gyeongju tour guide

Living and traveling in Korea

A Guide To Gyeongju, Korea: What To Do, See, Eat & Where To Stay

If you haven’t heard of Gyeongju, Korea yet, then you need to! Though Andong, Korea is often referred to as the most traditional city in the country, I’d say that Gyeongju is the most historical you can visit. Gyeongju is referred to as “the museum without walls” because everywhere you turn you can find another site with historical relevance to see. The city actually has more tombs, temples, pagodas, palace ruins, and other historical artifacts than any other place in Korea. I’d say it’s a must see, but that term is so overused at this point.

I visited Gyeongju for the first time over a decade ago and found it to be so amazing. To have so much history in one area is inspiring. I went back recently and found it to be just as inspiring and now even romantic in a way. Walk down small streets and turn corners to find beautiful old forests and pagodas peeking through or see tombs and bridges. It really is a beautiful city that you could and maybe should visit again and again.

Want to skip around? Here is what you can find in this post:

What You Need To Know

Public transportation, join a tour, where to stay in gyeongju, daereungwon tomb complex / tumuli park (대릉원경주시 사적공원), cheomseongdae observatory (첨성대), woljeonggyo bridge (월정교), gyochon traditional village (교촌한옥마을), donggung palace & wolji pond (동궁과 월지), national museum of gyeongju, bulguksa temple & seokguram grotto (불국사 & 석굴암 석굴), gyeongju tower in gyeongju expo park, gyeongju namsan mountain / gyeongju national park, traditional market tour & cooking class, gyeongju world amusement park, roller skating & cm sports, retro school uniform rental/ hanbok rental, what to eat in gyeongju.

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Gyeongju Itinerary

Located in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju was the capital during the Silla dynasty which reigned for almost 1000 years from 57BC until 935AD. At the time, Gyeongju was the fourth largest city in the WORLD. Let that sink in for a moment… the world. There were fifty-six kings or queens which ruled during the period. The city is now like a living museum with historic sights around every corner not only from the Silla Dynasty and the kingdom’s lavish lifestyle but there are also numerous Buddhist relics to behold in the city.

In the 7th century, Mahayana Buddhism spread from China into Korea and architects and craftsmen were chosen to build temples and sculptures dedicated to Buddhism and you can find a ton here.

The city has a rather splendid history during the time of the Silla dynasty but as all dynasties come to an end, so did the Silla dynasty and when the Joseon dynasty came into power in 1392, the capital was moved to Seoul. Gyeongju suffered invasions during the Japanese colonization period and became one of bloodiest battlefields.

During the Joseon dynasty, Buddhists were chased up into the mountains and the beautiful sculptures had their arms and heads hacked off by Neo-Confucian radicals. When you’re out hiking, if you see a beheaded sculpture, look around for the heads. They’re often scattered nearby. Though the city lost its designation as a capital city, in 2000 it did gain distinction and was designated an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It’s peaceful. It’s stunning. It’s fun.

How To Get To Gyeongju

By Train: If you’re traveling by train, look into purchasing the foreigner discount train pass to save money and get around to numerous cities via train (One stop you could make is at Gimcheon Station to take a ride on the longest and tallest zip wire in Korea!). From Seoul the easiest and most convenient way to get to Gyeongju is via the KTX. Direct trains are available from Seoul Station every hour and take between two hours and two and a half hours. The KTX train station in Gyeongju is actually located outside of the city center so you’ll have to catch a taxi or take a bus to your local stay most likely. We opted for the taxi and it took just 20 minutes and cost about W15,000.

By Bus: Take an express bus from Seoul to Gyeongju. The trip takes 3 and a half hours. You can usually rock up to Express Bus Terminal and get on a bus without issue, but if you want to book tickets in advance and ensure you have them, get your bus tickets through Trazy who can do the hard work for you.

By Train: If you’re in the central Busan area, then it would make the most sense to travel by train. You can choose between the KTX or the slow train. The KTX option runs every 30 minutes and takes about a half hour and costs around W12,000.

By Bus: If you’re in the northern Busan area, it would make more sense to travel via bus from Nopo Bus Terminal. There are buses that run every hour and they take about 45 minutes and cost around W5,000.

Join A Tour: If you’re in Busan, book a tour from the southern port city to Gyeongju. There are some great options that will get you up to Gyeongju and back again in a day and let you see a ton! This Klook tour picks up at three different spots in Busan and then stops at Yangdong Village, Bulguksa Temple, the tombs and Cheomseongdae Observatory and more and gets you back to Busan all in one day. You can also book a private driver who will pick you up in Busan and get you up to Gyeongju to see it all and back in your own time.

How To Get Around Gyeongju

T-Money card:  If you’ll be using the buses and location transportation, make sure to have your T-Money card purchased and topped up. You can get around by local bus pretty easily as long as you’re prepared.

Gyeongju City Bus:  Much like the other touristy cities in Korea, Gyeongju also has its very own tourist bus to take you to the must see spots. Check out the route and pick up a card here.

By Bike: There are numerous bike rental shops and kiosks around the city of Gyeongju. You can find them near express bus terminal and they rent by the day or for just a few hours. This is a great way to get around the historic sites. There’s also a pedibike service in the Gyochon Hanok Village near Woljeonggyo Bridge.

A Day In Gyeongju:  If you’re looking to really learn about the cultural and historic sites that you’re visiting, definitely book a tour. Guides are knowledgeable and can answer any questions you have. This tour in Gyeongju makes stops at Bulguksa Temple, Cheomsangdae Observatory, Gyochon Hanok Village, and more. Get a guide and a ride easily to all of spots. Check out the Gyeongju day tour here .

Personally, I love driving especially if we’re outside of Seoul. We can stop whenever we want to and wherever we want to. If you’ve never looked into renting a car before, then maybe you should for this trip! KKDay makes it really easy if you have your International Driver’s License and passport or Korean Driver’s License and proof of insurance. You can get a KIA Ray, perfect for five passengers, for a steal at around $50.00. It’s definitely something to look into if you enjoy a good drive and planning on a whim. Check out the deals on KKDay for car rental in Gyeongju here.

Hyuhyudang is a gorgeous Hanok stay near the historical sites. The rooms are chic and decorated with stones and wooden accents. It’s a beautiful place to stay and unlike some of the other traditional Hanok houses in the village, features beds in the rooms for visitors to sleep on.

Check out this unique place on Booking.com

Gyeongju Happy Village Syeobul

Staying in a traditional Hanok house while visiting Gyeongju is a must. This Hanok house was built in 2015 and each room features its own private bathroom. Sleep on the warm heated floors making it cozy in the winter and comfortable in the summer. The family that owns the house is very friendly and helpful.

Check out this option on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com .

What To See In Gyeongju

The tombs in this complex are believed to have been built during the Silla period. When I first visited the complex in 2007, you couldn’t go inside any, but today, there is one tomb that has been opened through excavation and visitors can enter to see the interior.

In 1973, a crown and other relics were excavated from one mound known as Cheonmachong. The name was given to the mount because a flying horse was painted on a pendant of the saddle that was found inside. There are more than twenty tombs that are both small and large and house kings, queens and other court officials. Not all of the tombs have been identified yet though if you check out the signs, you can see who is buried in the ones they’ve excavated.

FYI: Climbing up the tomb is punishable with a 20 million won fine ($20,000.00) or a 2 year imprisonment.

• Address:  Gyeongju-si Gyerim-ro 9 (경상북도 경주시 계림로 9)
• Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 10:00pm
• Admission: Adults: W3,000; Children 13-18: W2,000; Children 7-12: W1,000

Cheomseongdae Observatory was built during the reign of Silla Queen Seondeok from 632 to 647. It is the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia. I remember reading this before I went and thought we’d see some amazingly huge observatory. It is not that, but considering the time period, it is actually rather spectacular.

The observatory is just 5.17 meters in diameter and 9 meters tall and was built using 365 stones representing the days of the year and has twelve stones that make up the base representing the months of the year. You can visit during the day and at night the observatory is lit up with varying colors for a lovely night time adventure.

• Address: 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si (경북 경주시 인왕동 839-1)
• Admission: Adults: W4,000; Children 13-18: W3,000; Children 7-12: W2,000

Though not as historical as some of the other sites in this list, this beautiful bridge is popular during both the day and the evening when it’s all lit up. Very close to the Gyochon Traditional Village, the bridge was constructed over five years and was finally opened in 2018.

There used to be a bridge in the same location but it was destroyed numerous times in history. It is still lovely to see and walk through and is a gorgeous spot to take photos. This is also lit up at night and is around the walking path from Cyochon Traditional Village and Cheomseongdae Observatory so definitely add it into the itinerary.

• Address: Gyeongju-si Gyo-dong 274 (경상북도 경주시 교동 274)
• Hours: 9:00am ~ 10:00pm
• Admission: FREE

Gyochon Traditional Village is where Korea’s first state-operated academy, Gukhak, was established in 682 under the rule of Silla King Sinmun. During the Goryeo Period between 918 to 1392 the academy was succeeded b Hyanghak and then became Hyanggyo during the Joseon Period between 1392 and 1910, thus the name of the village changed from Gyodong to Gyochon and then to Gyori. The village also once housed the royal palace famous for a love story between Princess Yoseok and great Silla monk Wonhyo.

Today, the village is famous for the wealthy family Choe which has seen twelve generations of the family over 400 years live and prosper in the area.

• Address: Gyeongju-si Gyo-dong 71 (경상북도 경주시 교동 71)

Donggung Palace is really all that remains from the Silla Kingdom’s huge palace complex as the palace was burnt to the ground in 935. Considered a secondary palace to the main, it was used by the crown prince. In the early 20th century archaeological excavations were carried out and the magnitude of the complex was rediscovered. In all, there were 26 buildings but only three have been reconstructed. The main palace complex wasn’t rebuilt so though there isn’t a ton to see here, there is a beautiful pond and some important relics to take in.

Wolji Pond is one of those relics and is a popular spot for people to visit in the evening when the lights come on and the sky becomes dark. Don’t be confused, Wolji Pond was previously known as Anapji Pond and was part of a palace complex that was constructed in 674. This artificial body of water was commissioned by King Munmu in 674 and served as a place of pleasure to celebrate the unification of the Korean peninsula during the Silla Kingdom period.

I’ve seen some really beautiful photos of this area in the spring with cherry blossoms blooming. Definitely check out going to Gyeongju in the spring if you want to find one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Korea.

• Address: 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju (경상북도 경주시 원화로 102)
• Admission: Adults: W2,000; Children 13-18: W1,200; Children 7-12: W600

If you really want to dig in and learn more about the Silla Kingdom, definitely stop by the National Museum of Gyeongju. There is a substantial collection with 80,000 relics and artifacts including statues, jewelry, pottery, petroglyphs, crowns, and swords. Pieces are rotated and changed and at any one time 2500 pieces from the collection are on display.

Many of the relics, like the large Bell of King Seongdeok are located outside around the museum so if it’s a nice day even just taking a walk around the museum would be nice. Definitely check out the bell, by the way, because it’s the largest bell in Asia and is three meters high and 25 tons!

When I saw the bell the first time, it was actually in a different location but has since been moved to the National Museum of Gyeongju. The bell is commonly known as the Emile Bell which is an ancient Silla term for “mommy”. According to legend, the first bell that was cast produced no sound when struck so the bell had to be recast multiple times. Unsuccessful, the king that had wanted the bell cast past away and when the prince reigned, he continued in the effort to cast the bell. Still unable to make it ring, one night a monk had a dream that the bell would only ring if a child were cast into the metal so a child from the village was cast into the bell and finally the most beautiful sound came forth from the bell.

• Address: 186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 일정로 186 (인왕동))
• Hours:  Sunday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm; Saturdays and National Holidays: 9:00 ~ 7:00pm* (*Saturdays in March – December: 9:00am ~ 9:00pm)

This huge working Buddhist temple was one of the first places we visited a decade ago. It’s one of the most impressive temples in Korea and is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art. Built in the 8th century, it has been an UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. Visit in the early morning or during the weekday if possible so there are less tourists and remember to be respectful and quiet as this is a working temple with Buddhists residing on the grounds. This temple is part of the Jogye order, the same order which contains Jogyesa temple in Seoul and the gorgeous Naksansa seaside temple in Gangneung.

Hike a couple kilometers up (about 30 minutes) from Bulguksa Temple and you’ll be able to see Seokguram Grotto. If hiking isn’t your thing, then take the #12 bus that departs from the parking lot every hour beginning at 8:40AM. The trip takes 20 minutes.

