# Gyeongju Korean restaurant: extra mackerel with lemon, Handa Sot - By Table Drafter (https://superchart.com/en/@daegu-table-drafts/) - Written Jul 23, 2026 - Local places › Restaurants › Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk - Sponsored: This post is a visit review written after the restaurant provided the meal. - English edition: https://superchart.com/en/@daegu-table-drafts/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/ - Also in: [한국어](https://superchart.com/ko/@daegu-table-drafts/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/index.md) · [日本語](https://superchart.com/ja/@daegu-table-drafts/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/index.md) ## In short Handa Sot Gyeongju is a Korean restaurant serving pot rice (sotbap) and kiln-grilled fish on Cheomseong-ro, near Hwangnidan-gil in Gyeongju. Dining with a child, the writer ordered galbi (short rib) pot rice and a mackerel set meal, then added one more mackerel. With lemon squeezed over it, the mackerel tasted fresh with no fishy smell, and the child liked the side dishes enough to ask for refills. Handa Sot Gyeongju is a good stop for a mild, home-style meal during a trip to Gyeongju. ## Good to know - **Address**: 111 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do - **Parking**: Parking in front of the building was available on the day of the visit; the public parking lot across the street is another option - **What we ordered**: Galbi (short rib) pot rice and a mackerel set meal with one extra mackerel - **Served with**: Seaweed soup and side dishes such as anchovies and mackerel (refills were available) *as written by the visitor on Jul 23, 2026* ![Main photo of Handa Sot Gyeongju near Hwangnidan-gil, Gyeongju](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-01-1gow6-1200.webp) ![Opening photo of the visit to Handa Sot Gyeongju](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-02-n3ffn-900.webp) ## When you want a clean, simple Korean meal on Hwangnidan-gil Handa Sot Gyeongju (한다솥 경주점) is a pot rice (solbap) and grilled fish restaurant close to Hwangnidan-gil. When you travel to Gyeongju, you end up hunting for good restaurants around Hwangnidan-gil, and this time I wanted a clean, simple Korean meal, so I went to Handa Sot Gyeongju. Strong, punchy food is great at tourist spots, but at some point on a trip you start craving a warm, home-style meal. ![Photo showing the location of Handa Sot Gyeongju on Cheomseong-ro](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-03-9di4p-900.webp) ## Where do you park at Handa Sot Gyeongju? Handa Sot Gyeongju isn't hard to find! Just punch it into your navigation and you're there! Today parking in front of the building was available. There's also a public parking lot across the street you can use! ![Front of the Handa Sot Gyeongju building and parking](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-04-1sy3i-900.webp) ## Atmosphere and features of Handa Sot Gyeongju Handa Sot Gyeongju is close to Hwangnidan-gil, so it's easy to get to, and it was a clean, comfortable place for a relaxed meal. It felt easy to visit with family, friends or a partner. I heard Handa Sot cooks its grilled fish in a kiln using natural volcanic stone, which cuts down on grease and keeps the flavor light. They also say they make the pot rice with seasonal ingredients and specially selected rice, so I was even more excited. ![Green scenery outside seen from Handa Sot Gyeongju](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-05-17qrq-900.webp) ![Green view through the window at Handa Sot Gyeongju](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-06-1ui0m-900.webp) ![Gyeongju scenery seen from inside Handa Sot Gyeongju](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-07-g7p5q-900.webp) Nice view, right? So green~ Just looking at it was healing. ![Public parking lot near Handa Sot Gyeongju](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-08-jxbpt-900.webp) For parking, use the nearby public parking lot! ![Pot rice table setting ordered at Handa Sot Gyeongju](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-09-15et1-900.webp) ![Freshly cooked Handa Sot pot rice with side dishes](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-10-1r9qw-900.webp) ## How were the pot rice and grilled fish? The pot rice at Handa Sot Gyeongju came out freshly cooked, and a nutty aroma