travel guide to gyeongju

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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• A Local’s Guide to Gyeongju

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

• Travel Guide

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 travel writer for Best of Korea. She is a UX/UI Designer living between the U.S. and South Korea. You can find her traveling throughout 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 🏨  Book discounted hotels in Gyeongju on Agoda  (what I use) 🚌 Gyeongju 1-Day Tour by City Tour Bus 🚙 Gyeongju The Old Capital of Korea One Day Tour from Busan 🚊 Top Gyeongju UNESCO sites private tour  

🎥 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. Top Gyeongju UNESCO sites private tour  

🌸 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!

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Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and lives a not-so-secret double life as a fangirl. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.

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Visiting Gyeongju – Where to Stay, How to Get, and Perfect Itinerary

After having a ball in Seoul , we wanted to explore the rest of South Korea a bit. Our plane to Osaka was to leave from Daegu to the southeast of the peninsula, so it was obvious where we had to go. I’m a big fan of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list. Thus, we went to Gyeongju , just an hour away from Daegu Airport.

The place offers three World Heritage Sites within a radius of just 15 square miles (40 km2). These are the Gyeongju Historic Areas, the Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto, and the Yangdong Folk Village. On top of that, there’s a lake in the area, and the beach is nearby. Our Gyeongju 3 day itinerary takes you to all the main sites.

• 1.1 Seoul to Gyeongju
• 1.2 Daegu to Gyeongju
• 1.3 Busan to Gyeongju
• 2.1 Gyeongju City Center – The Best Hotels
• 2.2 Gyeongju Hanok Village – The Best Hotels
• 2.3 Bomun Lake – The Best Hotels
• 2.4 Other Places to Stay in Gyeongju
• 3 How Many Days in Gyeongju
• 4 Gyeongju 3 Day Itinerary
• 5.1 Gyeongju City
• 5.2 Gyeongju Historic Areas
• 6.1 Bomun Lake Resort
• 6.2 Yangdong Folk Village
• 7.1 Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto
• 7.2 Gyeongju’s Beach
• 8 Moving Around Gyeongju
• 9.1 Related posts

How to Get to Gyeongju

South Korea’s transport network is quite developed, and traveling is an adventure in itself. It’s kind of futuristic! You travel through a never-ending urban sprawl, with buildings all around. That said, the further you get from Seoul, the less populated the country is. You go through lush green mountains, fields, and next to the sea.

However, the best thing is how polite and helpful people are. If you can’t find your way, just ask a local. A lot of people speak English, and the ones that don’t will still find a way to help you. Another thing that impressed us is how clean and orderly trains and buses are.

Seoul to Gyeongju

The most convenient and fastest way to get from Seoul to Gyeongju is on a train. The super-fast KTX train covers the distance in about 2 hours. It arrives at the new train station out of the city (Singyeongju). From there, take a bus to the center. It takes some 15 minutes through the green mountains to get to Gyeongju.

There’s another way how to get from Seoul to Gyeongju. Slow trains connect the two cities, but the journey takes about 5 hours. On the positive side, slow trains arrive at the Gyeongju city center station. Please bear in mind that you cannot buy tickets online.

Daegu to Gyeongju

From Daegu to Gyeongju you can travel by train or bus. The fast SRT train covers the route in only 17 minutes and drops you at the new train station out of the city (Singyeongju). Once again, it’s a 15-minute ride on a local bus to downtown Gyeongju.

We opted for a direct bus since it arrives at the Gyeongju bus terminal in the city center. Buses leave from Daegu Bus station, in front of the Daegu Main train station. It’s the massive terminal where SRT trains arrive. Buses are frequent, and the journey takes around 50 minutes.

Busan to Gyeongju

From Busan to Gyeongju you can also travel by train or bus. SRT fast trains leave from central Busan and arrive at the Singyeongju Station in 34 minutes. Buses leave from Busan Central Bus Terminal next to the last stop on metro line 1 (Nopo) and take some 50 minutes.