The grotto features a seated Buddha protected by twelve royal guards. If you visit on the solstice, you can witness the third-eye of the Buddha hit by a ray of the sun as it comes through the dome above the head of the statue. Photography is not permitted in the grotto due to its sacred nature.

• Address: Gyeongju-si Jinhyun-dong San-15 (경상북도 경주시 진현동 산15)
• Hours: November – January: 7:30am ~ 5:00pm; February: 7:30am ~ 5:30pm; March – September: 7:00am ~ 6:00pm; October: 7:00am ~ 5:30pm
• Admission: Adults: W5,000; Children 13-18: W3,500; Children 7-12: W2,500

Completed in 2007 to coincide with the Gyeongju Expo Culture Center, the Gyeongju Tower is really a stunning piece of design. While there are pagodas throughout the city, this building has the cutout of one which is just beautiful whether your visit by day or night when it’s lit from the interior. The tower is 82 meters tall which is similar to a 30 story apartment building.

We visited at night, but if you visit during the day, you can actually go up into the observation deck of the building. I’d recommend going during the day and then stay into the evening if possible as there is also a beautiful lotus pond in the expo park. During the summer the park also has a ton of roses to see. For more information, check out this guide to the Gyeongju Expo Park because there is a lot to do there.

• Address: 614 Gyeonggam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 경감로 614)
• Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm (The park is open later, but this is the time specified for the building itself.)
• Admission: Adults: W8,000

Hiking nearby Namsan Mountain is really not your average hike and is pretty incredible. Going along with how the city is a open air museum, the mountain truly is as well. With over 100 temples and 80 stone Buddha statues, there is a lot to be found. As you hike, you’ll discover Buddhist sculptures and many of them have been beheaded as I mentioned earlier.

It’s a great hike that wasn’t too difficult though there were some steep sections. There were tall grasses to walk through, hidden relics to be found and views to be had. It took us about four hours but there are various trails to choose from. Make sure to stop by the Tourist Information Center in town to get a map of the mountain and the hiking trails. We were a bit lost most of the way and just sort of hoped we’d get back and forth alright. We did, BUT if you want to have a guide and make sure you don’t miss the relics and get up and back in four hours without getting lost, there’s a great guide available on Airbnb . Check it out for your trip.

Cooking is one of the best ways to learn about a culture and have fun while you’re at it. Join a guide in a traditional market and then head out to cook a menu that includes an appetizer, main dish, dessert, and a beverage. The menu changes based on season and other conditions so check with the guide to see what will be made .

Maybe you want to mix it up and do something fun on your trip to Gyeongju. Gyeongju World Amusement Park is the largest theme park in the southern area and is most famous for the X-Zone which features the Phyton, Mega Drop, Tornado, Grand Canyon, King Viking, and Submarine Splash. Rollercoaster fan? Don’t miss this amusement park in summary. There’s also a great kid’s zone in Wizard Garden, water fun at California Beach in the summer and a large sledding zone in the winter. Get your tickets online from KKDay to take advantage of the discounts and easy to use QR code when heading in.

• Address: 544, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 보문로 544 (천군동))

It’s been ages since I last skated, but if you’re looking for something fun to do with friends that’s a bit different from the cultural and historical sites, then definitely look into putting on some skates and taking to the floor to travel back into the 80s with some fun disco music. CM Sports Town has a spacious lounge and various facilities to enjoy. It’s a super fun activity to do with friends or kids.

There’s no time limit on roller skating so get out there! Roller skates in sizes 16cm – 30cm (190-300) are available along with protective gear including helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.

• Address: 97-1 Gwangjung-gil Gyeongju-si Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 경주시 광중길 97-1 (용강동 1228-41))
• Admission: Get your tickets online with KKDay before you go to get an awesome discount.
• Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ Midnight

Visiting traditional and historical sites is only made better when there are historic and retro costumes to go along with it. Have some fun with your photos and rent clothes while you’re out and about. Hanboks are, of course, a beautiful addition in photos while retro school uniforms are a bit more quirky. There are also retro outfits like dresses and suits that are all the rage for rental in Seoul right now. Why not do it in Gyeongju too? Want some options? Here they are:

• Retro Outfit Rental:  You can rent in two hour or four hour durations or for the entire day here with KKday .
• Retro School Uniform Rental: Check out this deal on KKday for hourly or daily rental .
• Hanbok Rental at Daereungwon Tomb Complex: You can choose from over 250 sets of Hanboks on site with varying patterns and styles. Check out the Hanbok options here on KKday.

Surprisingly, unlike most cities and small towns in Korea that promote some dish, side dish or dessert, Gyeongju isn’t really famous for any specific food.

Gyeongju Bread: Also called Hwangnam bread after the region it’s from, Gyeongju bread is a small pastry that is filled with red bean paste. It’s small and was first baked in 1939 in a bakery in central Gyeongju. While there are red bean pastries and breads all around Korea and you can spot them even at street food carts, the ones in Gyeongju can be spotted by the chrysanthemum that is imprinted in the top.

The government has designated this treat as an “outstanding regional specialty” but, to be honest, it’s not entirely different from other red bean baked goods I’ve found other places so have it because it’s cute, but know what you’re buying.

Beopju: If you’re interested in alcohol and production in Korea, then Beopju might strike a fancy. This clear rice wine, or cheongju, made by the head house of Gyerim Choe clan who reside in Gyeongju is renowned. First made by a Joseon official who was in charge of the royal kitchen, he returned home to Gyeongju and passed on the recipe to his descendants.

Today, the recipe is owned and produced by Bae Young-Shin the daughter-in-law married to the eighth generation grandson of Choe Gukjun and her oldest son Choe Gyeong.

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I’m so happy to have come across this post. We’re visiting SK in May and planning on visiting Gyeongju for 2 days in the middle of our trip to Seoul. I see that most attractions are open everyday so any day of the week so any day of the week should be okay to come? We’re taking the KTX. Would you recommend taking a car to get around visiting the attractions or the bus or take tours? Lastly, if you don’t mind, I booked a hotel for 2 nights instead of a Hanok because I’m afraid the chances of mosquitos is higher in a hanok. Is this true?

I appreciate all the details you’ve included in your post and very excited for our trip. Thank you for for any information you can give me about my questions. Have a great day!

Hallie Bradley

The KTX should be fine for Gyeongju since most of what you want to see is all in the same area. You can venture out a bit by bus or taxi which is pretty budget-friendly compared to most countries. May shouldn’t be bad for mosquitos yet so a Hanok would be fine. But if you’re more comfortable in a hotel, definitely go for that. I hope you have a great trip!

Thank you for the write-up on Gyeongju!

Can I check if it is possible to board a bus at the Haeundae Bus Terminal to Gyeongju Bus Terminal if I am planning to head from Busan to Gyeongju?

Yeah, it looks like there are buses from there so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Thank you for writing so comprehensively on Gyeongju which is of great help to my upcoming trip! Can I check with you on the recommended itinerary route for distance?

Do I follow exactly where you go so that its more “on the way”? Thankyou for your assistance in advanced! 🙂

Daereungwon Tomb Complex / Tumuli Park (대릉원경주시 사적공원) Cheomseongdae Observatory (첨성대) Woljeonggyo Bridge (월정교) Gyochon Traditional Village (교촌한옥마을) Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (동궁과 월지) National Museum of Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto (불국사 & 석굴암 석굴) Gyeongju Tower in Gyeongju Expo Park Gyeongju Namsan Mountain / Gyeongju National Park

It really depends where you’re staying and starting from. I would suggest adding all of those spots to your own GPS map and then you can zig zag to the spots as you’re nearby. ^^

Thanks a lot for this post! I’m travelling in South Korea now and was looking for some info on Gyeongju. I found quite a few posts but yours was pretty informative, easy to understand and I like the fact that you added the addresses, the times, the prices but, also, the name of the places in Korean. Very useful when looking for it on a map!

Keep up the good work! 🙂

Absolutely. I try to make it as easy as possible! Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions when it comes to those things and know exactly how hard it can be to navigate. All the easier with all of the relevant details though! Have a great adventure. ^^

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11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju: Itinerary (2024)

Looking for the best things to do in Gyeongju ? Here’s our travel guide and Gyeongju itinerary so you can spend the best weekend or 2 days in Gyeongju – the beautiful cultural city in South Korea. Let’s explore what to do in Gyeongju!

Gyeongju is located in the south eastern corner of South Korea very close to the coastal city of Busan . It absolutely deserves a spot on your South Korea itinerary because of the culture and history you can learn inside the city.

Gyeongju is known as a museum with no walls and it was the residence of Silla rulers for over 1000 years ! There’s so many archaeological sites in the city from around this time frame and many tombs and remains to discover.

The city itself is very laid back with lots of parks, villages and cafes to relax in. The main list of things to do in Gyeongju is easily walkable which makes it a perfect destination for any traveller. It’s very popular for people to visit on the weekends from Seoul or Busan , so some of the spots can get very busy but it makes a great atmosphere too.

It’s a perfect opportunity to breathe after visiting Seoul, and if you’re lucky enough to visit in Spring you can admire the cherry blossoms all around Gyeongju whilst learning about the strong history.

In this list of 11 best things to do in Gyeongju, we’ll also share a 2 day Gyeongju itinerary so you can plan your trip! It’s possible to see the main highlights in a day. However, with an extra day in this beautiful city, you can explore a little more!

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

We’ll start off with the 11 best things to do in Gyeongju, followed by a 2 day Gyeongju itinerary and how to get to Gyeongju, where to stay and any tips!

Where to stay in Gyeongju : Doobaki Guesthouse – Find here on Booking.com !

1 – Admire Woljeonggyo Bridge

One of the best things to do in Gyeongju is to visit this beautiful bridge at sunset. It was our favourite spot in Gyeongju to relax and admire the architecture of the bridge.

In the daytime you can appreciate the bridge in red and at night it lights up gold and becomes a whole new magical place to visit. The bridge is right next to some stepping stones on the water, which is where many people will take their photos!

Woljeonggyo Bridge was built during the Unified Silla period (AD 676-935) and after being burned down, it was rebuilt in April 2018 to become the biggest wooden bridge in South Korea .

Price : Free!

Find the location here – Woljeonggyo Bridge Location

2 – Discover Gyeongju National Museum

The Gyeongju National Museum allows visitors to learn about the cultural heritage of Silla (One of the three kingdoms of ancient Korea). There are five permanent exhibitions featuring national treasures and art galleries. Sometimes there are even special exhibitions! It’s a great stop on your Gyeongju itinerary if you have a spare hour or two!

Find the location here – Gyeongju National Museum Location

Visiting more of South Korea? Here’s our Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024) !

3 – Visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex

One of the best things to do in Gyeongju is to explore the tombs at the Daereungwon Tomb Complex and better understand the kingdom of Silla.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex is the burial site and home to 23 ancient tombs . The most notable of them all would be Cheonmachong Tomb , which you can actually walk inside! Cheonmachong has interactive information screens in multiple languages available, so everyone can learn the history.

This specific tomb was excavated in 1973, the resting place of an unknown king leaving behind more than 11,000 artefacts to be discovered.

Lastly, before leaving this beautiful complex you should snap the very popular photo underneath the magnolia tree between the tomb mounds! You won’t miss it because there will likely be a line of people. Don’t forget to pack a tripod for your phone or camera !

Price : 3,000 won

Find the location here – Daereungwon Tomb Complex Location

4 – Visit Golgulsa Temple (and even stay the night!)

Have you heard of the Templestay programme in South Korea? You can spend the day or night at temples all around Korea and there is one just next to Gyeongju – Golgulsa Temple!

We’ve shared a dedicated guide to this where we share how to book your Templestay and the activities you can do whilst staying in a beautiful temple. Check it out here – Golgulsa Templestay Experience !

Head over to the Korea Templestay website to browse more options and find out more information about this unique experience! – Templestay Website .

Price : Free to visit the temple (60,000 won to stay one night)

Find the location here – Golgulsa Temple Location

5 – Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park

Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park will easily fill half a day of exploring, so keep this in mind when planning your Gyeongju Itinerary. With 20 points of interest, no one will be lost of things to do here. Keep reading on to find out what to do in Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park .

Gyeongju Tower – On the grounds of this fantastic expo park, you find one of the most interesting buildings you’ve ever seen. Standing at 82m tall, Gyeongju Tower can’t be missed! The tower was built with the shape of a nine-story wooden pagoda removed from its centre.

