Gyeongju Wonjo Kongguk — Restaurant in Gyeongju-si

local favorite with a sacred view...

we visited gyeongju wonjo kongguk in june 2025 and had a lovely, memorable lunch experience surrounded by nature and tradition. this is a place where you write down your name at the entrance and wait to be called — a nice system that ensures order and adds to the authentic local feel. among the waiting guests (we were number 42!), my son and ı were the only foreigners — the rest were all korean, which tells you something about the restaurant’s reputation.

we went for the most popular dish: hot soybean soup (option 1) — a light, slightly sweet soup with rice cakes. ıt reminded me of a warm bowl of sweet oat porridge, but with a very korean twist. seating is traditional, on the floor, and shoes are removed at the entrance as expected in many local spots.

the place is simple, spotlessly clean, and incredibly warm and welcoming. what truly elevates it is the serene atmosphere — the restaurant faces a view of small, lush green hills across the road. they’re not just hills: these are tumuli (or gobun in korean), ancient royal and noble tombs from the silla kingdom. built with stones and covered with earth to resemble natural mounds, they represent harmony with nature and deep ancestral respect. recognized by unesco as a world heritage site, they give the whole experience a spiritual and historical layer that’s rare in a restaurant setting.

price: 8,000 won per person — very reasonable for such a wholesome and meaningful meal. highly recommended if you want something traditional, peaceful, and...

Pics are of before and after mixing

When my wife suggested we go here I wasn't sure what to expect. I love all thr various versions of tofu dish that I've had in Korea and know that you really can't go wrong with a restaurant that makes its own. Still... bean soup sounded a little bland.

I got #1, my wife got #3. While it may seem like they would be very similar (the only real differences being an egg yolk and brown sugar in hers while mine had more bean powders and honey), they were very different.

Hers was thinner and sweater; it tasted almost like western oatmeal without the oats. Mine was thicker and more savory, almost like 미숫가루 (the roasted grain drink).

A thoroughly...

Great local food. The portion may not look so big but it's very filling. I had Chigae, the set meal with fish. Very satisfying. The place is easy to find by the main road, although Google Map seems to suggest it in the small alley.

Based on my visit, it wasn't touristy at all because I was the only non-Korean. The menu is also written in English, not just the Romanised food name but also a proper description in English, so you know what you're ordering. The price is reasonable - and they accept credit cards just like most...