Gyeongju City, South Korea – Gyeongju City has announced its selection of 10 "Best Friendly Restaurants" for the first half of 2025, recognizing establishments that exemplify exceptional customer service and contribute to the city's welcoming dining culture. The accolades, presented on June 13, are a strategic move to elevate Gyeongju's hospitality standards in anticipation of the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which the city is set to host.

The initiative aims to cultivate a sophisticated and friendly dining environment for both residents and the influx of international visitors expected for the APEC summit. By identifying and commending these establishments, Gyeongju seeks to project an image of unparalleled warmth and efficiency, crucial for a city on the global stage.

 
Rigorous Selection Process Emphasizes Public Input and On-site Evaluation

The selection process for the "Best Friendly Restaurants" was comprehensive and multi-faceted, ensuring that only the most deserving establishments received recognition. Initially, candidate restaurants were nominated by the public, including both local citizens and tourists, reflecting a broad spectrum of customer experiences. This public input served as a vital first filter, highlighting businesses that consistently leave a positive impression on their patrons.

Following the nomination phase, a rigorous two-stage evaluation process was conducted. The first stage involved a document review, where submitted information about the restaurants, likely including operational details, customer feedback, and adherence to regulations, was meticulously assessed. The second, and perhaps most critical, stage was on-site evaluation. During these unannounced visits, evaluators meticulously assessed 13 specific criteria across six key categories:

Greeting and Farewell Etiquette: Assessing the warmth and professionalism of staff interactions upon arrival and departure.
Customer Service Level: Evaluating responsiveness, attentiveness, and problem-solving skills of staff.
Customer Facilities: Examining the cleanliness, accessibility, and overall comfort of amenities available to diners.
Hygiene Management: Ensuring strict adherence to food safety and sanitation protocols throughout the establishment.
Perceived Satisfaction: Gauging the overall positive experience and comfort level reported by simulated customers or through direct observation of diner interactions.
Waitstaff Professionalism: Observing the efficiency, knowledge, and courtesy of serving staff.
Restaurants were scored on these criteria, and those achieving the highest marks were ultimately selected as the "Best Friendly Restaurants." This meticulous approach ensures that the honorees genuinely embody the spirit of hospitality and meet high operational standards.

 
Diverse Culinary Establishments Recognized Across Gyeongju

The 10 establishments recognized represent a diverse range of culinary offerings and are located across various districts of Gyeongju, showcasing the city's rich gastronomic landscape. The honorees for the first half of 2025 include:

Sogimu (Yonggang-dong): A local favorite, likely known for its cozy ambiance and consistent quality.
Daekyung Ori House (Yonggang-dong): Specializing in duck dishes, suggesting a focus on traditional or regional cuisine.
KuuKuu Gyeongju Branch (Yonggang-dong): A branch of a well-known chain, indicating broad appeal and standardized service.
PPK Kitchen Gyeongju Branch (Hyeon-gok-myeon): Suggests a modern or international culinary offering, expanding the city's dining variety.
Ahwa Banjeom (Seo-myeon): A "banjeom" typically refers to a Chinese restaurant in Korea, highlighting a popular casual dining option.
Cozy House (Hwangseong-dong): The name itself implies a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, likely appealing to families or casual diners.
Dimtao Gyeongju Branch (Hwangnam-dong): A dim sum establishment, reflecting a growing appreciation for diverse Asian cuisines.
Oga Jeong Gama-sot Samgyetang (Dongcheon-dong): Specializing in traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, a staple comfort food.
Churros 1500 Gyeongju Branch (Yonggang-dong): A casual eatery focusing on a popular dessert, indicating a well-rounded dining scene that includes quick bites and snacks.
Giver Station (Hwango-dong): The name suggests a unique concept, potentially a cafe or a themed eatery, adding to Gyeongju's eclectic mix.
 
APEC Summit and Future Initiatives

Choi Byung-gil, Head of the Food Hygiene Industry Division, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating, "A friendly dining culture is a core element that enhances a city's image and serves as a crucial foundation for the successful hosting of the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting." His remarks highlight the city's proactive approach in leveraging its culinary sector to make a strong impression on international delegates and visitors.

The city's commitment to promoting friendly dining extends beyond the current selection. Choi also announced that Gyeongju plans to continue the "Best Friendly Restaurant" selection process in the second half of the year. This ongoing effort is designed to foster continuous improvement in the local hospitality industry and encourage more establishments to strive for excellence in customer service. The city encourages widespread participation and interest from both businesses and the public in these future selections, reinforcing its dedication to maintaining a high standard of service for all who visit Gyeongju.

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