Uncovering Gyeongju’s Best Bars – Where History Meets Hospitality

Gyeongju, often called “the museum without walls,” is best known for its ancient tombs, Buddhist relics, and serene landscapes. But beyond the historic sites, I discovered something unexpected—a quietly thriving gastronomic scene. After the relentless energy of Seoul, Gyeongju offers a welcome change of pace. Here, the bars are small and intimate, deeply rooted in Korean identity while embracing global influences.

I had the pleasure of exploring two exceptional places – Bar Prep and Bar Boon- each offering a distinct experience. Both are equally welcoming yet different in style and character. Bar Prep embodies Scandinavian-inspired simplicity—sleek, uncluttered, and precise. With only a few carefully chosen bottles on display, it exudes quiet confidence and restraint. Bar Boon, in contrast, is rich with detail—its shelves lined with an eclectic mix of spirits and jars, creating an atmosphere that feels layered, warm, and full of stories. Though distinct in design and energy, both share a deep commitment to hospitality and the craft of a well-made drink.

If Bar Prep were a cocktail, it would be a classic Dry Martini—elegant, clean, and impeccably crafted, with a sense of precision and clarity. Bar Boon, on the other hand, would be a Negroni with a local twist—bold, balanced, and rich with layers, each ingredient carefully chosen to highlight unique regional flavours. Both bars offer an experience rooted in craftsmanship, each captivating in its own way.

Bar Prep: A Relaxed Haven with Classic Elegance

Tucked away in a quiet part of Gyeongju, Bar Prep offers a cosy, well-designed atmosphere that immediately makes you feel at ease. The seating is just right—no towering bar stools here, just comfortable chairs where your feet rest firmly on the ground, making the whole experience feel grounded and unpretentious. It’s the kind of place that invites you to relax and enjoy the moment, and it’s clear that every detail has been thoughtfully considered.

The bar itself is compact, creating an intimate setting where conversation flows effortlessly. It’s the sort of place where you might strike up a chat with a stranger.

Bar Prep’s charm lies in its simplicity: it focuses on classic cocktails done properly, with an emphasis on balance and precision. The bartenders here are skilled, but there’s no sense of pretension—just great drinks served with quiet confidence.

One of the standout elements at Bar Prep is its commitment to quality ingredients and the subtle art of cocktail-making. It’s a place where you can truly taste the craftsmanship in every glass.

Temonje 1779: A Unique Korean Spirit with a Rich Legacy

During my time in Gyeongju, I was introduced to Temonje 1779, a premium Korean spirit that quickly became my favourite. Made exclusively from hand-harvested glutinous rice (chapssal), Temonje 1779 undergoes a meticulous fermentation process followed by a 100-day maturation at low temperatures. This careful aging transforms the rice’s savory notes into a smooth, non-viscous flavour profile, with fresh fruit aromas that evoke a subtle sweetness.

What struck me most about Temonje 1779 was its resemblance to sherry—its deep, nutty undertones and subtle hints of dried fruit give it a sherry-like quality, but with a distinct Korean twist. The mild herbal finish adds an additional layer of complexity, making it an excellent base for cocktails or even enjoyed neat. With an alcohol content ranging between 18% and 25%, Temonje 1779 sits within the same range as traditional Korean spirits like soju and makgeolli, but it stands apart due to its refined, complex flavour.

The name “1779” is inspired by the year the spirit’s heritage dates back to, reflecting a deep connection to tradition. The bottle design itself draws inspiration from Silla-era pottery, blending historical elegance with modern craftsmanship. Each bottle is individually handcrafted, a testament to the care and artistry involved in producing this unique spirit. Temonje 1779 quickly became a memorable part of my journey through Gyeongju, bridging the worlds of tradition and innovation in Korean mixology.

The two signature cocktails I tried at Bar Prep that featured Temonje 1779 were standout examples of the spirit’s versatility.

Gyeongju: This cocktail was a delicate yet flavourful blend of Temonje 1779, lemon, gyul syrup (a type of Korean citrus), egg white solution, and a touch of edible perfume. The balance of tangy citrus and smooth sweetness, combined with the herbal complexity of Temonje 1779, made for a wonderfully refreshing drink.

