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As Gyeongju is a popular travel destination visited by tourists from across Korea and around the globe, more and more visitors are seeking out unique restaurants with character. If you’re curious about how cuisines from various countries take on new flavors when combined with Gyeongju’s abundant local ingredients and regional characteristics, do not hesitate to explore the world’s flavors in Gyeongju.

Kkaho: Southeast Asian Cuisine Tailored to Local Tastes

One of the pleasures of travel is trying international dishes reinterpreted in a local style. Kkaho is a place where the spices aren’t overpowering, making it easily recommendable even for those new to Southeast Asian food. The main menu features well-known dishes familiar to Koreans, including pho (rice noodle soup), pu phat phong curry (stir-fried crab with curry sauce), and pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles). The pho’s clear, savory beef broth is especially loved as a hangover remedy. At the same time, the pad thai delivers a satisfying chew paired with a flavorful sauce, while the pu phat phong curry’s crab meat pairs perfectly with rice.

  Recommended for travelers seeking to savor Southeast Asian cuisine tailored to local tastes

Ryoko: Everyone’s Pork Cutlet Destination in Gyeongju

Pork cutlets are loved by people of all ages. But because they’re so universally loved, it’s not easy to find a truly special spot worth recommending. Located on a quiet street near Hwangnidan-gil in Gyeongju, Ryoko is a genuine pork cutlet restaurant that draws endless waiting lines with its tender and moist tenderloin cutlets. Their crisp-fried tenderloin cutlets preserve all the natural juices, and when paired with soft omurice and spicy stir-fried udon, it makes for a Japanese-style home-cooked meal the whole family can enjoy. The flavor is clean and never overpowering—one of its key appeals. Because of the limited space and constant waiting, reservations on Google Maps are highly recommended before visiting

  Recommended for anyone who loves pork cutlets

Hwang-o Bao: A New Take on Chinese Cuisine

These days, the hottest food trend is “spicy flavors.” Hwang-o Bao, meaning “treasure of Hwangnidan-gil,” is a fusion Chinese bar that blends Sichuan cuisine and mala using local ingredients. The venue is divided into bar and table seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal with a wide selection of Chinese liquors. Each dish is crafted with exceptional flavor, perfect either as a pairing with drinks or as a full meal. The Sichuan-style mala hot pot, generously filled with tender beef, vegetables, and noodles; the crispy fried shrimp with homemade mango sauce; the Sichuan lazi chicken; Mongolian beef; and the Yangzhou-style fried rice with perfectly separated grains, all exceed expectations no matter which menu you choose.

  Recommended for travelers looking to spice up their trip with bold flavors and a good drink

DOMi: Global Cuisine in Gyeongju

What does global cuisine taste like in a city steeped in classical history? DOMi is known for its pizzas, such as the truffle-scented funghi (mushroom) pizza with deep, mushroom flavors and the gorgonzola pizza with the sweet-salty charm of cheese drizzled with honey. However, it also offers an impressive range of global dishes beyond pizza: shakshuka served with pita bread, inspired by homemade dishes from tomato-rich regions; basil pesto pasta made using fresh basil directly sourced and prepared from the farm; Greek-style hummus made from ground chickpeas with assorted toppings; Hungarian goulash stew; calzone, a stuffed Italian-style bread; and more. If you want to taste dishes from various countries, local ingredients, all in one place, head to DOMi’s cozy, open kitchen right now!

  Recommended for those craving a variety of international dishes like pizza and pasta all in one spot

While finding distinctive local cuisine is a great joy in travel, discovering your own favorite restaurants that complete familiar tastes with local ingredients and characteristics can be equally enjoyable. With Gyeongju’s unique characteristics as a tourist destination, combined with the abundance of local ingredients, you can discover world flavors on a whole new level from what you’ve experienced before.