Thus, the whole trip from central Busan to Gyeongju takes just over an hour. There are also direct buses from Busan Airport to Gyeongju. These leave every two hours, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you are short on time you can also take this small group tour to Gyeongju from Busan .

Where to Stay in Gyeongju

Gyeongju city center – the best hotels.

Gyeongju has a couple of very nice hotels in the city center. That’s why we believe staying in the center is a good idea, since you can walk to several interesting sites. Our favorite hotel downtown is the Gyeongju GG Tourist Hotel . Conveniently located between the heritage site area and the bus station, it offers extra-large rooms and a gym.

The Rivertain Hotel Gyeongju is also in the center, within walking distance of most attractions. The rooms are huge and modern. We love the extra comfy beds and bathrooms with tubs. It’s got free parking, an onsite restaurant, and a lovely terrace. The complimentary breakfast is delicious!

Gyeongju Hanok Village – The Best Hotels

If you prefer staying in a Hanok house, there are several good options south of the city center. We strongly recommend Namuae . The traditional Hanok house is next to the Royal Tomb of King Nichu. It’s got a lovely garden. A local family runs the hotel. We love it!

The Doran Doran Guesthouse faces the grounds of Donggung Palace. It’s an authentic Hanok House set around a garden. The hotel has free parking and laundry services. The shared lounge is nicely appointed. The rooms feature high ceilings! The local couple that runs the house will give you fantastic tips.

Bomun Lake – The Best Hotels

We stayed next to Bomun Lake in one of the best hotels in Korea. The Lahan Select Gyeongju has the best views in the city. The contemporary tower has everything you expect from a 5-star property. It’s got an outdoor and a heated indoor pool. The rooms are huge and have balconies with views.

The best hotel for families in Gyeongju near Bomun Lake is the Albescent Poolvilla . The hotel is a modern take on traditional Korean Architecture. It’s got three pools! Every unit comes with a balcony, a seating area, and a fully equipped kitchen.  Book the villa with a private pool, and you will never want to leave.

Other Places to Stay in Gyeongju

If you like nature, stay next to Gyeongju National Park. The Gyeongju Family Pension is a traditional hotel set in a big garden with lush plants. The family studios and suites are extra big and come with a fully equipped kitchen and high ceilings. Free onsite parking.

If you don’t like crowds, book a room at the Gyeongju Hwarangroo . This massive Hanok house faces the mountains and has the biggest garden in the city. The rooms have gorgeous wooden ceilings and overlook the garden. You can have your complimentary breakfast while enjoying breathtaking mountain views.

How Many Days in Gyeongju

Most tourists spend 1 or 2 days in the area and leave. Don’t make such a mistake. Gyeongju is so cool and offers so much that you need at least 3 nights to discover it. That said, we strongly recommend staying at least an extra day.

Once you are done following our Gyeongju itinerary, take a day off and enjoy the atmosphere. To us, that’s the best thing you can do in the area. We stayed once for two weeks and fell in love with the place. It’s arguably the best place in the country to rest and experience Korea.

Gyeongju 3 Day Itinerary

As mentioned above, our Gyeongju 3 day itinerary covers the most important attractions. In addition, you will visit them using public transport, a bike, and on foot. There’s no need to rush! That said, if you are lucky and have more time, you won’t get bored.

Within Gyeongju National Park you will find several attractions you can hike too. On the contrary, if you only have one day to explore Gyeongju, we suggest focusing on the city and its Unesco sites (Day 1 of our itinerary). If you have two days, include Bomun Lake and Bulguksa Temple.

Gyeongju City

Gyeongju City is different from other megacities in South Korea. The beautiful Gyeongju National Park surrounds this mid-size city of some 250000 people. The city center doesn’t have much of a soul, with only one interesting street: semi-pedestrian Bonghwang-ro.

