Editing Gyeongju (section)

==Culture and people==

===Cultural properties===
[[File:금관총금관.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Crowns of Silla|A gold crown]] excavated from Gold Crown Tomb. National Treasures of South Korea No. 87.]]
[[File:Divine Bell of King Seongdeok.JPG|thumb|right|Divine [[Bell of King Seongdeok]]]]
Gyeongju is the main destination in South Korea for visitors interested in the cultural heritage of Silla and the architecture of Joseon. The city has 31 [[National Treasure (South Korea)|National Treasures]], and [[Gyeongju National Museum]] houses 16,333 artifacts.<ref name="Brit Edu">{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=1010602&v=43 |script-title=ko:경주시의 교육·문화 |trans-title=Education and culture of Gyeongju |publisher=Nate / Britannica |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055909/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=1010602&v=43 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}</ref> There are four broad categories of relics and historical sites: [[Tumulus|tumuli]] and their artifacts; Buddhist sites and objects; fortresses and palace sites; and ancient architecture. [[Prehistoric Korea|Prehistoric]] remains including [[Mumun pottery period|Mumun pottery]] have been excavated in central Gyeongju, in the Moa-ri and Oya-ri villages of the [[Cheonbuk-myeon, Gyeongju|Cheonbuk-myeon]] district, and in the Jukdong-ri village of the [[Oedong]] district. [[Dolmen]]s are found in several places, especially in [[Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju|Gangdong-myeon]] and Moa-ri. [[Bronze Age]] relics found in Angye-ri village of Gangdong-myeon, Jukdong-ri and Ipsil-ri villages of Oedong-eup and graveyards in the Joyang-dong district represent the [[Samhan]] confederacy period of around the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD.<ref name="relics">{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008023 |script-title=ko:경주시의 유물·유적 |trans-title=Relics and historical sites of Gyeongju |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610062511/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008023 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}</ref>

There are 35 royal tombs and 155 tumuli in central Gyeongju, and 421 tumuli in the outskirts of the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gbtour.net/JSPROOT/CLIENT/htmlContents/view.jsp?Command=&curPage=&searchOrderByCol=HC_VIEW_COUNT&searchAscDesc=DESC&cate_idx=61&hc_idx=1482&styleMode=&styleModeQuery= |script-title=ko:국립공원 |trans-title=National Park |publisher=Gyeongbuk-do province |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-date=2011-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721090748/http://www.gbtour.net/JSPROOT/CLIENT/htmlContents/view.jsp?Command=&curPage=&searchOrderByCol=HC_VIEW_COUNT&searchAscDesc=DESC&cate_idx=61&hc_idx=1482&styleMode=&styleModeQuery= |url-status=dead }}</ref> Silla burial mounds built after the period of the Three Kingdoms are found in central Gyeongju, including tumuli in the districts of Noseo-dong, Nodong-dong, Hwangnam-dong, Hwango-dong and Inwang-dong. Western Gyeongju has the tomb of [[Muyeol of Silla|King Muyeol]] in Seoak-dong, nearby tumuli in Chunghyo-dong and the tomb of [[Kim Yu-sin]]. The tombs of [[Queen Seondeok of Silla|Queen Seondeok]], [[Sinmun of Silla|King Sinmun]], [[Hyogong of Silla|King Hyogong]] and [[Sinmu of Silla|King Sinmu]] are at the base of [[Namsan (Gyeongju)|Namsan]] mountain while the tombs of [[Heongang of Silla|King Heongang]], [[Jeonggang of Silla|King Jeonggang]], [[Gyeongmyeong of Silla|King Gyeongmyeong]] and [[Gyeongae of Silla|King Gyeongae]] are on the slopes of the mountain. In addition to the tombs, tumuli have been found surrounding Namsan mountain and in the western part of Geumgang mountain. Artifacts excavated from the tombs of [[Geumgwanchong]] (gold crown tomb), [[Seobongchong]] (western phoenix tomb), [[Cheonmachong]] (heavenly horse tomb) and northern and southern parts of Tomb No. 98 are good examples of Silla culture.<ref name="relics" />

=== Notable people ===
{{Category see also|People from Gyeongju}}

[[File:Yi hae-hyun of 1504.jpg|thumb|left|alt=[[Yi Che-hyŏn]] (1287–1367), an early Korean Neo-Confucian scholar, whose ''[[bongwan]]'' was Gyeongju.|[[Yi Che-hyŏn]] (1287–1367)]]

