyu sauce, combining chewiness and crispiness in every bite.

Each morning, the chef prepares for the day by hand-making chewy noodles and simmering a deep broth from seven natural ingredients, including mackerel and bonito flakes. The udon is made with great care, featuring perfectly matured noodles and soy sauce free of chemical additives, offering a wholesome taste of nature in every bowl.

[Ku-Udon]
Address: 15-4 Poseok-ro 1068beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsanbuk-do
Contact: +82-507-1351-4689
Hours: 11:00–21:00 (Break time: 15:30–17:00), Closed on Thursdays

Written and Photographed by Travel Writer Min Hye-kyung

※ The information above was written in November 2025 and may be subject to change. Please verify before traveling. ※ All text, photos, videos, and other information used in this article are copyrighted by Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention and Visitors Bureau. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

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