There is also a nice covered market close to the train station,  Seongdong Market . The area south of Taeojon-ro Street and west of the Gyeongju Historic Area is another story. Its narrow streets and cute houses resemble a traditional Korean village. Nice restaurants and cafés dot the area.

Gyeongju Historic Areas

The Gyeongju Historic Areas are open fields with historic buildings. The Royal Tombs are the closest to the center and the visually most impressive ones. These structures look like hills and date back to the Silla Dynasty. Most of them are inside the so-called Tumuli Park Gyeongju. Southwest from there, you’ll stumble upon awkward Cheomsongdae , the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia.

You will find the remains of the old royal palace in the Anapji Pond , to the east of the observatory. Finally, don’t forget to visit the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Hanok Village and the monumental Woljeonggyo Bridge . If you have time, go visit the nearby Gyeongju National Museum . Since most people come from Seoul during the weekend, we biked around the area mostly by ourselves. What a privilege!

Bomun Lake Resort

The Bomun Lake Resort is a large tourist complex 8 kilometers east of Gyeongju opened in 1979. Though originally intended for foreign tourists, it became highly popular among Koreans. Indeed, while we met many foreigners in the city, there were only a few near the lake.

Large hotels and shopping centers pack the northern side of the lake, while rice fields and small houses surround the southern side. The most prominent structures near the lake include the lovely Bomun Pavilion , the Gyeongju World Water Park , and the high tech Gyeongju Tower .

Yangdong Folk Village

If you are into vernacular architecture, you’ll love Yangdong Folk Village , 12 miles (20 km) north of Gyeongju. It offers an insight into traditional Korean life. This aristocratic village from the Joseon Dynasty (15 th Century) and the Hahoe Folk Village are the only Korean settlements included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Apart from the architecture, it preserves local folk customs and displays old social hierarchies. While wealthier homes covered with tiles are on the higher ground, lower-class homes with thatched roofs are on the lower ground. The gorgeous natural setting completes the feast.

Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto

Another good thing about visiting Gyeongju is that it’s close to the magnificent Bulguksa Temple . The main temple of the Jogye Order homes seven national treasures and is one of Korea’s most important temples. While you are here don’t forget to visit the nearby Seokguram Grotto , which houses some of the most impressive Buddhist sculptures in the world.

To us, it was kind of disappointing, as you can only see them from afar through a thick glass wall (that supposedly protects it). Nevertheless, the path through the forest is absolutely amazing and you get to see many squirrels.

Gyeongju’s Beach

If you are into completely off the beaten track destinations, Gyeongju is your place. We wanted to see what a real Korean beach looks like. Thus, we went to Bonggil Daewangam Beach . Our expectations weren’t high, but it turned out to be a perfect day. The beach is pretty nice, with locals selling fish and cooking it just in front of you.

The Gyeongju National Park surrounds the beach. The underwater tomb of Korean King Munmu of Silla is right in front of the beach. Locals don’t speak English, but lucky for us a Korean-American helped us choose the right food. Delicious!

Moving Around Gyeongju

You can drive to Gyeongju, park in your hotel, and explore the area with your car. Since we don’t drive, we moved around walking, biking, and with public transportation. The area is completely safe and properly organized. Two bus lines tour around most attractions. We are talking about lines 10 and 11.

Both buses leave from the intercity bus station and the express terminal and take you to most attractions. There are buses to other areas too. You can stop whenever you like and take the next bus. There are bike rental shops everywhere in the city. Don’t rush, and enjoy the beauty of the area.

Gyeongju, the Real Korea

Without a doubt, Gyeongju is one of the nicest places in South Korea. We will never forget the warmth of its people, landscape, coffee, and delicious cakes. Special thanks go to our host at the pension for driving us to the nearest bus stop! If South Korea is on your list, be sure to visit its countryside.