Gyeongju has produced notable individuals throughout its history. As the capital of Silla, Gyeongju was a center of culture in its heyday.<ref name="Breen 82" /> Notable Gyeongju residents in the Silla period included most of the kingdom's leading figures, not only rulers but scholars such as [[Seol Chong]] and [[Ch'oe Ch'i-wŏn]],<ref>Yi, Sŭng-hwan (2005), p.78 & 99</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Chang, Il-Gyu |year=2003 |language=en, ko |url=http://www.dbpia.co.kr/view/ar_view.asp?arid=1171013 |title=Choi, chi-won's learning and activity in Tang China |publisher= [[Academy of Korean Studies]] |journal=Korean Studies Quarterly |volume= 26 |issue=2 |pages=111–133, 292–293 |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=273976&v=44 |script-title=ko:최치원 崔致遠 |trans-title=Choe Chi-won |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610053824/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=273976&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}</ref> and generals like [[Kim Yu-sin]], the leader of the [[Hwarang]] warriors.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Alain, Burrese |date=June 2000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=is8DAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Kim+Yu-shin%22&pg=PA155 |title=An American Martial Arts Odyssey in Korea |journal= [[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt]] |publisher=Active Interest Media, Inc. |page=155 |volume=38 |issue=6 }}</ref> The city continued to contribute to [[Korean philosophy|traditional Korean thought]] in subsequent dynasties. Relatives of Ch'oe Ch'i-wŏn such as [[Ch'oe Ŏn-wi]] and [[Ch'oe Hang (Goryeo civil minister)|Ch'oe Hang]] played an important role in establishing the structures of early Goryeo.<ref name="Kim, Chang-hyun p.1-6" /><ref>Kang and Lee (2006), p.70</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=189272&v=42 |script-title=ko:최언위 崔彦撝 |trans-title=Choe Eon-wui |publisher=Nate / Britannica |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610053853/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=189272&v=42 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}</ref> In the Joseon period, Gyeongju joined the rest of Gyeongsang in becoming a hotbed of the conservative ''[[Sarim]]'' faction. Notable Gyeongju members of this faction included the 15th-century intellectual [[Yi Ŏnjŏk]]. He has been enshrined in the [[Oksan Seowon, Gyeongju|Oksan Seowon]] since 1572.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=279101&v=44 |script-title=ko:이언적 (李彦迪) |trans-title=Yi Eon-jeok |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055323/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=279101&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=180007&v=44 |script-title=ko:이언적 (李彦迪) |trans-title=Yi Eon-jeok |publisher=Nate / Britannica |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055455/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=180007&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}</ref><ref name="Angang">{{cite web|url=http://gyeongju.knps.or.kr/eng/visit/visit_7.html |title=Angang area |publisher=Korea National Park |access-date=2009-09-15 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In modern times, the city produced writers such as [[Kim Dongni]] and [[Pak Mok-wol]], both of whom did a great deal to popularize the region's culture,<ref name="KBS Kim Dong-ni" /><ref name="Kim & Fulton">Kim & Fulton (1998), pp.107</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=293446&v=42 |script-title=ko:박목월 (朴木月) |trans-title=Park Mok-wol |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055513/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=293446&v=42 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}</ref> as well as [[Choe Jun]], a wealthy businessman who established the [[Yeungnam University]] Foundation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.segye.com/Articles/NEWS/CULTURE/Article.asp?aid=20071228001731&subctg1=&subctg2= |script-title=ko:대한민국통맥풍수 <57·끝>경주 최부잣집과 자기 풍수 |trans-title=Feng Shui of Republic of Korea <57, the finale> Rich Gyeongju Choe family's house and feng shui |publisher=[[Segye Ilbo]] |date=December 29, 2009 |author=Lee Gyu-won (이규원)|language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06}}</ref>