This is the shape of Hwangnyongsa Temple , which during the reign of Queen Seondeok was the world’s tallest wooden structure. At the top of Gyeongju Tower, you can experience an interactive exhibit that will take you back to 1300 years ago.

Timeless Media Art inside the Cheonma Palace – Watch the cultural heritage of Gyeongju burst alive in this immersive audio-visual experience, set inside Cheonma Palace. Healing Trail Luminar Night Walk – As the sunlight fades, the Healing Trail comes to life with mythical night lights!

Price : Adult – 12,000 KRW

Find the location here – Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park Location

6 – Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

Another great spot to visit on your things to do in Gyeongju itinerary is Donggung Palace! Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond was a secondary palace and banquet hall for important guests and events used during the kingdom of Silla. Constructed in 674, and abandoned when the Silla Dynasty ended in 935, this wonderful park was listed as a historical site in 1963. It underwent a long renovation to bring it to the golden glory we see today.

During its renovation, many artefacts and relics were recovered from the pond, including a vase with the word “Wolji” imprinted on the front. The term translates to “ A pond that reflects the moon “, until then the name of the pond was unknown and was finally revealed after hundreds of years!

Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to get the best experience. Be prepared for other tourists, local and international, it’s a popular spot to witness its golden-like reflection on the waters of the pond. (Under construction in June 2022)

Price : Free *whilst under construction* Usual Price: 3,000 KRW

Find the location here – Donggung Palace Location

7 – Have fun at Gyeongju World

If you have some spare time on your Gyeongju two day itinerary, head over to Gyeongju World for a fun-filled theme park day! What’s even better is that the theme park can be reached from Gyeongju by public bus in a little over 30 minutes.

Gyeongju World has something for everyone, rollercoasters, bumper cars, water rides and sudden drops. Whoever comes along, you’re sure to be in for a fun day! If you visit in summer, you even have the whole of California Beach Water Park included too! Head over to their website to find out more!

Price : All-day = 48,000 KRW (All-inclusive of rides and entry fees)

Half-day (From 3pm onwards = 34,000 KRW (All-inclusive of rides and entry fees)

Find the location here – Gyeongju World Location

8 – Take a look at Cheomseongdae

Cheomseongdae is very important in Gyeongju and one of the best places to visit. The park itself is so peaceful and you can really feel the atmosphere of the locals that live here.

This ancient astronomical observatory is the oldest of its kind in Asia , and even possibly the world! Constructed in the 7th century in the kingdom of Silla, astronomers would observe the sky 24/7, 365 days a year to collect data and attempt to predict the likes of eclipses and comet showers. In short, it was used for astrological predictions!

Don’t forget to check out Gyerim Forest which is very close to Cheomseongdae, you can admire the monument from the hills. It’s also an amazing spot for sunset!

Find the location here – Cheomseongdae Location

9 – Browse Hwangnidan-Gil

Still wondering what to do in Gyeongju? Hwangnidan-Gil is one of the coolest areas to visit on your 2 day Gyeongju itinerary! This is where you’ll find all the hip shops, teahouses, cafes, Instagram-worthy food and sometimes live music! It’s an absolute must-visit whilst you’re in Gyeongju even if you’re not after anything particular, it’s a lively street to browse.

Find the location here – Hwangnidan-Gil Location

Check out our 10 Best South Korea Budget Tips + Travel Costs (2024) !

10 – Find Bulguksa Temple

On your Gyeongju 2 day itinerary, another great place to visit is Bulguksa Temple. A beautiful Buddhist temple with lots to learn about Buddhist history. Bulguksa Temple is a very peaceful cultural heritage site with many towers and buildings that were built during the Unified Silla Period.

You can visit here all year round however in Spring the cherry blossoms give you a whole other reason to visit! Bulguksa Temple is worth a visit on your Gyeongju itinerary if you have two days as it’s located out of the city centre of Gyeongju.

Price : 6,000 won (1,000 won for parking)

Find the location here – Bulguksa Temple Location

11 – Explore Gyochon Traditional Village

The Gyochon Traditional Village is the perfect place to visit before or after seeing the Woljeonggyo bridge. This village has been around since the Silla dynasty (57 BCE – 935 CE) and you can find handicraft stores, cute tea houses and the Historic House of the Rich Man Choi . It’s also possible to rent a hanbok here to walk around the village.

Not forgetting, if you’re after lunch or dinner, there are many traditional Korean restaurants around inside the village for you to choose from!

Find the location here – Gyochon Traditional Village Location

2 Day Gyeongju Itinerary

Day 1 – Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Hwangnidan-Gil, Lunch, Cheomseongdae, Gyochon Traditional Village, Woljeonggyo Bridge, Dinner, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond at night

Day 2 (Plan 1) – Gyeongju National Museum, Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park

Day 2 (Plan 2) – Gyeongju World or Golgulsa Templestay

Here’s our 3 day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan (2024) for the next part of your South Kore trip!

Portable Wifi  – The perfect option if you want to connect more than just your phone! Find  a portable Wifi on Klook here ! (£2 a day)  Pick up from Seoul or Busan airport.

Best Gyeongju Tour from Busan   – Gyeongju The Old Capital of Korea One Day Tour from Busan  – Find more details here !

Transport  – Get a T Money Card to use on public transport for your 3 days in Busan. Look into a  Korea Rail Pass  if you’re travelling around the rest of the country.

How to get to Gyeongju

Gyeongju is really easy to reach by car, bus or train from anywhere in South Korea. It’s best to book your train and bus tickets in advance in case they sell out nearer to your Gyeongju travel trip.

Train : The KTX will take around 2 hours to get from Seoul to Gyeongju or 30 minutes from Busan. However, you’ll arrive at Singyeongju Station and have to catch a 20-minute public bus to get you into the city centre. Get your Korail tickets online here and Korea Rail Pass here !

Bus : The bus will take 3.5 hours from Seoul and 1 hour from Busan. Both bus stations are in the city centre (Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal – Location and the Intercity Bus Terminal – Location ) You can check the times & spots available here – ( Kobus tickets )

How to get around Gyeongju

Gyeongju is a well-connected city and you can get around easily by public bus ! Make sure to buy a T-Money Card as soon as you arrive in South Korea. These cards will make travelling by bus so much easier as you won’t have to worry about getting the exact change.

Using NaverMaps check where you need to go and it will tell you the directions, most likely by bus or walking. Gyeongju is a very walkable city, but the buses are there for further destinations. In this Gyeongju two day itinerary we have included mostly walking and public buses.

Where to stay in Gyeongju

Hwangnam-dong and Noseo-dong are great areas to stay in Gyeongju. The accommodation in these areas are close to many things to do in Gyeongju and there will be some great budget options! If you want to visit Gyeongju World we recommend staying in the Bomun Tourist Complex area.

Doobaki Guesthouse – Dorms & Private Rooms in the best location in Gyeongju! It’s also a great place to meet other travellers! – Find here on Booking.com !

Dorandoran Guesthouse – Another great location in Gyeongju also includes free breakfast and a cosy room to stay in! – Find here on Booking.com !

We also recommend checking out Agoda for great hotel options in the Gyeongju area !

Best Time to Visit Gyeongju

South Korea experiences all 4 seasons which means that Gyeongju is a great year-round destination to visit. We recommend visiting in the Spring (March-June) or Fall (September-November) when the seasons change and the colours of the leaves will either be pink or orange!

How many days in Gyeongju?

We recommend spending at least 1 day in Gyeongju! If you arrive late on the first day, make sure to spend 2 nights so you’ll have time to see Donggung Palace at night. We also highly recommend doing a Golgulsa Templestay whilst you’re near Gyeongju. This could be your second night out of your 2 days in Gyeongju.

Is Gyeongju worth visiting?

Yes ! This cultural city is 100% worth a visit on your South Korea trip. Gyeongju makes the perfect weekend trip from Seoul or Busan and you can even visit as a day trip. If you’re travelling more of South Korea, it’s definitely a great stop for a day or two to see the best things to do in Gyeongju!

What to pack for a Gyeongju Itinerary

If it’s winter in South Korea – bring thermals, gloves, a hat and cold-weather clothes. If it’s summer you may want to bring a raincoat, umbrella and sun cream! As many of the things to do in Gyeongju are outside, definitely dress for the weather! Here are a few travel essentials we love:

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Our metal water bottles have been our side throughout it all! They are easy to clean and are better than plastic! Bring one along for your Gyeongju two day itinerary.
• Anker Power Bank – A portable charger is always useful for those journeys around South Korea!
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit – GorillaPods are a great little tripod to carry on a South Korea trip, they’re lightweight and can fit in a carry-on bag. They capture some of the best photos when there’s no one around to take a photo of you. We love our Joby GorillaPod and use it for our Sony A600 . There’s also a version for a phone – Joby Phone Tripod .
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes – We always travel with packing cubes and even use them at home!
• Rain Mac in a Bag – A lightweight raincoat to help with tropical rain or light spring rain, we also have a backpack cover to stop our clothes from getting wet in our backpacks.

What to do after Gyeongju in South Korea

Golgulsa Templestay  – It’s included in our best things to do in Gyeongju, so if you want to stay here after your Gyeongju trip, it’s the perfect time to do so. Check out the Templestay here! Busan  – Busan is a short bus or train ride away from Gyeongju. There are many things to do here! You can spend around 3 to 5 days exploring the big coastal city. Check out Busan here! Seoul  – You may have arrived from Seoul already, but if not, then your next stop should be here! The capital city of South Korea is filled with markets, trendy shops and more! Check out our  Seoul itinerary !

More  South Korea  guides:

• 5 Day Seoul Itinerary – Best Things To Do (2024)
• Staying in Golgulsa Temple: The Best Templestay in Korea (2024)
• 10 Best South Korea Budget Tips + Travel Costs (2024)
• 3 day Busan Itinerary: What to do in Busan (2024)
• Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024)
• 25+ Best South Korea Travel Tips: What to Know
• Ultimate South Korea Bucket List: 20 Best Things To Do
• Vegan in South Korea Guide – Best Restaurants & Snacks (2024)
• All our  South Korea  posts!

That’s the end of our  11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju: Itinerary (2024) ! Have a great trip to the cultural city of Gyeongju and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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April 26, 2024

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• A Local’s Guide to Gyeongju

With more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other Korean city, Gyeongju is worth a detour

• Inspiration

On my first trip to Gyeongju, I remember being surprised to see such large mounds of earth protruding from the fields. Later, I learned that these mounds were more than just man-made hills but, in fact, the ancient burial chambers for Korea’s elite and royal. While such views have become more commonplace since living in Gyeongju, I’m still in awe. Living here can feel like a fairytale, as I imagine what life was like in ancient Korea.

Nestled amidst the valleys and mountains of Gyeongsang-bukdo Province, Gyeongju, Korea’s Golden City, is a gem of rich history, culture, and natural beauty. With UNESCO heritage sites scattered throughout, Gyeongju truly is an “open-air museum.” Almost everywhere you go, you can see such a rich sampling of monuments, palaces, and Buddhist temples in what was once the Silla Dynasty’s capital city. At night, many of these historical places come alive with twinkling lights, making it fun to pretend you are an invited guest to royal palace parties and events.

However, beyond exploring Gyeongju’s history, some of the best memories I have are the strolls down Gyeongju’s infamous Hwanglidan-gil (황리단길). This area’s modern take on a hanok village is filled to the brim with cute cafes, stores, and delicious treats. It’s a great retreat from all the flowery garden photoshoots and historical monuments.

Gyeongju’s perfect blend of old and new is one of the many reasons I love living here. It allows you to be whisked back into time while appreciating the richness, depth, and beauty of Korea’s history from the present.

Best Times to Visit 

Gyeongju is beautiful all year round, but the best time to go is during the spring and fall. In early spring, the beauty of cherry blossom season mixed with traditional Korean hanoks make the perfect backdrop for photos. While in the fall, another pink sensation, pink muhly grass, blankets the area in an ethereal and feathery display of color.

The Weather and Temperature

In terms of weather and temperature , Gyeongju offers four distinct seasons, and weather conditions can swing a big range. In winter, you can generally expect milder temperatures, compared to those in northern cities like Seoul, and very little to no snow. Summer and monsoon season remains hot and humid, while fall and spring are more temperate and mild with often colder mornings and evenings.

