Late-lunch solbap at a Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil restaurant: Handa Sot

What kind of restaurant is Handa Sot Gyeongju?

📍 Handa Sot Gyeongju

If you want a filling meal during a Gyeongju trip, I'd recommend Handa Sot Gyeongju, where you can enjoy pot rice and grilled fish together. It's located on Hwangnidan-gil, close to Cheomseongdae Observatory and Daereungwon Tomb Complex, so it's a great place to eat after touring Gyeongju's main sights. With freshly made pot rice and fish grilled over a wood fire, it also suits a family trip with kids or a meal with parents.

Handa Sot Gyeongju

Where to park at the entrance of Hwangnidan-gil

This was Handa Sot Gyeongju, our very first meal of a 2-night, 3-day trip with friends. Being right at the entrance of Hwangnidan-gil, it's easy to find, and with an empty lot right next to the store plus nearby public parking lots, you can visit by car without worrying about parking.

Why was the 2nd floor full even after lunchtime?

We arrived in Gyeongju a bit late and visited past lunchtime, yet the place was packed. I heard the 2nd floor had a better view and asked for it, but it was full — so, confession, we ended up on the 1st floor..

Ordering by kiosk at Handa Sot, plus the review event

Ordering at Handa Sot Gyeongju is done through a kiosk. There's also a review event running, so make sure to leave a review and grab your free juice >.<

The menu is split into set meals and pot rice. Set meals require 2 or more people, so if you're dining solo or just want more variety, I'd recommend the pot rice too :)

How does the soy-braised pork belly solbap taste?

We ordered the wood-fired grilled fish set (for two) and the soy-braised whole pork belly pot rice. The set meal came with a variety of side dishes.

The soy-braised whole pork belly pot rice passed the visual test right away! The whole pork belly itself had no gamey smell, braised down in savory soy sauce until it practically melted in the mouth.

It made for a proper, neat spread — every bite was a joy >.<

What comes with the wood-fired grilled fish set, and eating it with a child

The wood-fired grilled fish set centers on 3 types of fish grilled at 500°C, served with an 8-side-dish spread and pot rice — a hearty, healthy spread that made for a meal without feeling heavy.

Laid out like this it looks even more generous! The side dishes were mildly seasoned, which I liked, and the fish had no fishy smell and just the right seasoning, so kids can enjoy it comfortably too — I'd recommend it for families with young kids!

Who Handa Sot Gyeongju suits best

If you're looking for a clean Korean meal in Gyeongju, or a place near Hwangnidan-gil to eat with parents or family, I'd recommend Handa Sot Gyeongju, where you can enjoy warm pot rice and wood-fired grilled fish together :)