Some Korean family clans trace their origins to Gyeongju, often to the ruling elites of Silla. For example, the [[Gyeongju Kim clan]] claims descent from the rulers of later Silla.<ref>{{cite news|date=2006-02-12 |url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2684044 |title=Kim at large |publisher= [[JoongAngDaily]] |access-date=2009-08-04}}</ref> The {{Ill|Gyeongju Park clan|ko|경주 박씨}} and {{Ill|Gyeongju Seok clans|lt=Gyeongju Seok clans|ko|월성 석씨}} trace their ancestry to Silla's earlier ruling families. These three royal clans played a strong role in preserving the historical precincts of Gyeongju into modern times.<ref>Kim (1982), p. 30.</ref> The [[Gyeongju Choi clan|Gyeongju Choi]] and {{Ill|Gyeongju Lee|lt=Gyeongju Lee clans|ko|경주 이씨}} also trace their ancestry to the Silla elites. Prominent members of the Gyeongju Lee clan include Goryeo period scholar [[Yi Che-hyŏn]], and Joseon period scholars [[Yi Hwang]] and [[Yi Hang-bok]]. A contemporary notable figure from the Gyeongju Lee clan is [[Lee Byung-chul]], the founder of [[Samsung Group]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Han, Jeong-gon (한정곤) |date=2004-07-29 |url=http://www.ilyosisa.co.kr/SUNDAY/SUN_0445/TM_0202.html |script-title=ko:<재벌가 얽히고 설킨 혼맥 24탄> 삼성그룹 |trans-title=The 24th episode, Intricate connections between chaebol families Samsung Group |publisher=Ilyo Sisa |issue=445 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021163531/http://www.ilyosisa.co.kr/SUNDAY/SUN_0445/TM_0202.html |archive-date=2009-10-21 }}</ref> However, not all Gyeongju clans date to the Silla period; for instance, the Gyeongju Bing clan was founded in the early Joseon period.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2007050774291&nid=000&ltype=1 |script-title=ko:전국 800명 '초미니 가문' "종친어른은 모두 부모님" |trans-title=A total of 800 people nationwide 'The smallest clan' "Seniors of the clan are our parents" |publisher=[[The Korea Economic Daily]] |date=2007-05-07 |author=Park, Min-je (박민제) |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726121533/http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2007050774291&nid=000&ltype=1 |archive-date=2011-07-26 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/society/200601/h2006012610363421950.htm |script-title=ko:姓氏를 말하면 꼭 다시 물어요 |trans-title=People surely questioning again whenever I say my surname |publisher=[[Hankook Ilbo]] |date=2006-01-26 |author=Park, Jong-jin (박종진) |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613223723/http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/society/200601/h2006012610363421950.htm |archive-date=2011-06-13 }}</ref>

===Religion===
The city remains an important centre of [[Korean Buddhism]]. East of the downtown area lies [[Bulguksa]], one of South Korea's largest Buddhist temples; nearby is [[Seokguram]], a famed Buddhist shrine. Traditional prayer locations are found on mountains throughout Gyeongju. Such mountains include [[Namsan (Gyeongju)|Namsan]] near the city center,<ref>Robinson et al. 2007. p.204</ref> Danseok-san and Obong-san in the west, and the low peak of Hyeong-san on the Gyeongju-Pohang border.<ref>Kim, 2003, pp. 136–152.</ref> Namsan in particular is often referred to as "the sacred mountain" due to the Buddhist shrines and statues which cover its slopes.<ref>For example, in the ''Handbook of Korea'' 11th ed., p. 656, and in {{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/archive/repcom00.htm#976|title=World Heritage Committee twenty-fourth session|work=UNESCO WHC Archive|date=2005-07-09 |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref> In addition, Gyeongju is the birthplace of [[Cheondoism]], an indigenous religion to Korea based on [[Korean shamanism]], [[Taoism]] and Korean Buddhism, with elements drawn from [[Christianity]]. The religion evolved from [[Donghak]] (lit. East learning) disciplines established by [[Choe Je-u]]. His birthplace of [[Yongdamjeong]], located in [[Hyeongok-myeon]], is regarded as a sacred place to followers of Cheondogyo.<ref name="Angang" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/eng/frame.asp?top=/eng/02/top.asp&left=/eng/02/left.asp&main=/eng/02/07_01.asp |title=North Culture Vicinity |publisher=Gyeongju City |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613163432/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/eng/frame.asp?top=%2Feng%2F02%2Ftop.asp&left=%2Feng%2F02%2Fleft.asp&main=%2Feng%2F02%2F07_01.asp |archive-date=June 13, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=287947&v=44 |script-title=ko:용담성지 龍潭聖地 |trans-title=Yongdam sacred site |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610062754/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=287947&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}</ref>

