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What to taste, shop for in Gyeongju, from Hwangnam bread to crown-inspired souvenirs
Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, thought to be the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, was constructed during the Silla Kingdom period (57 BCE-935 CE). gettyimagesbank
By Pyo Kyung-min
With the APEC summit bringing visitors from all over the globe to Korea's historic southeast, Gyeongju is ready to show that its charm goes beyond royal tombs and stone pagodas.
Once the seat of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BCE-935 CE), the city in present-day North Gyeongsang Province remains a living showcase of history — but it's also a place where travelers can enjoy regional flavors, trendy souvenirs and creative reinterpretations of the past.
Hwangnam-ppang / Captured from Instagram (@silla_gyeongju)
Sweet beginnings
No visit to Gyeongju begins without its signature Hwangnam-ppang, also known as Gyeongju-ppang, a golden, round pastry with a thick filling of sweet red bean paste. Chalbori-ppang, a kind of sticky barley bread also filled with the same bean paste, is another popular local treat.
The pastries were developed by local family-run bakeries in the first half of the 20th century, but their popularity has endured and expanded with time. Now sold almost everywhere in the city, from train stations to boutiques to rural shops, these sweet treats offer visitors a simple way to sample the region's identity.
The treats come packaged for tourists to take home, turning an old tradition into a modern souvenir.
Yukgaejang (shredded beef and vegetable soup) served at Byeolchaeban, a restaurant in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Gyeongju City
Local dining
In recent years, Gyeongju's dining scene has evolved to meet global expectations for quality and storytelling. Among its standouts is Byeolchaeban, a restaurant that reinterprets local ingredients to cater to both Korean and international tastebuds.
The menu highlights ingredients sourced from across North Gyeongsang Province, presenting dishes that capture the essence of region's land and sea, including spicy yukgaejang (shredded beef and vegetable soup), bibimbap seasoned with gondalbi (a local mountain herb) and abalone from nearby coastal waters.
By combining traditional flavors with sustainable sourcing, Byeolchaeban's approach also reflects APEC's broader themes of sustainability and regional cooperation, showing visitors how food can also have a diplomatic function.
Gyeongju's 987 Pizza offers pizza topped with local ingredients. Captured from Instagram (@987pizza)
Modern revival
In recent years, the narrow lanes of Hwangnidan-gil have turned the area into Gyeongju's trendiest. The area mixes traditional hanok architecture with modern cafes, dessert bars and craft stores, making it a favorite for young travelers and photo enthusiasts.
Among the standouts is 987 Pizza, a casual eatery known for its thin-crust pizza topped with local ingredients, such as bulgogi, and its Gyeongju-themed beers. Its easy-going vibe captures the city's balance of old and new: historic streets outside, inventive flavor inside. The restaurant frequently appears on food blogs and review sites, where diners praise its "unexpectedly perfect pairing of hanok ambiance and Western flavor."
Beyond food, Hwangnidan-gil is ideal for an afternoon stroll. Visitors can browse pottery studios, try traditional teas or simply enjoy the sight of tiled roofs glowing under the setting sun.
Sumaksae Madeleine / Courtesy of Gyeongju National Museum
Souvenirs you can eat — or keep
Gyeongju's most distinctive artifacts have also been made edible.
At Gyeongju National Museum, visitors can find Sumaksae madeleines, small cakes made to resemble the city's iconic "smiling" Silla era roof-end tile. Other bakeries nearby have produced "Cheonmado" cookies in the shape of a flying horse, inspired by famed painting found in one of the most famous Silla tombs, and Hwangnidan-gil macarons, also inspired by the designs and motifs of the ancient kingdom.
For something longer lasting, the National Museum Foundation of Korea has released a new 17-item collection of souvenirs modeled after Silla-era gold crowns, including mugs, earrings, robes and hand fans to commemorate the city's upcoming APEC summit.
The launch coincides with a special exhibition, "Silla Gold Crowns, Power and Prestige," opening Oct. 28 at the Gyeongju National Museum, giving summit visitors a chance to see and bring home a reminder of Korea's royal heritage.
The collection of 17 cultural souvenirs inspired by Silla-era artifacts, released to commemorate the upcoming APEC summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Gyeongju National Museum
Honey, teas and ceramics
Gyeongju's tradition of craftsmanship runs deep, offering visitors plenty of options for momentos.
The region has been known for its beekeeping since ancient times, a legacy that continues today through premium local honey. Herbal teas made from regional plants such as gondalbi and mugwort have also become popular among travelers seeking wellness-inspired souvenirs.
The city's pottery cooperatives, many based in long-standing craft villages, are likewise attracting increasing attention from overseas visitors. Their handmade ceramics, often burnished and adorned with Silla-inspired motifs, stand as elegant reminders of Gyeongju's enduring artistic heritage.