Bi-Jou: The Bi-Jou was a more intricate creation, pairing Temonje 1779 with peanut butter-washed bourbon, cinnamon, jujube, ginger, and peppermint. What truly set this drink apart was the use of the flavour blaster, which infused the drink with aromatic elements that perfectly complemented the deep, spiced layers of the cocktail. It was a true testament to the creativity and skill behind the bar at Bar Prep.

I visited Bar Prep twice during my stay to enjoy the calm, friendly atmosphere. The bar opens at 16:00, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring the city. There’s also a small but well-curated food menu that pairs beautifully with the cocktails. I can personally vouch for the Western-style pasta, which complemented my drink selections perfectly.

Bar Prep is a quiet gem in the heart of Gyeongju, offering not just excellent cocktails, but a sense of calm and connection to the craft of bartending. With its unpretentious yet elegant atmosphere, Bar Prep invites you to slow down, savour your drink, and enjoy the art of conversation. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply seeking a relaxing place to unwind, this bar is a must-visit in Gyeongju. And for anyone new to Korean spirits, Temonje 1779 offers a delightful and unique tasting experience that will stay with you long after the last sip.

 

Bar Boon: A Bold, Korean-Inspired Experience

After a relaxed evening at Bar Prep, I spent the following night at Bar Boon, a striking contrast to the understated elegance of my previous stop. Tucked away in Hwangnam Market, this intimate bar exudes warmth, with music and an unmistakable sense of character. You can sit at the long wooden bar counter, where the bartenders craft each drink with care, or head upstairs to a cozy seating area with tables—perfect for a more private experience.

The owner, Jay Choi, refined his craft in San Diego before returning to Korea, and his drinks reflect both international experience and a strong local identity. The menu leans into Korean ingredients – herbs, spices, and traditional flavours – giving classic cocktails a distinctive twist. There’s a sense of storytelling behind every drink, a careful layering of flavours that makes each sip feel deliberate and meaningful. But unlike some bars where this approach feels overly theatrical, here it comes across as natural – an extension of the bartender’s passion rather than a gimmick.

One standout was the Spicy Trifoliate Orange, a bold, citrus-forward drink with a fiery kick. Made with Campari, trifoliate orange, ginger honey, Chungyang pepper, and lime, it had a beautifully balanced interplay of sweet, tart, bitter, and spicy. Made with mezcal, the smokiness added an extra layer of depth. The oranges themselves come from a tree at the owner’s home, a small but meaningful connection to Gyeongju’s history.

But the drink that truly surprised me was a Kimchi cocktail. Served in a Korean tiki mug, the Winter White Cobbler was an unexpected yet seamless combination of Temonje 1779, winter white kimchi, and Sauvignon Blanc. The kimchi, carefully prepared with pear and apple, brought a crisp, refreshing element that made the drink both intriguing and delicious.

From the frozen section of the menu, I couldn’t resist the Salted Cream Soft Persimmon Granita. Made with traditional Korean soju, soft persimmon, cream, salt, and lemon, it was a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the persimmons sourced from the bartender’s family farm in Changwon. This was comfort in a glass—a dessert-like indulgence that still felt light and refreshing.

Beyond the Glass: The Essence of Gyeongju’s Bar Scene

What struck me most about drinking in Gyeongju wasn’t just the creativity of the cocktails but the sense of connection these bars foster. Here, in these small, carefully curated spaces, people talk. They share stories. They linger over their drinks instead of rushing to the next venue—and don’t be surprised if you run into them again at the other bar.

The highlights of my trip weren’t just the drinks themselves but the people I met along the way. The conversations at Bar Prep and Bar Boon—whether with bartenders or fellow patrons—added layers to the experience that no menu description could ever capture. These bars offer something rare: a space where hospitality is more than just service; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and connect.

Gyeongju’s Cocktail Scene: Small but Mighty

While Seoul may boast the spectacle and sheer volume of Korea’s drinking culture, Gyeongju offers something more intimate, more thoughtful. The bars here, though few, rival the capital’s best in terms of quality, creativity, and attention to detail.

If you ever find yourself in Gyeongju, make time for a drink at Bar Prep and Bar Boon. They may be small, but they prove that great bars aren’t just about what’s in the glass—they’re about the people, the atmosphere, and the stories you take with you when you leave.