As the APEC summit draws international visitors to Korea's historic southeast region, the ancient capital city of Gyeongju is demonstrating that its appeal extends far beyond traditional royal tombs and ancient stone structures. The former seat of Korea's Silla Kingdom, which ruled from 57 BCE to 935 CE, continues to serve as a living museum of Korean history while simultaneously offering travelers an array of regional culinary specialties, contemporary souvenirs, and innovative interpretations of its storied past.

Any culinary journey through Gyeongju must begin with the city's most famous confection, Hwangnam-ppang, also known as Hwangnam Bread or Gyeongjuppang. These distinctive golden, round pastries feature a generous layer of sweet red bean filling and have become synonymous with the city's identity. Equally popular are Chalbori-ppang, or sticky barley buns, which offer a softer texture through their barley-based composition while maintaining the same beloved sweet red bean paste filling. Though these pastries trace their origins to mid-20th century family-owned bakeries, their popularity has not only endured but expanded significantly over the decades. Today, visitors can find these sweet treats sold virtually everywhere throughout the city, from bustling train stations to charming rural boutique shops, providing an accessible way for tourists to experience the region's culinary heritage. The vacuum-sealed packaging ensures these delicacies remain fresh during travel, effectively transforming a centuries-old grain tradition into a practical modern souvenir.

Gyeongju's dining landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving to meet the sophisticated expectations of global travelers who seek both quality cuisine and compelling cultural narratives. Leading this culinary renaissance is Byeolchaeban, an innovative restaurant brand that skillfully reinterprets traditional local ingredients to satisfy both Korean and international palates. The establishment's thoughtfully curated menu showcases ingredients sourced throughout North Gyeongsang Province, presenting dishes that authentically capture the essence of the region's diverse land and sea offerings. Signature dishes include spicy yukgaejang, a hearty soup featuring shredded beef and vegetables, bibimbap enhanced with gondalbi, a native mountain herb that adds unique regional flavor, and elegantly prepared abalone glazed with local fruits from the nearby coastal waters. By combining time-honored traditional flavors with environmentally conscious sourcing practices, Byeolchaeban's culinary philosophy aligns with APEC's broader emphasis on sustainability and regional cooperation, demonstrating how food can serve important diplomatic and cultural bridge-building functions.

The narrow, winding lanes of Hwangnidan-gil have emerged as Gyeongju's most fashionable destination in recent years, successfully blending traditional hanok architecture with modern cafes, innovative dessert bars, and artisanal craft stores. This unique combination has made the area particularly popular among younger travelers and photography enthusiasts seeking Instagram-worthy backdrops. Among the area's standout dining establishments is 987 Pizza, a casual eatery that has gained considerable recognition for its expertly crafted thin-crust pizzas topped with locally sourced ingredients, including the beloved Korean bulgogi. The restaurant's relaxed, beer-friendly atmosphere perfectly embodies the city's harmonious balance between historical preservation and modern innovation, offering diners the experience of enjoying inventive contemporary flavors while surrounded by historic streetscapes. Food bloggers and review sites frequently feature the establishment, with diners consistently praising what they describe as the "unexpectedly perfect pairing of traditional hanok ambiance with innovative Western flavors." Beyond its culinary offerings, Hwangnidan-gil provides an ideal setting for leisurely afternoon exploration, where visitors can browse local pottery studios, sample traditional Korean teas, or simply enjoy the picturesque sight of traditional tiled rooftops glowing warmly in the golden light of the setting sun.

Gyeongju's most distinctive souvenirs cleverly blur the line between cultural artifacts and culinary treats, offering visitors edible mementos of their journey. At the prestigious Gyeongju National Museum, travelers can discover Sumaksae Madeleines, delicate small cakes artistically shaped to replicate the city's iconic "smiling roof-end tile" design from the ancient Silla era. Local bakeries throughout the area have embraced this creative concept, producing Cheonmado cookies and Hwangnidan-gil macarons, each thoughtfully inspired by motifs discovered in ancient Silla tombs or preserved historical murals. For visitors seeking more permanent keepsakes, the National Museum Foundation of Korea has unveiled an impressive 17-item souvenir collection modeled after the magnificent Silla-era gold crown. This comprehensive collection includes practical items such as mugs, elegant jewelry including earrings, traditional robes, and decorative hand fans, all specifically created to commemorate the city's upcoming APEC summit hosting duties. The launch of this special collection coincides perfectly with a major exhibition titled "Silla Gold Crowns, Power and Prestige," which opened on October 28 at the Gyeongju National Museum, providing summit visitors with the unique opportunity to both view and purchase authentic pieces of Korea's royal heritage.

Gyeongju's rich tradition of skilled craftsmanship extends far beyond sweets and snacks, offering visitors a diverse array of artisanal products to take home as lasting memories. The region has maintained its reputation for exceptional beekeeping since ancient times, a legacy that continues today through the production of premium local honey that is marketed as a natural health gift with deep historical roots. Herbal teas crafted from region-specific plants such as gondalbi and mugwort have also gained significant popularity among health-conscious travelers seeking wellness-inspired souvenirs that reflect the area's natural bounty. The city's pottery cooperatives, many of which operate from long-established craft villages that have maintained their traditions for generations, are attracting increasing attention from international visitors. These skilled artisans create exquisite handmade ceramics, often adorned with minimalist glazes and subtle Silla-inspired motifs, that serve as elegant and enduring reminders of Gyeongju's remarkable artistic heritage and its continuing influence on contemporary Korean culture.