A Warm Meal Encountered After a Stroll in Daereungwon, Gyeongju: Ipungnyeo Guro Ssambap

Hunger Brought on by the Green Breeze of Daereungwon

Gyeongju's afternoon is an especially deep shade of green. If you walk along the landscape where the ancient tombs of Daereungwon(Daereungwon) stretch out in gentle curves, your footsteps naturally head toward the alleys of Hwangnam-dong(Hwangnam-dong). Following the pleasant aroma of food carried on the breeze, I arrived at 'Ipungnyeo Guro Ssambap(Ipungnyeo Guro Ssambap)'. The savory scent of soybean paste and the warmth of freshly cooked rice felt the moment I entered the entrance instantly disarmed the weary traveler's steps.

A Meeting of Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do Where the Table Groans

Once you sit down and place your order, a massive table is brought out in its entirety before long. The expression 'the table legs are about to break' fits perfectly. The biggest charm of this place is the harmony between the generous hospitality of Jeolla-do and the neat side dishes of Gyeongsang-do. The salty fermented fish(jeotgal), which stimulates the appetite, shows the deep flavors of Jeolla-do, while the crunchy and clean cabbage kimchi(geotjeori) and various pickled vegetables(jangajji) showcase the unique mildness of Gyeongsang-do.

I liked that there was no need to worry about complex choices, as the restaurant operates with a single Ssambap set menu. The Tteokgalbi(Tteokgalbi) added as a side dish was sweet and full of juices that anyone, from children to adults, would love. Above all, it is said that the wrap vegetables using seasonal produce change with each season, so I am already looking forward to what vegetables I will taste on my next visit to Gyeongju.

Gyeongju Travel, a Time Connecting Taste and Style

This place is located right near Daereungwon, making it very convenient to plan your route. After taking a walk around the tomb complex, it is in a perfect location to visit at lunchtime for a hearty meal and then explore the trendy cafes of Hwangnidan-gil(Hwangnidan-gil). I visited a little early to avoid the slightly crowded lunch hour, which allowed me to sit by the window and enjoy my meal at a leisurely pace. It was even better because the atmosphere is such that even solo travelers can comfortably enjoy a full bowl of Ssambap.

the unique, tranquil atmosphere of the city of Gyeongju and the warm meal filled with care were enough to wash away the fatigue of travel. While fancy gourmet food is great, sometimes you just long for a table set with seasonal vegetables and neat side dishes. I leave here having truly satisfied my precious meal in Gyeongju.