The Day of the Week

Once you have your season and month locked down, another important thing to consider is when during the week you will visit. Many people visit Gyeongju over a long weekend, so expect lots of crowds during this time. To avoid the crowds, I recommend going on a weekday, but avoid Tuesday since many restaurants and cafes are often closed after the long weekend tourist rush.

Getting to and Around Gyeongju

From larger cities and towns.

From larger cities and towns, taking the KTX to Gyeongjiu is your best bet. Depending on where you’re departing from, it will be a relatively quick trip. The train stop in Gyeongju is located in a very rural part of the area, so we recommend a taxi or bus to get to Gyeongju’s downtown. 

It’s important to keep in mind that while traveling In Korea, most train lines run north and south. So if you’re traveling from a more western, central, or north eastern location, you might need to take the bus. 

From Smaller Cities and Towns

If you are traveling from a smaller city or town, or don’t have a train station near you, taking the intercity buses is the easiest way to go. You can book tickets in-person at the train station or through Korean apps. Keep in mind that for some of these apps, it’s best to have a Korean bank account, so do some additional research before downloading. 

• KoBus – You can only use Korean Cards. 
• TMoney – Accepts non-Korean cards, but it’s more expensive.
• Bustago – You can only use Korean Cards. 

Renting a car is another great option if you’re able to! There are many places in Gyeongju where having a car already on hand will make travel easier. If you have an international license, you will be able to rent a car throughout Korea.

Book a Tour

Many tour companies in Korea are foreigner-friendly, and they develop itineraries that will cover all the places on your list. Check out tour companies like Klook or Trazy throughout the year for special deals and new tours.

Navigating In and Around Gyeongju

Once you’re in Gyeongju and if you choose to remain closer to downtown, taking local buses is the cheapest and easiest way to get around. For getting to further out historical sites and places, we recommend renting a car or taking a taxi. The whole of Gyeongju covers surprisingly a large area, so the further you go from the center city, the less frequently the buses will come.

If you are hopping around downtown, renting a bike, motor scooter, or golf cart is also another fun option. Since many of Gyeongju’s most popular areas are often tightly cramped, it also takes the woes out of finding a parking spot, which can be a nightmare at peak times. As you walk around Gyeongju downtown and around Hwanglidan-gil (황리단길), a tourist spot, you’ll find many shops that offer these various travel options.

Where to Stay in Gyeongju

Whether or not you’re visiting Gyeongju for the first time, staying in a hanok, pension, or local guest house is a must. There are many amazing and beautiful traditional hanoks (and even hanok-style guest houses) on Airbnb.

If you’re looking for a bit of a retreat outside of the major tourist spots, booking a pension is also a great alternative. At a pension, you can often grill your own food, splish splash in a pool, or enjoy your own private sauna. While most pensions can only be booked on non-Western websites, you can also use apps like Booking.com.

Here are some apps and sites we recommend checking out:

• Booking.com
• Yeogieottae (여기어때)
• Yanolja (야놀자)

Recommended Gyeongju Travel Itinerary

Depending on your length of stay, traveling in Gyeongju makes for a great day trip or long weekend getaway. Because of its popular and cultural significance in Korea, I often reuse the same itinerary when friends or family come to visit. For this itinerary,  I tried to group places by practicality. However, just take it as a suggested route, and mix and match as you see fit for your trip. 

Pro Tip: While you’re at it, pick up a Gyeongju Stamp Sheet from any of the city’s information centers or historical sites. It’s a fun activity and a great souvenir to mark all the amazing places the area has to offer and explore.

Day One – A Jam Packed Day Full of All Things Gyeongju

Whether you’re taking the train or the bus, starting in the heart of downtown Gyeongju is a great way to get a fast and full taste of Gyeongju. The schedule laid out is relatively walkable, but renting a golf cart or motor scooter is a great way to zip around fast. While it might seem like a daunting list, with everything so close together, you can see a lot in a day!

Hwanglidan-gil (황리단길)

This is the area to be in for all things shopping, eating, and cafe-related. With many of the businesses set in traditional hanok buildings, it’s a nice blend of old meets new. Spend hours here, or stop in for a quick bite and coffee while you shop and look around.

Pro Tip: This area can get insanely busy on weekends and peak travel times like cherry blossom season. Lines for restaurants can be hours long, so booking ahead or traveling on a weekday is a great alternative. Just remember! Some restaurants and cafes are closed on Tuesday, so keep that in mind!

There really isn’t one address for Hwanglidan-gil (황리단길), but here’s the general neighborhood link if you’re new to the area;

• Address: 1080 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 포석로 1080
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/xrcMX5cf

Play in the Box Gyeongju (플레이인더박스 경주황리단길점)

While there are a TON of photo booths in Gyeongju’s Hwanglidan-gil (황리단길), the one I recommend for first timers is Play in the Box. Here you will find Gyeongju-only printing options that make for a great keepsake and souvenir.  

• Address: 1073 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 포석로 1073
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/xOI1Ew3R

Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Tumuli Park (대릉원경주시)

Throughout Gyeongju, you will notice large mounds of earth and stone protruding from the ground. For those unfamiliar, these are burial mounds or “tumulus” that are raised over the tombs or graves of the deceased. Gyeongju is home to many tumulus that bury royals and nobles alike.

There are many places to see these tombs, but Daereungwon Tomb Complex (대릉원경주시) and Tumuli Park is probably one of the best areas for a shaded and relaxing stroll. While you’re in the area, you can visit and tour inside, Cheonmachong (천마총), which holds some of the most spectacular artifacts of Korea’s history.

• Address: 31-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경상북도 경주시 황남동 31-1
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/Fd7twfiD

Cheonmachong (천마총)

• Address: 262 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 황남동 262
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/56IRWr7Y

Cheomseongdae Observatory (첨성대)

Constructed during the reign of Queen Seondeok (r. 632-647) , the observatory consists of 365 stones, each one symbolizing the number of days in a year. During peak seasons, when spring, summer, and fall flowers blanket the land, the observatory offers a perfect destination for a stroll in the park.

Pro Tips: Since there’s relatively no shade around the observatory, walking to the observatory can be uncomfortable during the summer months. Unless you are coming for the surrounding flowers and daytime selfies, I also recommend going at night to see the observatory lit up in various arrays of color. 

• Address: 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경상북도 경주시 인왕동 839-1
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/Go2XWPwS

Pink Muhly Site

If you’re coming in the fall (September to early November), this is the best spot to take your pink muhly photos. With Cheomseongdae Observatory in the background and the royal tombs in the distance, it makes for an ethereal photoshoot.

• Address: Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경상북도 경주시 인왕동
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/GietIGM5

Woljeonggyo Bridge (월정교)

Built during the Silla Dynasty, this bridge is the longest wooden bridge in Korea . It’s massive in scale and has been restored to its former glory. Near where it stands, there are large slabs of stone where you can walk across the river, as well. While not on the main strip of shopping and street food, there are also some great cafes and a small hanok folk village nearby that make the walk here worth your while.

Pro Tip: Hands down, the best time to go is at night when this bridge comes alive in light. Literally glowing from afar, it simply feels more majestic and regal this way – a great place to end your first day in Gyeongju!

• Address: 274 Gyodong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경상북도 경주시 교동 274
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/5VltLVIv

Day Two – Slower Paced, But More Spread Out

Having a car or taxi will come in handy, but for convenience, I’ve grouped the morning and afternoon and evening activities closer together.

Bulguksa Temple (불국사)

Designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, Bulguksa Temple is a cherished reflection of Buddhism from the Silla Dynasty. The temple holds seven national treasures and has been carefully restored. If you come in the month of May, you will also see lots of colorful paper lanterns in honor of Buddha’s birthday.

Pro Tips: To beat the heavy crowds during peak times, it’s best to visit here in the morning. This is especially the case if you’re traveling in the summer months. While the site is mostly accessible, there are a few hills and stairs to climb. If you park closer to the entrance, you’ll pay a parking fee. However, you’ll can cut out some of the additional walking time.

• Address: 385 Bulguksa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 불국로 385 불국사
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/G6fwElyB

Seokguram Grotto (석굴암 석굴)

Very close to the Bulguksa Temple, the Seokguram Grotto makes a great next stop. To get here, we recommend taking a taxi or renting a car. Just be careful because there are some winding roads and steep drop offs. Once you arrive at the parking area, you can reach the Seokguram Grotto by foot and then through the woods a bit. 

While it might take a bit more physical effort and time to get to the Seokguram Grotto, the actual experience is quite breathtaking. After climbing some stairs, at the top of a large hill, you will find a large Buddha inside a beautiful stone chamber. While you are escorted in and out rather quickly (given the small interior,) the scenic views after the hike and the breathtaking sculptures round out the journey nicely.

• Address: 238 Seokgul-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 석굴로 238
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/5LuGRYag

Gyeongju National Museum (국립경주박물관)

The Gyeongju National Museum holds many of the Silla Dynasty’s lasting contributions to Korean culture and history. With five large permanent exhibits and circulating special exhibits, this museum is huge. It consists of indoor and outdoor areas, and a handful of buildings to explore and wander.   

• Address: 186 Gyeongju National Museum, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 일정로 186 국립경주박물관
• Museum Website Link (English)
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/5qRAK9AB

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (동궁과 월지)

Donggung Palace was a secondary palace used by the crown prince during the Silla Dynasty . Beautifully built with the addition of a manmade pond, this palace was also used as a banquet site for important national events and visitors. 

While lost for centuries, the original name of the pond was later discovered on a pottery fragment found in the area. Wolji means “a pond that reflects the moon,” an accurate name for the stunning landscape and surrounding buildings.  

Pro Tip: The best time to go is right at sunset or when completely dark. This is when the palace truly comes alive. You can walk along the well-lit path, pondering what a royal guest at a party here might have felt and experienced.

• Address: 102 Anapji, Won-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 원화로 102 안압지
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/5VltChwU

Day Three – Great All-Day or Half-Day Adventures

If you’re staying past a one or two-day trip, any of the following places will make a great all-day or half-day activity. For the best and easiest experience getting to any of the following places, I recommend taking a car or taxi. Booking a tour is also an option!

Gyeongju Expo Grand Park

Once part of a venue for the International Cultural Fair, the facilities have been turned into a large park. Open to the public year-round, it consists of Gyeongju Tower, 3D Animation World, Silla Culture History Exhibition, and World Fossil Museum. There are also beautiful gardens to rest and walk around in. With lots to see and do, it makes for a fun day experience. 

• Address: 614, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 경감로 614
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/5DjIy0IC

Gyeongju World

A popular theme park in the area, Gyeongju world is home to an amusement park, as well as a waterpark. While not super large in comparison to Everland or Lotte World amusement parks, Gyeongju still comes packed with fun rides and a few roller coasters. It makes for a great day trip or full-day activity!

Pro Tip: Like all amusement parks, expect long waiting lines during peak season. If you come during the summer months, bring a hat and wear sunscreen!

• Address: 544 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 보문로 544
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/FcuW9NJq

Gyeongju National Park

Compared to Korea’s other national parks, Gyeongju National Park is centered around cultural heritages, rather than natural resources. The park holds many national treasures and cultural sites, as well as additional museums that preserve Korea’s historical artifacts and art. 

• Address: Biji-ri, Naenam-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경상북도 경주시 내남면 비지리
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/Go2Xn4om

Yangdong Folk Village

The largest folk village in Korea , Yangdong is globally recognized by UNESCO. The village was home to two prominent clans of the Joseon Dynasty and boasts over 150 traditional buildings, shrines, etc. The locals in the area help preserve the village by performing traditional rituals and customs of the ruling class.

• Address: 92-16 Yangdong Village-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 강동면 양동마을길 92-16
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/FPBrAHDY

Gyeongju Treats to Try

Gyeongju is known for its famous bread and speciality street food. Here are a few recommendations to try.

Hwangnam Bread (황남빵)

Gyeongju is famous for a few tasty treats. The most famous is Hwangnam Bbang (황남빵), or Hwangnam bread. It’s a small pastry filled with red bean paste filling. You will find shops selling it all over Gyeongju, and can even find them near the bus or train stations.

Gyeongju Ten Won Bread (십원빵)

Some other snacks you’ll want to try include Gyeongju Ten Won Bread , which is a yummy cheese-filled bread that looks like a ten won coin. The easiest place to find them is throughout Hwanglidan-gil (황리단길), you won’t have to go to far before you see one shop after the other featuring these gems. 

