2 Best Restaurants in Gyeongju, Side Trips from Busan

The local favorite serves full-course traditional Korean fare, with entrees like bulgogi (marinated beef), jeon (savory pancake), dwaenjang jjigae (bean paste stew), and fried fish, all accompanied by myriad side dishes. Not only is the food terrific, but the service is top notch, and the old hanok house the restaurant calls home adds to the charm. Make sure to order a bottle of their locally made dong-dong ju or cheongju (rice wines) to wash it all down, or if tea is more your thing, choose a healthy brew from their expansive list.

Specializing in quality cuts of marbleized beef grilled over red hot coals, this friendly, family-owned restaurant has an attentive staff that goes out of their way to make sure your slices are barbecued to perfection. If you're feeling adventurous they also serve yook hoe, a raw beef dish that is Korea's version of steak tartare.