spread the moment I lifted the lid. The grains were moist but still had texture, and the side dishes were neatly arranged, so it was a satisfying meal. The grilled fish was crisp outside and moist inside, and it went really well with the pot rice. ![Handa Sot side dishes the child asked to have refilled](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-11-jpno1-900.webp) ## Is it OK to eat here with a child? My child asked for a refill of the side dishes at Handa Sot Gyeongju! It's a good menu to eat with kids. ![Pot rice set options at Handa Sot Gyeongju](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-12-r7npi-900.webp) Another plus is that there are various pot rice dishes and set combinations, so you can choose to suit your taste. If you want a hearty meal on your trip, or a Gyeongju rice restaurant to visit with your parents, it seems like a good choice. ![Handa Sot side dishes including seaweed soup and anchovies](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-13-11cs7-900.webp) The seaweed soup, anchovies, mackerel and other sides were really good for a child to eat, too. The interior has a natural wood-tone design that feels cozy, and the seats are spaced generously, so we could eat at ease. The staff were kind, too, so we finished the meal in a good mood. ![Wood-toned interior of Handa Sot Gyeongju and the meal](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-14-y4s8q-900.webp) If you crave Korean food on Hwangnidan-gil in Gyeongju and want hearty pot rice and grilled fish, I recommend Handa Sot Gyeongju. It's great for filling an empty stomach after sightseeing, and anyone who likes clean Korean food should be happy here. Next time I'm in Gyeongju, I definitely want to try the other pot rice dishes. ## What we ordered: galbi pot rice and a mackerel set with extra mackerel ![Galbi pot rice at Handa Sot Gyeongju](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-15-1p6i8-900.webp) This is the galbi (short rib) pot rice.. ![Handa Sot mackerel set with one extra mackerel added](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-16-1xcw5-900.webp) I added one more mackerel to the mackerel set. ![Kiln-grilled mackerel at Handa Sot Gyeongju](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-17-1r79e-900.webp) ![Handa Sot grilled mackerel served with lemon](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-18-w6y7r-900.webp) Squeezing lemon on it made it fresh and took away the fishy smell. ![Squeezing lemon over Handa Sot grilled mackerel](https://img.superchart.com/images/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish-19-1vc0c-900.webp) Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon makes it really delicious! ## After the meal at Handa Sot Gyeongju After the meal, I could see why so many people visit Handa Sot Gyeongju. The warmth and fluffy texture typical of stone-pot rice lasted to the very end, and the side dishes went so well together that I emptied my bowl in no time. The sides weren't salty, so you could taste the ingredients themselves, and the lineup was easy for anyone, of any age, to enjoy. When you travel around Gyeongju, there are moments you crave Korean food, and I thought this is a good restaurant to visit then. After a hearty meal I had the energy to continue the trip, and the atmosphere is comfortable even with a child, which made me even happier. The place was kept clean overall, and the food came out neatly plated, which was a pleasure to look at. Above all, I remember finishing the meal with the nurungji (scorched rice) left in the stone pot, which made it a really complete meal. If you're looking for healthy Korean food and neat stone-pot rice in Gyeongju, I'd recommend Handa Sot Gyeongju. It felt like a place both tourists and Gyeongju locals can visit comfortably, and I'd like to come back with my family to try other dishes. If you want a hearty meal on your trip, I recommend stopping by at least once. ## Where it is - Handa Sot Gyeongju (한다솥 경주점) - 111 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, South Korea (경상북도 경주시 첨성로 111) - 경상북도 경주시 첨성로 111 - 35.833264, 129.21447 - Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/%ED%95%9C%EB%8B%A4%EC%86%A5%20%EA%B2%BD%EC%A3%BC%EC%A0%90/@35.833264,129.21447,17z --- Superchart · https://superchart.com/en/@daegu-table-drafts/gyeongju-handasot-mackerel-set-extra-fish/ · https://superchart.com/llms.txt