Gyeongju Soolsool Festival - Craft Beer&Family Fun

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🍻 Gyeongju Soolsool Festival 2024

📌 What’s the Festival About?

The Soolsool Festival is a celebration of Korea’s vibrant craft beer and traditional liquor scene, hosted annually at Gyeongju’s HICO venue. In 2024, from June 21–23, it featured over 100 varieties of craft, imported, and traditional alcoholic drinks, complemented by food stalls, music stages, and cultural activities :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

🍺 Beer Lineup & Taste Variety

• Craft beers from 12 local breweries — expect creative IPAs, wheat beers, stouts.
• Traditional Korean liquor booths showcasing historical brews.
• Imported favorites like San Miguel, Big Wave Golden Ale, and Delirium :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Food pairings included pizza, buffalo wings, sausage platters, nachos, and cheese boards — perfect matches for each style of beer :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

🎵 Performances & Atmosphere

Live performances ran Friday through Sunday, featuring vocal acts, rock bands, and EDM DJs. Highlights included singer Woody and comedian-singer Kim Hong-nam :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Expect a mix of high-energy shows and laid-back lounge vibes throughout the day.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

More than a beer fest, Soolsool welcomed families too! Featuring face-painting booths, caricature artists, photo zones, and giant Jenga games, it created a joyful atmosphere for all ages :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

🚍 Convenient Free Shuttle Buses

Say goodbye to parking worries — free shuttle buses ran from Gyeongju Station, intercity/highway bus terminals, Hwangridan-gil, and East Gyeongju directly to HICO. Sponsored by KHNP for visitor convenience and safety :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

📅 Event Info Summary

🗓 Dates: June 21 (Fri) 16:00–22:00 · June 22 (Sat) 12:00–22:00 · June 23 (Sun) 12:00–21:00 :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

📍 Venue: HICO (Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center), Indoor & Outdoor Hall :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

💵 Admission: Free (ID check required) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

💡 Pro Tips

• Only adults and minors with guardians allowed—bring ID/passport.
• Bring cash & card for food and beer purchases.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended—so much to taste and explore!
• Arrive early for the best food & performance experience.

Follow @soolsoolfestival

Coffee Shop Experiences#2 - Coffee Vinyl Vibe

 2022210967 sangjin-Lee

🎵 Vinyl Vibe in Gyeongju

A Unique LP Café Where Music Meets Healing

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📍 Location

2F, 29 Cheomseong-ro 81beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

🕒 Hours

Approximately 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily (hours may vary)

💰 Admission

KRW 14,500 per person – includes:

• One beverage of your choice
• Unlimited warm caramel popcorn
• Seat with a personal turntable and headphones

🎧 Key Features

• Each guest has their own turntable and headset for private listening.
• You can browse and choose from a collection of LP records.
• Perfect pairing of caramel popcorn and drinks with vinyl music.
• Beautiful view of traditional Hanok rooftops from the window seats.
• Ideal for solo visitors or couples on a relaxing date.

⭐ What People Are Saying

• “Great value for a full sensory experience.”
• “A peaceful, cozy space where I could really enjoy the music.”
• “The hanok view and analog vibes were so healing.”
• “I loved flipping LPs by hand — it’s not something you get to do often!”

📣 Official Instagram

Follow them at @vinyl_vibe_gyeongju for updates and photos.

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© 2025 Gyeongju Travel & Coffee Blog

🌸 Hyeongsan River Lantern Festival: A Night of Lights in Gyeongju

 🌸 Hyeongsan River Lantern Festival: A Night of Lights in Gyeongju

2024212293 허은영

Every spring, the ancient city of Gyeongju lights up with the glow of hundreds of lanterns during the Hyeongsan River Lantern Festival. Held near the peaceful Hyeongsan River, this event is one of the most beautiful and meaningful festivals in the region.

The festival celebrates hope, peace, and remembrance through the act of releasing lanterns onto the river. Each lantern carries a wish written by its owner — messages of love, dreams, and sometimes prayers for loved ones. As they float along the gentle water, they create a magical and emotional atmosphere that touches everyone’s heart.