Sweet Potato Fries (오렌지 구운 고구마)

Another street food seen everywhere in Gyeongju’s Hwanglidan-gil (황리단길) is sweet potato fries – bright orange fries that seem to be around, everywhere you go. 

Corn Ice Cream (옥수수 아이스크림)

If you’re unfamiliar with Asian ice cream flavors, or have never tried corn ice cream Gyeongjy’s popular shop Oksusu (옥수수) is the place to get it. It’s all the rave on social media, and a trending snack to be spotted with as you stroll through Hwanglidan-gil (황리단길).

Restaurants

When looking for local cafes and restaurants in Korea, a tip I tell anyone who asks is to use social media. If you have Instagram, look at accounts like @hotgyeongju or search the hashtags #경주카페 (Gyeongju cafe) or #경주식당. You will never be short of places to choose from! Here are some insider places that are top on my favorites list!

Iron Pot Pigs’ Feet (가마솥족발)

If you weren’t looking for this place, you could easily overlook it. While nothing fancy, this place often has over an hour wait at peak times. It might not seem like a lot, but for the taste, it’s truly worth it!

• Address: 39-1, Bonghwang-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 봉황로 39-1 가마솥족발
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/5gdLuW7q

Gyeongju Parujeong Restaurant (팔우정식당)

My nickname for this restaurant is the “fire grill restaurant” because you can often see the huge burst of fire from the kitchen. The place is tiny and not super close to touristy areas. You’ll see a quick turnaround of people coming, going, and waiting. That’s how you know the food is good!

• Address: 25-9 Yongdam-ro 104beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 용담로104번길 25-9 1층 팔우정식당
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/xOI1EYEw

Nai Pad Thai (나이팟타이)

Don’t get me wrong, I love Korean food. However, when I need a change in pace, I love eating South East Asian cuisine. Again, this place is rather unassuming as you walk by, but the long menu offers so many wonderful delicious dishes to explore.

• Address: 734-1 Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 태종로 734-1
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/xPIpYM3U

If you’re looking for an amazing Aussie brunch in Korea and a beautiful interior, look no further. This place is truly a gem, and the staff is super friendly. I love coming back here time and time again, especially when I’m craving a fresh and healthy brunch menu.

• Address: 101-1 Wonhyo-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 원효로 101-1 
• Address: https://naver.me/5ITz0BWi

Gyeongju is full of cute cafes everywhere you look! There is certainly no shortage. Here are a few of my favorites off the beaten path.

Commencement (커먼스먼트) 

While admittedly this place does not have the most comfortable seating, I’m obsessed with the in-season drinks here. They are delicious, refreshing, and unique. 

• Address: 966 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 포석로 966
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/xPvT2VYg

Woljeong Bakery (월정제과)

My friend showed me this place, and ever since I tried the black sesame latte, I’ve been itching to go back. Very cute and quaint with a nice vintage aesthetic.

• Address: 47-6 Bonghwang-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 봉황로 47-6 1층
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/5TiCKc0W

White Flower Diary (야생화일기)

Hands down one of my favorite cafes in all of Korea, but full disclosure, you will need a car or a taxi to get there. However, once you do, it’s worth it. My favorite room to sit in feels like a greenhouse (minus the heat or cold), and my favorite drink to order is their Special Affogato. 

• Address: 332-6 Ogeumgeun-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 강동면 오금큰길 332-6 야생화일기
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/GqNSpwuu

Wine Bars and Pubs

For those who enjoy a bit of nightlife, sadly, there isn’t a club hopping scene in Gyeongju. However, if you’re looking for a nice wine bar or a cold beer next to some Silla tombs, I’ve got you covered.

Heu Heu Heu (흐흐흐)

This is a great place for some tasty and unique craft beers on tap. Enjoy some pub fare, have a few beers, all while watching the sun set over the Silla tombs. 

• Address: 23-1, Taejong-ro 727beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 태종로727번길 23-1 1층
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/GedOnJZB

Oasis (오아시스 경주 황리단길)

I have not been here yet, but it’s high on my list of places to visit next. A Gyeongju native in the area recommended it, and after checking out the online vibes, it looks like a fun and classy night out.

• Address: 1-1 Sajeong-ro 50beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Address: 경북 경주시 사정로50번길 1-1 
• Naver Map Link: https://naver.me/5BkR34pN

With too many places on my saved and favorites list, my next recommendation is to go check out Gyeongju for yourself. Have a great trip!

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Author:  Leah Garlock

Leah Garlock is a UX/UI Designer living between the U.S. and South Korea. In her freetime, you will find her out traveling Korea in search of the coziest and coolest cafes.

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16 top things to do in Gyeongju, from tombs to tasty treats

Jan 19, 2022 • 10 min read

The reflection of Donggung Palace in the waters of Wolji Pond is one of Gyeonju''s most iconic vistas © Sungjin Kim / Getty Images

Gyeongju is a place where history feels as alive as the sparrows that dart between the branches of the pine trees. In this living museum of Korean history, the royal tombs of the Silla Dynasty punctuate the landscape beneath orderly green mounds, centuries-old houses are both homes and hip cafes, and mountain mists polish the surface of ancient Buddhist pagodas.

Gyeongju is easy to reach from Seoul or Busan , but very different in character thanks to its ban on high rises. It's a place to embrace nature, whether that means temple-hunting hikes amongst gnarled pines, or observing the pink grass in autumn or the floating cherry blossom in spring.

Visitors can take in the highlights in a day and a night, but it's more rewarding to spend several days hiking and sampling all the Gyeongju specialties. Here are some of the best experiences in Gyeongju.

Walk between royal tombs at Tumuli Gongwon 

The showstopper sight in Gyeongju is the huge park known as Tumuli Gongwon – also known as Daereungwon Tomb Park – where 23 grassy hillocks hide the tombs of the royals of the Silla Dynasty, who ruled over Korea for nearly a millennium until 935 CE. The pyramid-like burial mounds roll across the landscape, providing a surreal resting place for the Silla kings and queens and their treasures (as well as their servants). Setting foot inside a tomb and feeling the temperature suddenly cool is part of an extraordinary sensory experience.

Walk under a shower of cherry blossoms

At the peak of the Gyeongju cherry blossom festival every spring, pink and white petals fill the air like confetti on the breeze. The city is almost unrecognizable as hundreds of cherry trees form glorious archways of blossom. You can spend an especially magical April day walking around Bomun Lake , admiring the cherry blossom and pagodas, stopping for a DIY picnic, enjoying live traditional music and admiring the sunset on the water.

Relive an ancient royal drinking game at Poseokjeong Pavilion

All that remains of the royal villa of Poseokjeong is a stone water feature at the foot of a massive tree – once part of an ancient drinking game. During the Unified Silla era, the royals and their friends would sit around this curving granite channel, floating drinking vessels on the water. Each time a vessel passed in front of a participant, it was their turn to drink and recite a line of a poem. In reality, the poetry was probably only there to lend an air of sophistication to social drinking, but the tradition humanizes the royals and visiting adds some variety to a tour of Buddhist relics. Get here on the 500 bus from Gyeongju train station.

Witness the might of the Silla empire at Bulguk-sa 

The imposing Buddhist temple complex of Bulguk-sa was conceived by Silla rulers high on power after uniting the Korean peninsula. The wooden main temple is perched atop a series of stone terraces scented with the sharp perfume of pine needles and irises from the surrounding woodland gardens. Peer under the eaves and take note of the exquisite multicolored tiles and carved dragon heads. Bring your walking shoes – according to local legend, you will cross into the land of Buddha by traversing the bridges and gateways of Bulguk-sa. Come in autumn when the site looks especially heavenly as the maple trees turn crimson.

Revere the 1000-year-old Buddha of Seokguram 

Hike beyond the temple complex of Bulguk-sa to find one of the world’s most exquisite Buddha sculptures. Nestled in the Unesco-listed cave temple of Seokguram , the 3m-high (9.8ft) granite statue of Buddha sits in cross-legged contemplation, ringed by depictions of other Buddhist figures. Gazing upwards at the statue's dignified expression is awe-inspiring in the cool, quiet air under the dome.

Meet Gyeongju's cool kids shopping on Hwangridan-gil

Timeworn Gyeongju can be surprisingly hip once you get away from the tombs and temples. The epicenter of Gyeongju cool is Poseok-Ro, more commonly known by the nickname Hwangridan-gil. In this hipster hang-out, you'll find a growing number of well-curated bookstores such as Eoseo Eoseo, and offbeat gift stores such as Samdeok Market, where retro Korean toys and knickknacks are reborn as chic ornaments.

Cool cafes and stylish guesthouses have taken over former industrial spaces and traditional hanok houses around the laneways to create a contemporary Seoul-like vibe, but without the big city price tag. Sip a coffee at No Words and book a room at Hwangnamguan. From the northwest end of Tumuli Gongwon, wander south along Poseok-Ro and look for queues of eager patrons, especially on weekends, to spot the current favorite spots.

Snap a selfie amidst pink muhly grass

A field full of pink muhly grass beside an ancient Korean astronomical observatory and misty mountain peaks in the same photo? Just bring your camera to the Cheomseongdae historical site in autumn. Muhly grass originally came to Korea from America, but it has become a feature of gardens all over the country. Visit from September for an otherworldly scene that you won't see anywhere else in the world.  

Snack on sweet Gyeongju bread

It's a common rule in Asia that things that look cute taste better, and the Gyeongju bread known as hwangnam-ppang is as cute as a chrysanthemum. Indeed, a picture of the flower is imprinted on the top of each one of these dainty pastries. There's something about the way the dense egg pastry pulls apart to reveal the sweet red bean filling that brings to mind Chinese moon cakes, but this snack is dumpling-sized, making it all too easy to eat a dozen. Hwangnam Bread sells Gyeongju bread in decorative boxes, which Koreans appreciate as gifts.

Hunt temples on the hike up Namsan

Solitary temples, some without walls, squat in weathered ruin amongst the twisted pines of Namsan mountain. This is not the place for perfectly preserved pieces of Korean history, but the slopes swim with atmosphere, and you can actually touch the long-revered relics. A network of hiking trails, some steep and some gentle, winds through the mountain valleys and walking here is a unique treasure hunt for hundreds of Buddhist wonders.

Highlights include statues hewn in bas relief on the surface of rocky outcrops – the head honcho here is the Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha who will arrive on Earth when the dharma is forgotten. There are dozens more small Buddha statues hidden in caves and other surprises not listed on the maps. Ideally, you'll want a full day to take it all in, but even on a short walk, you'll encounter treasures every 10 minutes or so along the trails. Namsan really lives up to Gyeongju's reputation as a "museum without walls."

See dazzling Donggung Palace mirrored in Wolji Pond 

Lovers of picture-perfect moments should ready their cameras for nightfall at Wolji Pond (known previously as Anapji Pond). The former royal pleasure garden is impressive by day but spectacular at night when the adjacent Donggung Palace – once used by the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom – is illuminated, creating a floating mirror image in the still waters. 

Learn about sex (or giggle trying) at Love Castle

If you are heritage-fatigued, slip out of central Gyeongju for an adults-only museum that is partly a serious study of sexual behavior (complete with sex-related paraphernalia and information panels), and partly a cheeky theme park. The titillating outdoor "art" includes plenty of phallic and sexual sculptures – some puzzling, many comical. It's a sprawling place that is worth half a day if you need some light relief from historic sites. 

Sip traditional Gyeongju rice wine 

The perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing is with a cold shot of gyodong beopju , a clear rice wine with subtle sweet and sour notes. Forms of this alcoholic tipple have been brewed in Korean Buddhist temple villages since at least 1124 and it was a favorite drink for the Silla kings. It's an intriguing, little-known specialty of Gyeongju that makes a good digestif and you can sample it at many local restaurants.

Wander back in time at Yangdong Folk Village

Ancient Korean society is recreated in cultural villages all over Korea, but Yandong is different because people still live in some of its hanok (traditional houses). The homes here are up to 500 years old, and they sit perched above green fields that were tilled by past occupants. Head uphill to see some classic examples of handsome Korean architecture. To dial up the nostalgia, eat in a traditional house restaurant such as  Uhyangdaok with sunlight dappling through the wooden windows.

Sample the specialties of Gyeongju cuisine

Gyeongju is known for high-quality, tender cuts of beef that are fit for a Silla king. Gyeongju beef is especially delicious served as bulgogi (marinated in pear juice and barbecued at the table). You'll find it in many local restaurants, including on hanjeongsik set menus. Vegetarians should seek out dishes that include sundubu tofu, made from soybeans hand-ground in Gyeongju in a stone mill. It's often served in spicy sundubu jjigae stew, but ask the cook to leave out meat or seafood if you don't eat it.

