Gyeongju's Local Favorite: Bak Yongja Gyeongju Myeongdong Jjolmyeon Main and Bulguksa Branches

Bak Yongja Gyeongju Myeongdong Jjolmyeon is a highly popular restaurant in Gyeongju, cherished by both locals and tourists. It is particularly famous for its unique warm jjolmyeon and other soup-based jjolmyeon dishes, which are hard to find elsewhere. The restaurant has consistently received the Blue Ribbon award since 2019 and has been recognized as a Gyeongju World Restaurant, solidifying its reputation for quality and taste.

The establishment operates two branches: the main branch near Daereungwon and the Bulguksa branch close to Bulguksa Temple. The main branch has been featured on popular TV shows like Baek Jong-won's Top 3 Chefs and Master of Living. It is known for its chewy, homemade noodles and a well-aged bibim sauce. The menu is concise but specialized, offering dishes such as yubu jjolmyeon, odeng jjolmyeon, bibim jjolmyeon, and a seasonal cold jjolmyeon (available from May to September), with orders placed via a kiosk system.

Bloggers have noted that despite potentially long waiting times, the quick turnover allows for faster entry than expected. The warm jjolmyeon, in particular, left a lasting impression, and the cold jjolmyeon was also highlighted as a must-try. The interior of the restaurant features a cozy Hanok-inspired atmosphere, and it operates on a self-service basis for convenience. Its proximity to major tourist spots like Daereungwon and Bulguksa makes it an ideal dining stop during a Gyeongju trip.