Visitors from all over Korea come to Gyeongju to participate in this stunning event. The combination of warm lights, reflections on the water, and Gyeongju’s rich historical background makes the experience truly unforgettable.

One of the most moving moments of the festival was the lantern parade. As the sky turned dark, people slowly gathered along the riverside, each holding a glowing lantern in their hands. The lanterns lit up the night with warm colors — red, yellow, and soft white — creating a breathtaking scene.

Led by traditional music and gentle drum beats, the crowd began to walk together in a long line, following a path beside the Hyeongsan River. Children walked with their parents, couples held hands, and many people quietly reflected as they walked with their wishes shining in front of them.

The parade wasn’t just a performance — it felt like a shared journey. Each step was filled with meaning. The soft glow of hundreds of lanterns swaying in the night breeze gave the feeling of peace and connection. Some people even wore hanbok, adding a touch of tradition to the moment.

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Restaurant Review In Gyeongju #4

  Restaurant Review In Gyeongju #4

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Warm Comfort in Gyeongju: Jodol Kalguksu (조돌칼국수)

Hi everyone! 😊
If you’re walking around the beautiful streets of Gyeongju and want something warm and cozy to eat, you have to try Jodol Kalguksu (조돌칼국수). This small and simple restaurant is a local favorite — no fancy design, just really good food that makes you feel at home.

Clam Noodle Soup &Crispy Pancake — Perfect Together

The most popular dish here is Jogae Kalguksu, which means clam noodle soup. The noodles are hand-cut, so they’re thick and chewy. They come in a hot bowl of light but tasty clam broth. It’s salty in a good way and feels fresh, like the sea. There are lots of clams, some zucchini slices, garlic, and green onion — simple, but full of flavor.

And don’t miss the Haemul Pajeon — a seafood and green onion pancake. It’s crispy on the outside, soft inside, and full of shrimp, squid, and mussels. When you dip it in the house-made soy and vinegar sauce, it’s just perfect. This pancake and the soup together make a really satisfying meal!

A Cozy, Local Spot

Jodol Kalguksu has a relaxed and family-style vibe. The tables are wooden, the service is quick, and the people are friendly. It’s not fancy, but it’s clean and welcoming. Whether you go alone or with friends, it’s a nice place to enjoy a quiet, comforting meal — especially on a cold or rainy day.

How to Get There

Address: 143-5 Dongbu-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
(경상북도 경주시 동부동 143-5)

Getting there is easy:

From Gyeongju Station, take a taxi to “조돌칼국수 동부동” — it takes about 7 minutes.
👉 Show this to the driver: “동부동 조돌칼국수로 가주세요.”

If you're near the Gyeongju National Museum or Daereungwon Tomb Complex, you can walk there in 10–15 minutes.

Just head toward Cheomseongdae Observatory, then walk through the alleys in Dongbu-dong’s food street. Look for a small sign and maybe even a line of locals — that’s how you know it’s good!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something simple, warm, and super satisfying during your Gyeongju trip, Jodol Kalguksu is the perfect spot. The noodle soup is comforting, the pancake is crispy and full of seafood, and the whole experience feels like a warm hug. It’s great for solo travelers, families, or anyone who wants a break from sightseeing and just enjoy a quiet, delicious meal.

Restaurant Review In Gyeongju #3

 Restaurant Review In Gyeongju #3

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A Hidden Korean BBQ Spot in Gyeongju: Mokgumeong (목구멍)

Hey everyone! 😄
If you’re in Gyeongju and want to try some real local Korean BBQ, you have to visit Mokgumeong (목구멍). This fun and unique restaurant is super popular with locals — and for good reason. From the cool outside look (yep, it’s covered with soju bottles!) to the amazing food, it’s a place you won’t forget.

Try the Minari Samgyeopsal!

The most famous dish here is the Minari Samgyeopsal — grilled pork belly with minari, a kind of fresh Korean herb (also called water parsley). The pork is cooked on a special round iron plate. The outside gets crispy, but the inside stays soft and juicy. Yum!