Cross Woljeonggyo Bridge

Yes, a bridge is one of the highlights of Gyeongju. In fact, it's one of the most photogenic spots in the whole country, with the crowds to prove it. Woljeonggyo Bridge is pretty by day, but this Silla-era structure is at its most spectacular when lit up at night when it resembles an ornate wooden palace.

Woljeonggyo is the largest wooden bridge in Korea and visitors are free to cross through a hall of red columns and exquisite roof beams and clamber up the towers that bookend the bridge. Get there just before closing time at 10pm to avoid the crowds.

Step inside the set of a Korean reality TV series

Korean visitors flock to Cafe SUPIA for photos to fill up their Instagram Stories. Sure the drinks are great, and the location in a sprawl of rice paddies and woodland is enchanting, but it's the exposed wooden beams of this handsome hanok house that bring Korean fans. Cafe SUPIA was the backdrop for the Korean reality TV series Kang's Kitchen 2 and the yellow dolls featured in the cooking show decorate its open-plan spaces, while the scent of the pines wafts in through the sliding window shutters, mingling with the smell of freshly-ground coffee.  

See the Silla kingdom's greatest hits at Gyeongju National Museum

New artifacts are constantly being excavated in Gyeongju and most of these treasures find a home at Gyeongju National Museum , the best place to learn about the Silla kingdom. It's one of the country's top museums, and a must-visit if you're in Gyeongju. Objects on display include a gold crown, dragon-shaped musical instruments, an ornamental dagger sheath, bronze candle-wick trimmers and a face sculpted into a roof end tile. Jeweled beetle ornaments and gold earrings are the latest finds to join the collection. The museum is free too, so you can dip in and out as the mood takes you.

Gyeongju is on our 2022 Best in Travel list. For more stories from some of the world’s most exciting destinations click here .

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before  traveling during COVID-19 .

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9 Best Things to Do in Gyeongju (+Tips to Make it Worth it)

Whenever I’m in South Korea, I often visit the same places — Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island.

When I kept coming across good reviews about Gyeongju, I decided to plan a trip.

I spent 2 days in Gyeongju in South Korea. Was it worth the trip?

Spoiler! Gyeongju is one of my favorite cities I’ve visited in South Korea so far.

BUT I do highly recommend staying overnight, and you’ll see why.

Here’s my guide to Gyeongju: best things to do in Gyeongju, where to stay, sample Gyeongju itineraries, and what I recommend.

First time visiting South Korea? Read my Basic South Korea Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors .

Gyeongju Quick Links: 📲 Book your express bus ticket to Gyeongju 🚌 Gyeongju 1-Day Tour by City Tour Bus 🚙 Gyeongju The Old Capital of Korea One Day Tour from Busan 🚊 Visit Gyeongju in 1 Day from Seoul (Round-trip KTX tickets included

🎥 Watch my Gyeongju Vlog:

Table of Contents

What Makes Gyeongju Special?

Gyeongju is located in southeastern Korea, just an hour north of Busan and is famously known as the “Museum without Walls.”

Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, which ruled over much of the Korean Peninsula from the 7th to 9th centuries.

It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous archaeological sites, royal tombs, ancient temples, and observatories .

The people and environment in Gyeongju are also very calmer and a nice getaway from bustling Seoul.

Many of the shops, convenience stores, and even gas stations are hanok-style, or traditional Korean homes .

How to Get to Gyeongju

If you’re coming from Seoul, you can either take the high-speed train or express bus from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal.

From Seoul, it takes 2.5 hours by train, or 3.5 hours by bus.

I wrote a Gyeongju blog post detailing how to get from Seoul to Gyeongju and my recommended route (spoiler: bus).

📲 Book your express bus ticket to Gyeongju

Where to Stay in Gyeongju

The main area of Gyeongju, especially for travel, is city center or “downtown” where most of the historical sites are located. It’s walkable from the bus terminals.

I stayed at an airbnb right next to the bus terminal in a hanok house. A lot of the bigger hotels & resorts in Gyeongju won’t be in the main downtown area.

Here are hanoks and hotels in downtown Gyeongju to look at for your trip:

1. Hwangnamkwan Hanok Guesthouse

2. Hotel Palace Gyeongju

3. Hwangridangil Adamjeong Hanok Stay

🏨 Read my full post to find out where you should stay in Gyeongju

How to Get Around Gyeongju

In case you don’t know, there is no subway system in Gyeongju.

I mostly walked around the main area since the main attractions are close to one another.

When I did take the bus, it was similar to the bus systems in Seoul and Busan. The only times I took a bus was for a day trip to Pohang , and to go to the Bulguksa Temple and Bomun Tourist Complex listed below.

If you choose to only stay in the downtown and city center, walking will suffice.

🚙 Driving? Rent a car in South Korea for as cheap as $28 USD a day

9 Best Things to Do in Gyeongju

Gyeongju is nicknamed the museum without walls because most of the Gyeongju attractions and sites are located outside or is part of the city.

You’ll likely be outside for most of your trip in Gyeongju. (So dress accordingly to the weather!)

Here are the main 9 things to do in Gyeongju.

1. Hwangnidan Street

Hwangnidan Street is the main popular street downtown. The cafes, restaurants, and shops are all in renovated or newly-built traditional hanok-style buildings.

The views here at night are also really nice and busy, though most shops close around 9pm.

There are lots of stationary and souvenir shops and photo booths.

2. Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Royal Tombs)

One of the main things to do in Gyeongju is see the big green mounds you’ll see everywhere. They are ancient royal tombs and burial sites of kings, queens & nobles from the ancient Silla Kingdom.

There’s 23 royal tombs just in the city center and the whole historic area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Entrance to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex is free, but if you want to visit the museum, it is 3,000 won ($2 USD).

3. Cheomseongdae Observatory

Right nearby is Cheomseongdae , an astronomical observatory from the 7th century. The observatory lights up at night. There is no entrance fee.

In the same area is a large flower park and the flowers you’ll see will depend on the season. I went in early summer and it looked like this:

The next two sites need to be seen at night. They’re pretty during the day but 100% better at night. That’s why I recommend staying at least one night. Visiting these were some of my favorite things to do in Gyeongju.

4. Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Donggung Palace is walkable from the Cheomseongdae Observatory. The palace, built during the Silla Dynasty, once served as a secondary palace complex for the crown prince.

In the same area is the Wolji Pond , an artificial pond surrounded by pavilions and gardens. Wolji pond was built in 679 and has 3 small islands.

It cost 3,000 won to enter, or around $2 USD.

You can walk around the whole pond and all the trees are lit up. It’s really beautiful, but especially at night.

5. Woljeonggyo Bridge

Woljeonggyo Bridge is another Gyeongju attraction that needs to be seen at night.

It is the largest wooden bridge in Korea . The name itself means Shadow of the Moon.

It is around a 20-minute walk from the Gyeongju bus terminal area.

Woljeonggyo Bridge was served as a crossing over the Hyeongsan River during the Silla Dynasty.

You can sit by the water and walk through the bridge.

6. Gyochon Traditional Village

Located right next to Woljeonggyo Bridge is the Gyochon Traditional Village .

Gyochon Traditional Village is a village and living museum showcasing traditional Korean architecture, culture, and customs during the Joseon Dynasty.

All of the shops, restaurants, and homes are traditional hanok-style . It felt like I was on a filming set for a kdrama!

There’s lots of craft shops, teahouses, restaurants, cultural exhibits and workshops, and museums.

The next things to do in Gyeongju are if you’re staying more than one night in Gyeongju. These are located in the northeastern part of the city.

7. Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple is another UNESCO Heritage site in Gyeongju.

The temple is located on Mount Toham in Gyeongju. Bulguksa means “Temple of the Buddha Land,” and was built during the Silla Dynasty.

The temple complex consists of traditional halls, pagodas, bridges, and stone staircases.

It takes one hour to get to Bulguksa Temple by bus from downtown Gyeongju.

Entrance to the palace is free.

If you have more time, you can also go to Seokguram Grotto nearby by bus to see the large Buddha statue.

8. Bomun Tourist Complex

A 20-minute bus ride north of the Bulguksa Temple takes you to a more commercial area called the Bomun Tourist Complex with resorts and businesses.

This is one of the most popular spots to see cherry blossoms in Gyeongju .

Here’s what to see in the area:

Gyeongju Tower is located inside the Gyeongju Culture Expo . Entrance cost will vary by the exhibit.

Right across is the Hwangnyongwon / Joongdo Tower , which is a actually corporate event hall.

A walk down the road is Gyeongju World Theme Park . I didn’t go in, but you can spend the day there. Entrance is around $40.

9. Bomun Lake and Pavilion

Another walk down from the Gyeongju World Theme Park is Bomun Lake and Pavilion . There’s beautiful and peaceful walking paths around the area.

It’s supposed to be quite pretty here during cherry blossom season. I went in summer.

I took a bus to get back to downtown Gyeongju.

Day Trip to Gyeongju? Example Gyeongju Itineraries

Here are things to do in Gyeongju depending on how long you stay.

One day trip to Gyeongju visit:

• Hwangnidan Street
• Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Royal Tombs)
• Woljeonggyo Bridge
• Gyochon Traditional Village
• Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

2 days in Gyeongju:

Day 1: All of the above, but save the Wolji Pond and bridge for nighttime views for either day 1 or day 2.

• Bulguksa Temple
• Bomun Tourist Complex
• Bomun Lake and Pavilion
• Optional: Gyeongju World Theme Park, Culture Expo

If you have more time, here’s more things to do in Gyeongju:

• Gyeongju National Museum
• Jungang Market
• East Palace Garden
• and even a World Car Museum

Gyeongju Tours

If you prefer guided or organized tours, here are a few:

1. Gyeongju 1 Day Tour by City Tour Bus

2. Gyeongju The Old Capital of Korea One Day Tour from Busan

3. Visit Gyeongju in 1 Day from Seoul (Round-trip KTX tickets included)

🌸 Visiting during Cherry Blossom Season? Book a Sakura Gyeongju Tour

Is Gyeongju Worth Visiting?

Gyeongju lives up to its nickname as the “Museum without Walls.” A trip to Gyeongju is like taking a trip back to the Joseon Dynasty with beautiful outdoor architectural, cultural and nature sites.

Plus there’s lots of things to do in Gyeongju.

While even a day trip to Gyeongju will still be great, I 100% recommend either staying overnight in Gyeongju or leaving in the evening to see the best of Gyeongju.

If you have more time, Busan & Pohang is an only hour bus ride away from Gyeongju.

Have a nice time in Gyeongju!

Related Posts

Where to Stay in Gyeongju for First-Time Visitors (2024)

Best Vegan Restaurants in Gyeongju (2024)

How to Get from Seoul to Gyeongju (with Photos & Costs)

How to Get from Gyeongju to Busan (with Photos & Costs)

How to see Cherry Blossoms in Gyeongju in 2024

Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and encourages solo female travelers to take #yolo trips. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.

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Gyeongju travel blog — The fullest Gyeongju travel guide for first-timers

Ever since my days of studying Korean history, I’ve always wanted to visit Gyeongju (Gyeongju) – the thousand-year-old ancient capital of Korea. If Seoul is dynamic and modern, then Gyeongju is a low note in the Korean tourist map. Gyeongju helps you discover ancient tourist attractions in the region, enjoy traditional Korean cuisine and learn more interesting things about the ancient capital of Korea. So, is Gyeongju worth visiting, what to do in Gyeongju and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Gyeongju for the first-time? Let’s check out our Gyeongju travel blog (Gyeongju blog) with the fullest Gyeongju travel guide (Gyeongju guide) from how to get to Gyeongju, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and things to do in Gyeongju to find out the answer!

• Gyeongju day trip — What to do in Gyeongju & how to explore Gyeongju in 1 day perfectly?
• Gyeongju 1 day itinerary — How to spend one day in Gyeongju, South Korea
• When is the best time to visit Busan? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to visit Busan
• When is the best time to visit Seoul? — The best, worst, cheapest & best season to visit Seoul
• When is the best time to visit South Korea? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to visit Korea

The country of Korea is mainly known for its modern towards future. And when you visiting big cities like Seoul and Busan, you can see this everywhere with all the towering buildings, super bright city lights and high speed internet. However, there are still plenty of cultural destinations where visitors can get a glimpse of Korea’s glorious past. One such destination is Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, home to some of the finest Buddhist art in the Far East.

