Foodie’s Guide To Restaurants & Cafes in Gyeongju, Korea’s Ancient Capital – Hwangnidan-gil (황리단길)
Gyeongju (경주) is famous for being the capital of Korea during the Silla dynasty and is a must‑visit destination during your time in Korea. From the old burial mounds to cultural villages, observatories, Anapji Pond, and Bulguksa Temple, it is easy to see why Gyeongju is often referred to as a “museum without walls.”
Another area that should be on your list is Hwangnidan‑gil (황리단길). A burgeoning foodie haven amidst Korea’s history and traditions, this street and the surrounding lanes are packed with Gyeongju restaurants and cafes, with new places constantly popping up. You’re almost guaranteed to find something for everyone.
Here are 10 great restaurants & cafes in Gyeongju:
Cafe Nerd / 카페 너드
Cafe Nerd blends minimalist design with a cozy, intellectual charm. This Australian‑style brunch cafe is known for beautifully plated dishes and specialty drinks that have made it an Instagram favorite with both locals and travelers. Whether you want to relax with a book or capture the perfect photo, it offers a calm, stylish escape just off Hwangnidan‑gil.
Address: 101-1 원효로 Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Hours: Thu-Mon(화수휴무) 8:30 – 16:00 (last order 15:00)
Bitgguri / 빛꾸리
Bitgguri is one of Hwangnidan‑gil’s classic hanok teahouses, set in a 100‑year‑old house with floor seating and a quiet, traditional atmosphere. It’s famous for pastel‑colored rice cake snacks with honey and a menu of traditional drinks—think citron tea, misutgaru, omija, and more—made with house‑prepared syrups.
Hours: 11:00–20:00, closed Tuesdays (no kids policy; 1 drink per person).
Phone number : 054-777-4421
Address: 16‑1 Sonhyoja‑gil, Hwangnam‑dong, Gyeongju‑si, Gyeongsangbuk‑do
Pipo Coffee / 피포커피
Pipo Coffee is a small, cozy cafe near Hwangnidan‑gil that’s become popular for its chewy “쫀득쿠키” (chewy cookies) and specialty coffee. The space is compact but pet‑friendly, and it’s ideal if you want to avoid the busiest main‑street cafes and enjoy a quieter break with something sweet.
Address: 59, 1058‑7 Poseok‑ro, Hwangnam‑dong, Gyeongju‑si, Gyeongsangbuk‑do
Hours: 11:00–19:00, last order 18:45.
Seasoning / 시즈닝
Seasoning pairs a traditional hanok exterior with a modern, white‑and‑wood interior and is a go‑to spot for pasta and rice dishes in Hwangnidan‑gil. Its plates are as photogenic as they are tasty, which makes it especially popular with young couples and friend groups looking for a sit‑down Gyeongju restaurant experience.
Hours: 10:30–21:00, break 15:30–17:00, last order 20:30, closed Tuesdays.
Address: 25‑2 Cheomseong‑ro 99beon‑gil, Gyeongju‑si, Gyeongsangbuk‑do
Oncheonjib / 온천집
Oncheonjib is a Japanese‑style shabu‑shabu chain that might be one of the prettiest restaurants in the Hwangnidan‑gil area. An avenue of bamboo, wicker lanterns, and white gravel leads you to a wooden hanok with big glass windows, giving it a resort‑like feel. You can have shabu‑shabu for one, a roast beef steak rice bowl, or a truffle rice bowl with fries—all beautifully presented.
Hours: 11:00–21:00, break 15:00–17:00 (no break on weekends); expect waits at peak times.
Address: 13 Sajeong‑ro 57beon‑gil, Hwangnam‑dong, Gyeongju‑si, Gyeongsangbuk‑do
Pizaok / 피자옥
izaok serves focaccia‑style pizza, steak, and pasta in a cozy hanok. If you love chewy, crusty focaccia and big flavors, this is a great place to refuel after walking around the royal tombs. The focaccia pizzas are generous and perfect for sharing, so bring friends and order a few different toppings.
Hours: 11:00–20:30, break 15:15–17:00 (no break on holidays/weekends).
Address: 1 Sonhyoja‑gil, 1F, Hwangnam‑dong, Gyeongju‑si, Gyeongsangbuk‑do
Roamers Coffee / 로머스커피
Near Bulguksa Temple, Roamers Coffee is a great stop before or after seeing Bulguksa and Seokguram Grotto. The second floor has large windows framing the mountains, making it feel more like a small view cafe than a simple coffee stop. Try a croissant sandwich with a black sesame latte for a satisfying break from sightseeing.
Hours: 08:30–18:00, closed Tuesdays
Address: Bulguksinji 7-gil, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 11
Venzamas / 벤자마스
Venzamas is a popular brunch cafe on the opposite side of the main tourist sights from Hwangnidan‑gil, so it’s a little harder to reach without a car—but many locals say it’s worth it. The modern buildings look out over farmland and low mountains, so you get a countryside vibe with polished brunch dishes like beef brisket salad and the house Venzamas Brunch.
Hours: 10:00–24:00, open year‑round.
Address: 369 Alcheonbuk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Bonjeon Makpo / 본전막포
Bonjeon Makpo is a beloved makgeolli bar just outside the Hwangnidan‑gil area in “real” Gyeongju city, and it’s worth the 15–20 minute walk. The walls are covered in comic book pages and layered with sticky notes from guests raving about the place. They serve a wide range of flavored makgeolli and generous anju, so even if you’re not a big makgeolli fan, the atmosphere and food make it a memorable stop.
Hours: every day Open, 18:00 – 01:00, 23:50 Last order
Address: 10‑5 Taejong‑ro 685beon‑gil, Gyeongju‑si, Gyeongsangbuk‑do
For more ideas on what to see between these Gyeongju restaurants and cafes, check our updated guide to things to do in Gyeongju !
The next time you visit Korea’s ancient capital, make sure to wander Hwangnidan‑gil and its side streets—not just for the food and coffee, but for the fashion boutiques, bookshops, photo studios, and cute gift shops tucked between them.
1 comment
Irene Ahimah
Totally! There’s always a new cafe to explore.