The minari gives it a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that goes really well with the rich pork. It’s not just tasty — it’s super fun to eat. You also get lots of side dishes like kimchi, bean sprouts, green onions, and different sauces to dip your meat in. Every bite is full of flavor!

Great Atmosphere

The inside of the restaurant is lively and a little bit retro. You’ll hear the sound of meat sizzling and people laughing. The staff are really friendly and will help you cook if you’re not sure what to do. It’s a great place to enjoy a true Korean BBQ experience and feel like a local.

How to Get There

Address: Gyeongju-si, Hwangseong-dong 1068-2, Gyeongsangbuk-do
(경상북도 경주시 황성동 1068-2)

Getting there is easy:

Start at Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal or Gyeongju Station.

Take a taxi and show the driver this:
👉 “목구멍 황성동 1068-2로 가주세요.”

Or take bus 11 or 70 and get off at Hwangseong-dong Community Center (황성동주민센터).

Walk about 5 minutes — look for a building decorated with green soju bottles. That’s the place!

Final Thoughts

If you want tasty Korean BBQ in a fun and casual setting, Mokgumeong is a great choice. The pork belly with minari is something special — spicy, fresh, and full of flavor. Bring your friends, enjoy the vibe, and don’t forget your camera for that soju-bottle wall!

 

Restaurant Review In Gyeongju #2

 Restaurant Review In Gyeongju #2

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A Spicy and Cheesy Meal at Unsu Daetong Dakgalbi in Gyeongju

Hi guys! 👋
If you’re visiting Gyeongju and want to try something spicy and super tasty, you have to check out Unsu Daetong Dakgalbi (운수대통 닭갈비). It’s a local restaurant that’s famous for dakgalbi, a Korean stir-fried chicken dish. The place is cozy, casual, and full of good vibes — perfect for enjoying a fun meal with friends or family!

What’s Dakgalbi?

Dakgalbi is a hot and spicy dish made with chicken, vegetables, and rice cakes cooked together in a big pan at your table. At Unsu Daetong, their most popular menu is cheese dakgalbi — and trust me, it’s amazing. You get soft chicken, chewy rice cakes, cabbage, onion, and spicy red sauce. Then they add lots of melted cheese in the middle, which makes everything creamy and delicious.

The spicy sauce has a strong flavor, but it’s not too hot. The cheese helps make it smooth and a little sweet. It’s a great balance. Just smelling it while it cooks will make your mouth water!

Don’t Forget the Fried Rice!

After you finish most of the dakgalbi, you can ask the staff to make fried rice or rice balls (주먹밥) with the leftover sauce. They mix it with seaweed, corn, and rice right in the pan — it’s the perfect way to end the meal. Honestly, this might be my favorite part!

Fun, Friendly Atmosphere

The restaurant has a chill and fun feeling. There are wooden tables, the sound of food sizzling, and happy people all around. It feels warm and friendly. The staff are kind and helpful — they’ll help you cook or explain the menu if you’re not sure what to order.

How to Get There

Unsu Daetong Dakgalbi is in Hwangnam-dong, close to tourist spots like Cheomseongdae and Donggung Palace &Wolji Pond. So it’s a great place to stop by for lunch while sightseeing!

Here’s how to find it:

From Gyeongju Station, take a taxi (about 5–10 minutes) or walk toward Hwangnam-dong.

Use KakaoMap or Naver Map, and just search for “운수대통 닭갈비”.

It’s on a small quiet street, not far from all the famous places.

Final Thoughts

If you like spicy food — or want to try something new and fun — Unsu Daetong Dakgalbi is a must. It’s yummy, filling, and a great part of the Gyeongju food experience. Don’t forget to order extra cheese and rice balls. You won’t regret it!

 

Restaurant Review In Gyeongju #1

Restaurant Review In Gyeongju #1

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Hidden Food Spot in Gyeongju: Horangi Katsu

Hey everyone! 👋

I recently went on a short trip to Gyeongju, and I found a small but amazing restaurant called Horangi Katsu (호랑이카츠). "Horangi" means tiger in Korean, and this place really surprised me in the best way. It’s not just a normal katsu (pork cutlet) place — the food, the atmosphere, everything was so good that I had to write about it!