=== Cuisine ===
{{see also|Korean cuisine}}

[[File:Korean.cuisine-Gyeongju.bread-01.jpg|thumb|alt=24 buns in golden brown are put in a white rectangular box. The buns are arranged like an abacus.|[[Gyeongju bread]], a local speciality]]

The cuisine of Gyeongju is generally similar to other areas of [[Gyeongsang Province]]: spicy and salty.<ref>{{cite web |date=2008-03-10 |url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=506799 |title=Regional Flavors in Seoul : Top 3 Restaurants of Gyeongsang-do & Gangwon-do Food |publisher=[[Korea Tourism Organization]] |access-date=2009-09-16 |archive-date=2011-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003191052/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=506799 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="KTO Local foods">{{cite web |date=2008-02-05 |url=http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?gotoPage=1&cid=259623 |title=Korean Food Culture Series - Part 7: Local Foods |publisher=[[Korea Tourism Organization]] |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614041150/http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?gotoPage=1&cid=259623 |archive-date=2011-06-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Daegu Bank">{{cite journal|author=Lee, Han-yong (이한용) |date=2002-08-30 |url=http://www.daegubank.co.kr/ICSFiles/afieldfile/2006/06/07/p23_04.pdf |script-title=ko:내 고향 맛 지도 - 경주, 영천, 청도 지역 |trans-title=The map of my town's taste - Gyeongju, Yeongcheon, Cheongdo regions |publisher= Daegu Bank |journal=Hyangto wa Munhwa (향토와 문화)|issue=23|pages=23–28 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref> However, it has distinctive tastes according to region and several local specialties known nationwide.<ref name="Daegu Bank" /> The most famous of these is "[[Gyeongju bread]]" or "Hwangnam bread", a red-bean pastry first baked in 1939 and now sold throughout the country.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Min, Byeong-jun |date=November 2008 |url=http://san.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/10/31/2008103100976_7.html |script-title=ko:(르포라이터 민병준의 향토기행) 경북 경주 |trans-title=(Reporter, Min Byeong-jun's domestic travel sketches) Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province|journal=[[The Chosun Ilbo|Monthly Mountain]] |volume=469|language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jang, Hui-bok (장희복) |date=2002-03-07 |url=http://www.taxtimes.co.kr/hous01.htm?r_id=44884 |script-title=ko:<모범납세자 프로필-철탑산업훈장> 황남빵 |trans-title=Profile of exemplary tax payer-Iron Pagoda, Order of Industrial Service Merit Hwangnam Bread|publisher=Sejeong Sinmun|language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref> ''[[Chalboribbang]]'', made with locally produced [[glutinous barley]], is also a pastry with a filling of [[red bean paste]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/SH_EN_7_2_7_2.jsp |title=Gyeongju|publisher= [[Korea Tourism Organization]] |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref><ref name="idaegu 2007">{{cite news |date=2007-01-26 |url=http://www.idaegu.co.kr/new_gisa.html?uid=121763&part=loc |script-title=ko:경주 재래시장·특산품 |trans-title=Gyeongju traditional markets·local specialties |publisher=Daegu Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718083403/http://www.idaegu.co.kr/new_gisa.html?uid=121763&part=loc |archive-date=2011-07-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Local specialties with a somewhat longer pedigree include ''[[beopju]]'', a traditional Korean liquor produced by the Gyeongju Choe in [[Gyo-dong, Gyeongju|Gyo-dong]]. The brewing skill and distill master were designated as [[Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Korea|Important Intangible Cultural Properties]] by South Korea government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eguide.gj.go.kr/detail_view/Detail_view.jsp?cid=8286&tab=1 |title=Liquor of Gyo-dong in Gyeongju (Local brewing) |publisher=Gyeongju U-Tourism |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722140332/http://eguide.gj.go.kr/detail_view/Detail_view.jsp?cid=8286&tab=1 |archive-date=2011-07-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Park, Ji-Young |url=http://skynews.co.kr/article_print.asp?mcd=121&ccd=6&scd=2&ano=124 |title=Drinks of the Ancients |publisher=[[SkyNews]] |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928140908/http://skynews.co.kr/article_print.asp?mcd=121&ccd=6&scd=2&ano=124 |archive-date=2007-09-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Park, Yeong-chul (박영출) |date=2004-02-04 |url=http://www.munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=2004020401011229031002 |script-title=ko:경주법주-200년된 우물물로 주조 |trans-title=Gyeongju beopju, made with water from a 200 years old well |publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref>