Though Seoul is nice, in Gyeongju you get to experience easy-going Korea. Insider’s tip: getting around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other interesting places can be tricky. Therefore, I prepared the map below. I hope it comes handy. You can also visit the tourist info at the train station. Their maps are cool!

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Gyeongju Itinerary for 3 Days

Asia , Gyeongju , Itinerary , Korea , Trip Plan

An Insider’s Guide to Korea’s Ancient Capital

With its reputation as the museum without walls, you can imagine Gyeongju has way too many places worth your visit and things to do. For the first-time visitors, planning your Gyeongju itinerary can be overwhelming. 

This Gyeongju guide is all you need to plan your trip. Here, you will see what to do in Gyeongju for three days ; how to get to (and around) Gyeongju from Seoul, Busan, and Daegu; where to stay in Gyeongju ; Gyeongju food to try (and the best restaurants).

My 3-day Gyeongju Itinerary is an example to show how you can plan your successful first trip to Korea’s ancient capital city. For more detailed information about each of Gyeongju heritage sites and fascinating historical background, be sure first to read   20 Things to Do in Gyeongju . (I have indicated the number to each stop here, so you can easily find the corresponding details in the other post.)  

Although a day would not be enough time to experience the thousand-year-worth glory of Silla, Gyeongju has become a popular day-trip destination from Busan or Seoul.  If one day is all you got in Gyeongju , read this  to see how to give a glimpse of the city’s historical past and culture in a time-efficient way!

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Disclosure : This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase by clicking some of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you . Click here to read full disclaimer. 

Gyeongju Itinerary Summary

Day 1 : Arrive in Gyeongju → Check-in → Hwangnidan-Gil → Daereungwon & Cheonmachong → Gyeongju National Museum → Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond Day 2 : Bulguksa Temple → Seokguram → Bukgun-dong → Cheomseongdae → Gyochon Hanok Village → Woljeonggyo Bridge Day 3 : Gyeongju Expo (Gyeongju Tower, Solgeo Museum) → Gyeongju World → Hwangnidan-Gil

Where to Stay in Gyeongju

Hanok Stay in Gyeongju City Center

Being a historical city, Gyeongju is a perfect place to experience the traditional Korean lifestyle . If you are thinking of staying at hanok hotels or guesthouses, I 100% support the idea! 

Most of the hanok guesthouses are located in Hwangnidan-Gil – a.k.a., the hot place to be in Gyeongju . Besides the beauty of hanok, you will enjoy exploring the old, narrow alleyways with Instagrammable spots, and finding cute cafes, creative restaurants, and hip bars — all within walking distance. 

Also, they are tastefully renovated to fit the modern lifestyle while inviting you to enjoy traditional architectural beauty.

I stayed at  this hanok guest house   ( Book here )  in Hwangnidan-Gil. Our host was a sweet retired couple with a cute dog. The wife is an ink painter and decorated the venue beautifully with her artworks. She is also a fantastic cook who served us delicious breakfast (different menu every morning) in artful plates. While this two-story hanok is a new and atypical layout of the traditional style, I preferred this updated style much better, especially the super-clean, western-style private bathroom en suite. (The conventional hanok back in the days had a toilet separate from the house.)

I also considered other beautiful hanok guesthouses near Hwangnidangil: 

Hanok Raon ( Book here )  is a superb hanok stay near Hwangnidan-gil. The rooms offer a traditional futon bed on the ondol floor (underfloor heating system). Provided breakfast ingredients can be used in the shared kitchen. 

Adam Guesthouse ( Book here ) is a cute hanok hotel with no-frill amenities. The well-manicured garden features a gorgeous pine tree and swings.   

Namuae Guesthouse ( Book here ) offers a Korean homestay in hanok. The modern rooms and bathrooms are infused with traditional decor.  