A Beautiful Hanok Vibe

The restaurant is in a hanok-style building, which means it looks like a traditional Korean house. It has cream-colored walls, a pretty tiled roof, and a small stone path leading to the door. It felt very calm and peaceful — a perfect break from the busy streets nearby.

Right outside, there’s a sign showing their two main dishes:

Tenderloin Katsu Set (안심카츠정식)

Pork Loin Katsu Set (등심카츠정식)

I chose the tenderloin, and wow… I made the right choice!

The Best Katsu I’ve Ever Had

When the food came, it looked so good. The tenderloin was cut into thick round pieces. The outside was golden and crispy, and the inside was a little pink. I was a bit worried at first — isn’t pork supposed to be fully cooked? 😅 But the staff explained that it was cooked sous-vide (a special way of cooking slowly in water), and then fried. It’s safe and keeps the meat soft and juicy.

The taste? Amazing.
The pork was really soft — it almost melted in my mouth! The coating was light and crispy, not oily at all. I dipped it in a bit of sea salt and fresh wasabi, and that was enough. No heavy sauces — just simple, clean flavor.

There was also a fresh cabbage salad with black sesame dressing, and it matched the katsu really well. Plus, they served rice, miso soup, and pickles. Everything was just right.

Calm and Cozy Inside

The inside of the restaurant was really peaceful. There were wooden tables, soft lights, and quiet music playing. It felt like a nice, calm space to enjoy my food. The staff were very kind and explained how to eat the katsu for the best taste.

How to Get There

You can find Horangi Katsu in Hwangnidan-gil, a cool area in Gyeongju with lots of cute cafes and traditional buildings. From Gyeongju Station, it’s only 10 minutes by taxi or about a 20-minute walk.

Look for a hanok with a round window and a small black sign with pictures of the food. It’s easy to find once you’re nearby. And if you're already visiting Cheomseongdae or Donggung Palace, you can walk here too!

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Gyeongju and want something special to eat, Horangi Katsu is a great choice. The food is delicious, the place is beautiful, and the people are nice. I’ll definitely go back if I visit Gyeongju again!

Fit WorkOut #4

 Fit Workout #4

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What Muscles Does the Overhead Press Strengthen?

The overhead press, also known as the shoulder press, is a fundamental compound exercise that primarily targets the deltoid muscles, especially the anterior (front) and medial (side) heads. It also significantly activates the triceps (back of the arms), upper trapezius, and upper chest. Additionally, the core muscles—including the abs, obliques, and lower back—work hard to stabilize the body during the lift, making the overhead press a total-body strength movement that enhances shoulder development, posture, and pressing power.

 

Proper Overhead Press Form

Executing the overhead press with proper technique ensures muscle activation and injury prevention. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Starting Position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, core tight, and the barbell resting at the top of your chest with hands just outside shoulder-width.

Grip and Elbows: Keep wrists straight, elbows slightly in front of the bar, and grip firm with forearms vertical.

Pressing Motion: Press the barbell directly overhead in a straight line, moving your head slightly back to allow clearance, then returning it forward once the bar passes.

Lockout: At the top, fully extend the arms with the barbell over the mid-foot and biceps next to the ears.

Lowering: Lower the bar with control back to the starting position at your chest, maintaining tight form throughout.

 

Step-by-Step Safety Tips for the Overhead Press

Follow these key safety steps to maximize performance and avoid injury:

Warm Up Your Shoulders: Use mobility drills and light presses to prep your joints and muscles.

Brace Your Core: Always engage your core to protect your lower back from arching excessively.

Avoid Flaring Elbows: Keep elbows slightly in front of the bar, not flared out to the sides.

Use Proper Foot Positioning: Keep feet flat and stable—avoid leaning back or stepping during the lift.

Head Movement: Be sure to move your head slightly back and then through to allow the bar a clear vertical path.

Start Light and Build Gradually: Begin with manageable weights to perfect your form before going heavy.

Don’t Press Behind the Neck: Always press in front of your face unless doing specific variations with proper guidance.