If you enjoy ancient cultures and traditions, take a day trip to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Korea. Here is the detailed guide to Gyeongju for you!

Overview of Gyeongju (#Gyeongju travel blog)

Gyeongju is a city located in the North of Gyeongsang Province, near the southeast coast of mainland Korea. It is an hour’s drive or bus from Busan and is a perfect day trip for those looking for a unique cultural experience. Gyeongsang Province has the largest area in Korea, including North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang, is the center of culture, history, preservation and saving of traditional customs and quintessence of Korea.

Like Vietnam and China, the Korean peninsula also had the Three Kingdoms period. The kingdom of Silla (Shilla) conquered Baekje and Goguryeo and established a new dynasty, the unified Silla. This is the first unified kingdom on the Korean peninsula, the Silla dynasty is also one of the oldest surviving dynasties in Asian history with nearly 1000 years. Many scholars liken Gyeongju to the Hue ancient capital of Vietnam.

Gyeongju is now known as a “museum without walls” and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Korea, especially for visitors interested in the cultural heritage of the Silla dynasty and the architecture of Joseon Dynasty.

During the period from 57 BC to 935 AD, Gyeongju served as the capital of the Silla kingdom. With a history of thousands of years, today when traveling to Gyeongju, you will have the opportunity to visit many historical sites and precious cultural heritages.

Once the former capital of the Silla kingdom, however, over the centuries, Gyeongju’s influence waned and it was no longer considered a major city. However, thanks to archaeological excavations carried out in the early 20s of the last century, Gyeongju’s historical significance has been recognized and it has become a cultural destination. In November 2000, Gyeongju Historic Areas was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When is the best time to visit Gyeongju?

Gyeongju is a coastal city located. Therefore, compared to other cities, Gyeongju has a much cooler, temperate climate. Summers in Gyeongju are hot and humid and winters are relatively cool. The period from June to August every year, in Gyeongju often has a monsoon. The average annual rainfall is about 1,091 mm and the average temperature is about 12 degrees Celsius.

The peak tourist season in Gyeongju usually takes place in April and May. However, you should not go at this time because of hotel prices will be very expensive, you should go in December every year.

With the characteristics of Korean weather, visitors can travel to Gyeongju at any time of the year. Especially if you love flowers, you can come here from March to April. This time is cherry blossom season, very romantic and pleasant weather. In addition, the fields of canola flowers are also at the same time bright yellow swaying in the wind.

How to get to Gyeongju? (#Gyeongju travel guide)

Currently, the city of Gyeongju does not have its own airport. However, if you want to go by plane, you can still go to the airport in Busan or Ulsan airport. From these airports, you can getting to Gyeongju city by bus or train.

From cities like Daegu, Pohang, Busan or Seoul, there are daily buses to Gyeongju. The travel time by bus from Seoul to Gyeongju is around 4 hours. From the cities of Daegu, Pohang or Busan, it only takes you about 40 minutes to reach.

The most convenient and fastest way to get from Seoul to Gyeongju is by train. The KTX high-speed train takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes, and is only 15 minutes from Busan. It arrives at the city’s new train station (Singyeongju). From there you can take the bus to the center. It takes about 15 minutes through the verdant mountains to reach Gyeongju.

It should be noted that there are two train stations in Gyeongju City, Gyeongju Station, which is 10 minutes from the city center, and SinGyeongJu Station, which is up to 30 minutes by taxi from the city center.

From Busan (#Gyeongju travel blog)

By Air:  The nearest international airport to Gyeongju is in Busan. There is also an airport in Ulsan. You can take the airport shuttle from Incheon (Seoul), Gimhae (Busan) and Ulsan straight to Gyeongju.

By car: The bus ride from Busan to Gyeongju takes about 60-90 minutes via the highway. First, head to the Gyochon Traditional Village and explore the surrounding areas from there. You can use Waze or Korean GPS for navigation.

By KTX train: I went from Busan to Gyeongju. So I documented the way to get to Gyeongju for anyone interested in. From Busan Station there is a KTX train to SinGyeongJu Station, it only takes about 40 minutes, this station is a bit far from the center so it costs a taxi to getting to the city center, the train usually doesn’t go through GyeongJu Station (the old station), but it pass through Bulguksa Station which is a train station near the Buddhist temple which is the main tourist attraction of GyeongJu, so if you travel for 1 or 2 days on weekends, with little luggage, you go straight to the temple to visit, then take a bus to the center to see the rest of the spots.

I left in the afternoon, and with bulky luggage, I went to the hotel first, overnight there and then visit the next day, so going from Busan Station is very inconvenient. An acquaintance in Busan suggested to me to take the Dongdaegu-Bujeon train, which is a regular train, taking 1 hour and 50 minutes from Bujeon Station to Gyeongju Station, which is located only 10 minutes by taxi from the center. Busan and Bujeon stations are both located in the city of Busan, are two adjacent train stations, 22 minutes apart. The price of KTX train and regular train is also slightly different.

You can also choose a suitable itinerary. See information about trains and schedules at http://www.letskorail.com/

Getting around in the city of Gyeongju

With the feature of many signs, being a quite ancient city, the means of transport you should consider is a bicycle, electric bicycle or motorbike. A simple bike is enough to take you to explore tourist attractions near the center such as Cheomseongdae, Anapji lake… Bicycle rental shops also abound in the city center, with rental prices ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 won/day.

Gyeongju travel experience in terms of transportation is that, if you want to go further, for example Bulguksa Buddhist temple, you choose to take the inner city bus. The bus system in this city is generally convenient for every visitor. The stops near any relic are named after that relic, so there’s no fear of getting lost. The stops have notes in English and Korean and the staff is very supportive.

The tourist information counter is right next to the Bus Terminal and the main monuments all have English-speaking staff, extremely dedicated guides.

Where to go, what to do in Gyeongju (#Gyeongju blog)

With all the cultural and historical richness in the region, Gyeongju is a major tourist destination for both locals and foreign visitors. In such a compact area you will be able to see 1,000 years of Silla’s heritage as well as fine examples of Buddhist art and relics.

In the old town there are Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory, Anapji Lake which is beautiful at sunset and shimmering in the evening lights. Near Anapji Lake, there is a national museum and a 3D cinema about life in the Unified Silla period. About 1 hour by bus from the center of Gyeongju, there is the historical site of the National Buddhist Temple of Bulguksa and Seokguram Grotto, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a tangible cultural heritage (I will be written in another article). There is also the ancient village of Yangdong, only 50 minutes from the central bus station.

Visiting the remains of Namsan Mountain (#Gyeongju travel guide)

The first place that you should visit when you have the opportunity to come to Gyeongju city is the Namsan mountain. It bears the imprint of the Silla period, where the people longed for a country with Buddhist beliefs. In the past, the Namsan mountain was home to many temples built during the heyday of the Silla dynasty.

On Namsan Mountain, there are more than 100 Buddha statues such as sitting stone Buddha in Mireuk-bong Peak (The Great Statue of Maitreya Buddha), standing stone Buddha in Baeri, Buddha carved on cliffs in Chilbul-sa (Seven Buddhas Temple of Jiri-san), 100 stone towers and more then 150 temples and pagodas relics.

When you come here, you will be able to visit the ancient catacombs, the ruins of the palaces, the royal gardens of the Silla kings as proof of a brilliant civilization.

Not only can you admire the remaining historical ruins, you also have the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery of Namsan Mountain.

Hiking through the woods leads to gurgling streams. More specifically, you can also play at the artificial rock spring of Poseokjeong, which was formerly the playground of the royal family.

Gyochon Traditional Village

Let start your Gyeongju tour at the Gyochon Traditional Village. If you arrive in the city at noon, this is also a great place to have lunch.

Traditional villages across Korea mostly consist of “hanok” or traditional Korean houses. Traditional Korean houses are generally eco-friendly. They are designed and built with non-polluting raw materials (such as earth, wood and stone) and designed to harmonize with their natural surroundings. Traditional Korean architecture also considers the house’s position in relation to its surroundings and is designed to endure cold winters and hot summers.

You can visit Gyochon Traditional Village, which is a hanok village that focuses on the life of the Choe clan. The Choe family was especially loved by their neighbors as they were said to be very impartial and generous with their wisdom and wealth.

In the village, you will find many traditional houses and restaurants specializing in traditional cuisine. You’ll also be able to take part in glassmaking classes, pottery workshops, and tea ceremonies.

Address: 39-2 Gyochon-gil, Gyo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Hours: Open 24 hours

Yangdong Folk Village (Yangdong Village of Gyeongju)

One of Gyeongju’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites you should visit is the village of Wolseong Yangdong (Yangdong Folk Village). This small village has about 150 houses built between the 14th and 15th centuries.

The village built between the 14th and 15th centuries is considered the most representative clan village in Korea. The village located at the foot of the Seolchang mountain surrounded by forested mountains, opposite the village is a large river and rice fields showing the culture of the ancient nobility in Korea.

The design of the houses here shows the class stratification of the nobility and the poor peasants. The houses clearly show the upper and lower hierarchy of the Joseon period.

In the past, this place was mainly the residence of the Sohn and Lee family, so the village is also known as Oeson village. They built houses in different directions, not in the same direction, showing the development rivalry of the two clans.

It is thanks to the diversity as well as the special architectural features of the famous sightseeing spot in Gyeongju, Korea that it has been classified as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO and described as one of the typical cultural villages of Korea.

Address: 91 Yangdongmaeuran-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Hours: 9AM–7PM

Daereungwon Tomb Complex (#Gyeongju blog)

Coming to Cheomseongdae stone tower (star-gazing tower), don’t forget to visit Daereungwon royal tomb complex. South of the main observatory is the Gyerim forest and the Daereungwon royal tomb. It is a complex of many tombs of Silla kings and queens. There are 23 tombs out of 200 tombs in the relic complex. Each tomb was excavated and filled up to form large hills covered with green grass.

Prominent among the royal tombs of Daereungwon is the ancient tomb of Cheonmachong (Sky horse tomb) which is considered the largest in the center of the tomb complex as the resting place of a Silla king in the 5th – 6th centuries and was excavated in 1973. The Cheonmachong tomb has the only painting discovered from the Silla period, as well as relics showing the king’s lavish lifestyle. Hwangnamdaechong is the empress’s tomb, hidden more luxurious accessories.

More than 15,000 treasures were discovered here, in which the golden crown and gold belt of the king are displayed at the Gyeongju National Museum.

Some prominent tombs are open to visitors such as Gwoereung Tomb, Baeri Samneung Tomb, Nodong/Noéo-ri Tomb Park, Seoakre Gobungun Tomb, Kim Yushin Tomb, King Munmu’s Underwater Tomb…

Address: 31-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Hours: 9AM–10PM Entrance fee: 2,000 won

Cheomseongdae Observatory

Near the royal tomb complex, you’ll find the Cheomseongdae observatory – the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Cheomseongdae, which means “stargazing tower”, was built in the 7th century in the kingdom of Silla, during the reign of queen Seondeok of the Silla dynasty (632-647. It is 9.17 meters high and is made up of 362 pieces of cut granite, representing the 362 days of the lunar year, the stones are stacked in 27 layers. Each side of the tower has three stones representing 3 months in the period.

You may not know this observatory is Korea’s 31st treasure; predictive effect on nature, society and destiny. Not only famous for its historical values, the scenery around this work also amazes visitors with the vast fields of mustard flowers blooming in April.

It’s an important heritage site in the heritage complex of ancient Gyeongju capital. It was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage on December 20, 1962.

Address: 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Hours: 9AM–10PM

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Lake Anapji)

From the ancient tomb complex, head to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, a man-made pond formerly known as Anapji.

These are the remnants of a palace complex of ancient Silla, built by King Munmu according to Taoist aesthetics in 674 AD. After the fall of Silla, the pond was abandoned and rebuilt only in 1974. During this time, excavations have uncovered many archaeological remains, which are now on display in the complex.

Lake Anapji was loved by the royal class as a resort. Under Silla, Lake Anapji was famous for its sophisticated architecture and poetic scenery. If you have the opportunity to go to Korea in June or July, you will be able to see lotus flowers blooming all over Lake Anapji.

