Oncheonjib (온천집) – Shabu-Shabu in the Heart of Gyeongju’s Hwangridan-gil
📢 Update (May 2025)
Oncheonjib (온천집) in Hwangridan-gil, Gyeongju has closed permanently as of May 2025.
But good news for travelers: A new Oncheonjib branch has opened in Ikseon-dong, Seoul and another in Haeundae, Busan.
The review below is kept as a record of the Gyeongju experience, but you can still enjoy the same flavors at these new locations.
A Meal to Remember in a City of History
When most travelers think of Gyeongju, they picture temple roofs, royal tombs, and stone observatories. But in between all that history, the city hides a culinary treasure: Oncheonjib (온천집), a cozy shabu-shabu restaurant tucked into the lively district of Hwangridan-gil.
The name Oncheonjib literally means “Hot Spring House.” Don’t be confused—it’s not a spa. Instead, it’s a restaurant that warms you in another way: through steaming pots of broth, fresh vegetables, and thinly sliced beef cooked right at your table.
The Shabu-Shabu Experience
The meal arrives beautifully presented. Imagine a lacquered red tray divided into neat sections: shiitake mushrooms, pumpkin slices, tofu, fish cake spirals, dumplings, and leafy greens. On the side, a second box holds dumplings and quail eggs.
At the center of the table sits a bubbling broth. The ritual is simple and satisfying: dip thin slices of beef into the pot, swish them until just cooked, then pair with vegetables or dumplings. The flavors are light yet deeply comforting—perfect for balancing out a day of heavy sightseeing.
There’s also a steak rice box option, where tender beef slices rest over steamed rice with pickles. It’s less interactive but just as thoughtful, ideal for those who want a simpler meal.
Why Travelers Love It
Oncheonjib is not a tourist trap. Prices are fair, portions are generous, and the setting feels authentic. Families, couples, and even solo travelers gather here, cooking together over the shared pot. It’s messy at times, but that’s part of the joy—shabu-shabu is meant to be eaten with both hands and without hesitation.
Step outside after your meal and you’ll find yourself in a small bamboo garden lit with lanterns. The quiet atmosphere makes it feel like a retreat within the city, giving the place a peaceful tone—exactly what you want after walking through ancient palaces and tombs all day.
More Than Just Food – The Location Matters
Hwangridan-gil is one of Gyeongju’s trendiest neighborhoods. Yes, it’s packed with cafés and restaurants, but it also sits right next to the city’s biggest landmarks:
- Cheomseongdae Observatory – The oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia.
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex – Massive grassy mounds that hold the secrets of Silla’s ancient kings.
- Woljeonggyo Bridge – A stunningly reconstructed wooden bridge that glows beautifully at night.
This means you don’t have to go out of your way. You can explore Gyeongju’s heritage sites on foot, then slip into Oncheonjib for a hot meal that recharges you for the rest of your journey.
Getting There from Gyeongju Station
For foreign travelers, the simplest way is by taxi.
- From Gyeongju Station: it’s about 14–16 minutes, costing around ₩14,000–15,000 KRW.
- Just tell the driver: “Hwangnidan-gil Oncheonjib” (황리단길 온천집). They’ll know the spot.
- There are local buses too, but unless you’re confident navigating Korean transit, taxi is the easiest option.
Final Thoughts
Dining at Oncheonjib isn’t just about the food. It’s the atmosphere, the ritual of cooking together, and the perfect location in the heart of historic Gyeongju. It’s the kind of place you don’t plan around—it simply fits naturally into your day of exploration.
If you’re staying in Gyeongju, especially near Hwangridan-gil, this is a meal you shouldn’t miss. After all, travel memories aren’t made only in palaces and museums—they’re also made around a steaming pot, chopsticks in hand, sharing good food in good company.
📌 Practical Info
Tip: Combine your visit with nearby landmarks like Cheomseongdae, Daereungwon Tombs, and Woljeonggyo Bridge for the perfect day in Gyeongju.
Name: Oncheonjib (온천집)
Location: Hwangridan-gil area, Gyeongju, South Korea
How to Get There: 10–15 minutes by taxi from Gyeongju Station (₩14,000~15,000)
Menu Highlights: Shabu-shabu sets, steak rice box
❗ Note:
Unfortunately, Oncheonjib permanently closed in May 2025.
If you’re visiting Gyeongju now, don’t be disappointed – Hwangridan-gil is still full of cafés, restaurants, and eateries worth exploring, right next to landmarks like Cheomseongdae, Daereungwon Tombs, and Woljeonggyo Bridge. You’ll still find plenty of flavors to make your trip memorable.
But good news for travelers: A new Oncheonjib branch has opened in Ikseon-dong, Seoul and another in Haeundae, Busan.
To make it easier, I’ve included maps of both locations below so you can find them at a glance.