Buyong 부용

Buyong is a well-known Chinese restaurant among Gyeongju locals, located near Geumjang Bridge in Hyeongok-myeon, Gyeongju. The building features a spacious main hall on the first floor and multiple private rooms on the second floor, making it well-suited for family gatherings, celebrations, and group dinners. An imposing entrance and clean interior design create a polished dining atmosphere despite the slightly suburban location, the large building is easy to spot from the road. Uni-jjajang (sea urchin jajang) has established itself as the default order, and the gan-jjajang also delivers satisfying depth. The baek-jjamppong (white jjamppong) impresses with a deep, gentle broth free of heavy wok char, while the regular jjamppong substitutes squid for the usual mussels, yielding a cleaner flavor profile. The glutinous rice tangsuyuk achieves an excellent crunch, and the yuringi arrives without lettuce but with a thick, crispy batter and bold sauce that evokes soy sauce-glazed chicken in its savory intensity. Yangjipi and nurungji-tang maintain stable quality among the larger shared dishes. The closing treats, sweet potato mattang and fried glutinous rice balls, have become beloved desserts in their own right, with the mattang drawing particular enthusiasm. Side dishes are self-service with free refills, and both course meals and lunch sets are available. The seasoning across the menu tends toward the assertive side, and opinions vary on the portion-to-price ratio for certain dishes. Base menu prices start around 9,000 won, sitting on the higher end for the area, though the ingredient quality and venue standards are generally considered to justify the cost. Underground parking is available, and street parking in front of the building is also an option. A neighboring cafe with well-regarded hand-drip coffee makes for a convenient post-meal stop.