In the afternoon, visitors can admire the beautiful scenery of Anapji Lake and the sunset. Gently relax in the fresh and peaceful atmosphere of the ancient capital of Gyeongju. Relive the memories of a brilliant civilization in the past. This lake is especially beautiful at night if you happen to stay overnight in Gyeongju.

Address: 102 Wonhwa-ro, Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Hours: 9AM–10PM

Bomun Tourist Complex

The Bomun Tourist Complex is centered around Bomunho Lake (Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do), about 10 kilometers east of downtown Gyeongju. This is a place where all kinds of services are concentrated such as luxury accommodation, golf courses, amusement parks… In which the highlight is Gyeongju World Amusement park (Address: 544 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea/Hours: 10AM–6PM; Saturday, Sunday: 10AM–8PM) – where there are countless rides and camping areas. Very attractive for groups of young people.

Hwanglidangil Street

The street is extremely suitable for walking and relaxing. On the small old alleys are long rows of bustling eateries, cafes and small shops. Don’t forget to take a leisurely time at Hwanglidangil, stop by to sip a delicious cup of coffee. Some names can be mentioned: 대릉다원, 스컹크웍스, 오하이, 동경, 더클램프,…

Gyeongju National Museum

This museum is located right next to the complex of royal tombs built in 1945, which is considered as a place to keep the ancient treasures of the dynasties in Korea. The main part of the museum was built in 1968, then upgraded to Gyeongju National Museum and expanded as it is today.

The museum is divided into 4 main areas including: main hall, Annex I, Annex II and outdoor exhibition area. This museum has more than 30,000 artifacts unearthed from Lake Wolgi, the most representative of which are currently on display in the Annex II site. From the main hall to the Annex I area is a place to display utensils, everyday items or sculptures from stone.

The outdoor display area is mainly of antiquities related to Buddhism in the Silla period. This is a place that will definitely help you better understand Korean history and culture.

Address: 186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Hours: 10AM–6PM/Wednesday, Saturday: 10AM–9PM Entrance fee: 3,000 won

Bulguksa Temple

The Bulguksa Temple Complex is 12 km from Gyeongju National Museum and includes both Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being “a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East”.

A historical site closely related to the Silla dynasty is the Bulguksa Buddhist monastery. Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple complex in the historic city of Gyeongju consisting of a series of wooden buildings on raised stone steps designed to represent the land of the Buddha. The complex is a great look at Buddhist art and architecture. This temple is considered one of the three most beautiful temples of Korea.

Bulguksa means “Temple of the Buddha Land” was completed in 774, the monument complex gives visitors a very different feeling compared to Buddhist temples in other places.

Bulguksa Buddhist Temple is also a favorite place to visit for young people and students in many parts of Korea. They believe that before the exam, coming here to pray will bring good luck, academic career will open.

Bulguksa Temple is known for its ancient and massive architecture. The elaborate carvings on the stone of this temple create a unique beauty that makes tourists keep admiring. Besides the unique architecture, the scenery around Bulguksa Temple in spring or autumn is likened by tourists to a poetic natural picture.

Did you know that the construction of the temple was started in 528, but it was not completed until 774. Experiencing many historical events, the temple has been repaired and rebuilt more than 40 times. The temple is a historical proof of the glorious Silla era. If you go to Korea, remember not to miss this historical place.

With a prime location of the monastery surrounded by extremely rich vegetation, the outstanding red maple forest is always changing colors four seasons all year round.

Address: 15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Hours: 7:30AM–5PM

Seokguram Grotto

Seokguram Grotto is a refuge and national treasure. It was founded in the 8th century and features a huge statue of Buddha overlooking the sea with his left hand in Dhyana Mudra (Gesture of Meditation), and right hand in Bhumisparsha Mudra (the Earth Touching Gesture). The grotto also has statues of gods, bodhisattvas and disciples sculpted on the surrounding walls, considered a masterpiece of East Asian Buddhist art.

If you have visited Bulguksa Temple, you definitely cannot miss the opportunity to explore Seokguram grotto. This grotto is located about 4km from Bulguksa Temple and has also been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Seokguram is actually more than an ordinary cave. This is a temple built inside a rock cave. Seokguram grotto can be said to be like a treasure of Gyeongju.

Known as the 24th national treasure of Korea, Seokguram Buddha grotto has gradually become an indispensable place in the travel list of many foreign tourists. It is also a place for scholarly research and pilgrimage.

Address: 873-243 Bulguk-ro, Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Hours: 9AM–5:30PM

Cycling around the old town

In Gyeong Ju, the most enjoyable thing is cycling around the center of the old town, both sightseeing and visiting the ruins, relics… Gyeongju Old Town is a national historical site, specially preserved by the Korean government. Korea pays great attention and invests in the preservation of traditional culture. On the main roads in the center of Gyeongju old town, houses, shops, cafes, bus stops… are all built with antique brick roofs and buildings with no more than 3 floors.

In the afternoon in Gyeongju, I also had nothing to do, so I walked around the cafes. Do Not Disturb Bakery & Cafe is a lovely place to try because located in 2 old houses with 1 floor with delicious Western cakes & drinks, I really want to come back to try the black sesame coffee. Drink it like coffee with milk cream layer, but this milk cream is mixed with black sesame, which is my favorite ingredient. You also visit Starbucks with its design in Gyeongju style.

Cafe Eyst 1779 is another shop I was impressed by the beautiful red brick space. This place has outdoor and indoor sitting space with large glass overlooking the bonsai outside. The restaurant’s water is not very impressive, but the space here is very suitable for sitting for a long time to chill and talk.

Visit nearby spots when traveling to Gyeongju

Take the bus around 2 hours 30 minutes north, there Hahoe Folk Village (Address: 186 Jeonseo-ro, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea/Hours: 9AM–6PM) in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province. Andong province is also famous for Jjimdak (Korean Braised Chicken with noodles), very very very delicious, this dish is currently could not made by Korean restaurants in Vietnam. Haeinsa Temple in South Gyeongsang is located to the west and is about 2 hours and 30 minutes by road from Gyeongju, both of which have been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage and can be reached from GyeongJu in a day.

In Korea, there are many ancient villages and houses, but not all of them are the same, but going after a while is also a bit boring, temporarily for future trips to Korea.

Where to eat in Gyeongju?

If you are a foodie and are wondering about food, the food in Gyeongju in general is typical of the cuisine of other places in Gyeongsang Province. However, they do have local specialties including Gyeongju bread, a red bean paste cake, and beopju, a traditional Korean liquor.

If you’re looking for seafood, head to Gampo-eup, a seaside town in the eastern district of Gyeongju, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and jeotgal (fermented salted seafood). You will find hundreds of seafood restaurants along Gampo port where you can enjoy raw fish dishes, abalone soup, grilled seafood…

If you’re craving traditional Korean food, check out these restaurants:

Hongsi Hanjeongsik (Address: 418-4 Seonggeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea/Hours: 11:30AM–9:30PM; Wednesday: 11:30AM–3PM): It’s a bit far from the  main attractions in Gyeongju, but well worth a visit if you’re looking for a traditional Korean food experience.

Sukyoung Sikdan (Address: 60 Gyerim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea/Hours: 11AM–3PM, 5–8PM; Tuesday: Closed): This is the vicinity of Daereungwon Tomb Complex and the restaurant serves pajeon (green onion pancakes) and dongdongju (rice wine).

Dosolmaeul: This is another traditional restaurant serving seafood and various stews. If you want to try a variety of traditional Korean dishes, you can order a meal from their menu.

Below are some dishes you should try in Gyeongju

Ssambap (Korean Rice Lettuce Wraps): A dish made from rice and meat wrapped in lettuce leaves, it has both the spicy and sweet taste of sugar and the sour taste of kimchi.

Barley bread: Barley flour pancakes have a very delectable red bean filling. Enjoy this cake to feel the sweet and chewy taste filling your mouth.

Hwangnam bread (Hwangnam-ppang): Called Hwangnam bread because this bread is most famous in the Hwangnam-dong region, neighboring Gyeongju. It’s still a sweet red bean paste stuffed inside a thin crust, but once you try it, it doesn’t look like the barley bread above at all!

What to buy as a gift after a trip to Gyeongju? (#what to do in gyeongju)

Do not to forget to buy chocolate and bread as gifts after the trip. However, you should also note that their shelf life is not too long, bread can only be eaten in about 2-3 days after that.

Visitors are suggested to buy Silla smiley bread . This red bean and blueberry pie has a lovely look. Their shape also follows the prototype of tiled roofs made in the Silla period with a smiley face engraving.

Cheomseong Walnut Bread is also impressed by the shape simulating the Cheomseongdae Observatory. Although called bread, there is a recipe for rice cake. Red bean paste is added to the cake to add color and flavor.

Cheomseongdae Chocolate: Not only walnut bread, Gyeongju’s most popular chocolate also has the shape of Cheomseongdae Observatory. In addition to traditional dark chocolate, this chocolate candy also has very attractive green tea and coffee flavors.

Where to stay?

Gyeongju has no shortage of room types for you to stay overnight. It only depends on your financial conditions and the experience you want to have that you choose the right accommodation.

In the center of Gyeongju, right after Gyeong Ju Bus Terminal, there are all kinds of hostels, guesthouses, homestays… quite affordable and convenient for traveling, eating, and sightseeing. The price of these accommodations is around 50,000 won/night.

Luxury hotels such as Hilton, Commodore are concentrated around Bomun Lake – the entertainment area in the east of the city. Overnight price from 300,000 won.

Some 5-star hotel, resort with many theme parks (theme parks), water parks, a bit far from the old town a little bit…, suitable for people traveling with family, both entertainment and visit ancient ruins with modern types of entertainment. The Gyeongju Tourism Department is indeed ingenious in combining resort tourism – discovery – culture in one destination.

I had the opportunity to travel Gyeongju twice, the first time was during winter in backpack style, stayed at a hostel near the bus terminal for $38/night, shared with my friend, $16 each. The second time was traveling by invitation of the association, staying alone in a $280 room in the Grand Hilton hotel. Going to Gyeongju, but two completely different experiences, the experience of backpacking or going luxury is also fun, seeing Gyeongju under different lenses.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Lahan Select Gyeongju ( Agoda , Booking )
• Commodore Hotel Gyeongju ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hilton Gyeongju ( Agoda , Booking )
• Mini Hotel 141 ( Agoda , Booking )
• Gyeongju GG Tourist Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Maison Mini Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• MTM Family Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com

After 3 days and 2 nights, I also returned to Seoul. Gyeongju is clearly the opposite of megacities. Gyeongju is a beautiful, peaceful country town and nature bestows this place with the most beautiful skies. Although the night is somewhat gloomy, during the day Gyeongju lights up with its slogan “The Golden City”. For me, Gyeongju is a destination not to be missed on the tourist map of Korea. If I have the opportunity, I want to go back to Gyeong Ju in the spring to see the cherry blossoms blooming around Bomun Lake. Here spring is the most beautiful scene, cherry blossoms bloom around Bomun Lake, very beautiful. Gyeongju is probably a place I would want to come back and stay longer, to heal myself. Hope everyone has the opportunity to go to Korea, don’t forget to visit Gyeongju!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Gyeongju you can refer to

• Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seokgulam, Bulguksa Temple Day Trip from Busan
• A Day in Gyeongju by TK Travel
• [Gyeongju One-Day Tour] The old capital of Korea with a thousand years of history [Departure from Busan]
• Gyeongju Historical Daereungwon Royal Tomb Complex, Yangdong Village, and Anapji Full Day Tour from Busan
• Gyeongju Historic Sites Day Tour from Seoul
• Bulguksa, Daereungwon, Huanglidan, Gyochon Village, Woljeong Bridge, Cheomseongdae Gyeongju Tour from Busan
• Gyeongju Private One Day Tour from Busan
• Busan & Gyeongju Private Customized Tour
• 2D1N Gyeongju Historical and Cultural/Autumn Leaves Tour from Seoul by TK Travel
• Gyeongju Historical Tour from Busan
• [Special Promo] Train to Busan Horror House Combo Admission Ticket
• 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
• [Sale] Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling
• [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for South Korea (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Portable WiFi for South Korea from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)
• [SALE] Instant Ticket: Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5Days
• [Limited Offer] Incheon International Airport (ICN) Luggage Services (Between Airport and Hotel) by Safex

Are you looking for more Busan travel guide: Things to do, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out our Busan blog — The fullest Busan travel guide & suggested Busan itinerary on how to spend 3 days in Busan, South Korea.

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