[[File:Korean food-Bibim ssambap and various banchan-01.jpg|thumb|alt=An array of about 10 small side dishes, a bean curd stew, and leaf vegetables on a table.|''[[Ssambap]]'', a rice dish served with vegetable leaves, various small side dishes and condiments]]
Other local specialties include ''[[ssambap]]'', ''[[haejangguk]]'', and ''[[muk (food)|muk]]''.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Lee, Yeon-Jung |year=2006 |url=http://kmbase.medric.or.kr/Main.aspx?d=KMBASE&m=VIEW&i=0665420060210060577 |title=Analysis of Current Use of Local Food of Adults in Gyeongju Classified by Age|journal=한국식생활문화학회지 [Korean Journal of Food Culture]|volume=21 |issue=6 |pages=577–588 |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref> ''Ssambap'' refers to a rice dish served with vegetable leaves, various ''[[banchan]]'' (small side dishes) and condiments such as ''[[gochujang]]'' (chili pepper paste) or ''[[ssamjang]]'' (a mixture of [[doenjang|soybean paste]] and ''gochujang'') to wrap them together. Most ''ssambap'' restaurants in Gyeongju are gathered in the area of Daenuengwon or Grand Tumuli Park.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309379 |title=Travel Highlights |publisher=[[Korea Tourism Organization]] |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614033414/http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309379 |archive-date=2011-06-14 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Haejangguk'' is a kind of [[guk|soup]] eaten as a [[hangover]] cure, and means "soup to chase a hangover".<ref name="Dong-a">{{cite news|url=http://english.donga.com/srv/srv.php3?biid=2001012678930&bicode=04t |title=(Gourmet spot) Grandma's Haejangguk house in Yangjae-dong |publisher=[[The Dong-A Ilbo]] |date=2001-01-26 |author=Kim, Jae-Chan |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606070954/http://english.donga.com/srv/srv.php3?biid=2001012678930&bicode=04t |archive-date=2011-06-06 }}</ref> A street dedicated to ''haejangguk'' is located near [[Gyeongju National Museum]], where 20 ''haejangguk'' restaurants are gathered to serve the Gyeongju-style ''haejangguk''. The soup is made by boiling [[kongnamul|soybean sprout]], sliced ''[[memilmuk]]'' (buckwheat starch jelly), sour [[kimchi]] (pickled vegetables) and [[gulfweed]] in a clear broth of dried anchovy and [[Alaska pollack]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Park, Gyeong-il (박경일) |date=2007-04-04 |url=http://www.munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=2007040401032330024004 |script-title=ko:경주 먹을거리 · 즐길거리와 묵을 곳 |trans-title=Something to eat, enjoy, and lodge in Gyeongju| publisher=[[Munhwa Ilbo]] |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref>

The east district of Gyeongju, [[Gampo-eup]] town, is adjacent to the sea, so fresh seafood and ''[[jeotgal]]'' (fermented salted seafood) are abundant. There are over 240 seafood restaurants in Gampo Harbor offering various dishes made with seafood caught in the sea, such as ''[[hoe (dish)|hoe]]'' (raw fish dishes), ''jeonboktang'' (an abalone soup), grilled seafood and others.<ref>{{cite news|author=Kim, Hyeon-gwan |date=2005-04-07 |url=http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AIAB&no=7012 |script-title=ko:경주지역 상권 불황 '역대 최고' |trans-title=Recession of the commercial district in Gyeongju is 'worst ever' |publisher=Daegu Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002220016/http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AIAB&no=7012 |archive-date=2011-10-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Kim, Hyeon-gwan |date=2005-07-01 |url=http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AKAA&no=139 |script-title=ko:여름 바캉스 경주로 |trans-title=Gyeongju for summer vacation |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002220021/http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AKAA&no=139 |archive-date=2011-10-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Park, Jong-hyeon (박종현) |date=2009-02-05 |url=http://www.segye.com/Articles/News/Culture/Article.asp?aid=20090205003511&ctg1=09&ctg2=00&subctg1=09&subctg2=00&cid=0101050900000 |script-title=ko:살살 녹는 대게살...힘이 쑥쑥 전복탕 |trans-title=Crab meat melted in the mouth and jeonboktang giving stamina|publisher= [[Segye Ilbo]]|language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}</ref>