Cherry Blossom at Bomunho Lake (Image Credit: Lee Beomsu, Korea Tourism Organization)

Bomun Tourist Complex

Another great area to stay in Gyeongju is the Bomun Tourist Complex. If you are more comfortable with western hotels, you will find many excellent options here. As it is a tourist area, you will enjoy convenient transportation connecting to the city center and other tourist sites, and plenty of restaurants.

Lahan Select Gyeongju ( Book here ) , formerly Hotel Hyundai, is an upscale lakefront hotel in the heart of the Bomun Tourist Complex. This 5-star hotel offers rooms with mountain and lake views, diverse eateries and bars, as well as an indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness room.  

Hilton Gyeongju ( Book here ) The luxury 4-star hotel offers rooms with a scenic Bomun Lake view, six restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, squash courts, and a gym. 

Commodore Hotel ( Book here ) This upmarket 4-star hotel is a family-friendly accommodation with an excellent breakfast buffet. It also features a garden and outdoor swimming pool. 

The K Hotel ( Book here ) For hot spring goers, the K Hotel is an excellent place to relax at its large sauna and pool (at an additional charge). The 2-star hotel provides dining and lake views. 

↡↡  Looking for more Gyeongju Hotels?  ↡↡

Gyeongju Itinerary Day 1

Arrival in gyeongju & check-in.

Welcome to Gyeongju! Let’s first check-in at your hotel. Although most hotels allow you to check-in around 3 p.m., you can drop off your luggage. 

By the way, this itinerary assumes you are staying at a hanok guesthouse in Hwangnidan-Gil per my recommendation above. (If not, you can always re-arrange or adjust your itinerary accordingly.)

>> How to get to Gyeongju from Seoul, Busan, or Daegu? Need a ride to your hotel? Scrawl down to the bottom of this page!

Lunch: Hwangnidan-Gil 

[See #6 on Things to Do in Gyeongju ]

How would you like to have lunch in the trendiest neighborhood in Gyeongju ? I will let you choose your menu; see the Gyeongju Food & Restaurants section below for more information and location. 

Here are a few of my lunch recommendations near Hwangnidan-Gil:

• Beolchaeban for Gyeongju Ssambap
• Hwangnam Matdol Sundubu for Matdol Sundubu
• Dosol Maeul for Hanjeongsik

If you have followed my hotel recommendations in Hwangnidan-Gil, you should be able to walk over to any of these restaurants.

Daereungwon & Cheonmachong Tomb

[See #3 on Things to Do in Gyeongju Post]

Within walking distance from Hwangnidan-Gil, Gyeongju’s most famous tumuli park lies. It may sound strange. But I kid you not, this ancient tomb complex is a scenic and peaceful park to stroll (digest your lunch!) while enjoying beautiful greenery. 

It is a sizable area to cover on foot. So feel free to explore however you want, but do not miss the opportunity to enter into  Cheonmachong Tomb ! It is not only the most culturally valuable one but also one of few Silla tombs visitors are allowed to enter. 

Hours : 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Admission : 2,000 KRW | Youth: 1,200 KRW | Children under 13: 600 KRW

Gyeongju National Museum

[See #8 on Things to Do in Gyeongju Post]

The next stop is the Gyeongju National Museum. This is one of the best museums in Korea , with more than 3,000 Silla artifacts and relics excavated from the UNESCO-designated Gyeongju Historic Areas. 

Depending on your interest, you may want to spend 2-3 hours, or even longer. But at the very least, be sure to check out Silla’s sophisticated golden crowns and various accessories, the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, and the Three-story Stone Stupa from the Gosensa Temple. 

A free 90-minute museum tour is offered in English at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. I highly recommend joining this tour if you can. 

How to get to Gyeongju National Museum

The easiest way from Daereungwon is to take the bus #604 from the Cheonmachong Rear Entrance stop on Taejong-ro. Get off at the Gyeongju National Museum, which is six stops away. 

Insider Tip : By the way, counting the number of stops on a bus is not a reliable way to know your final stop. If no one is getting off or on, the bus may skip stations without you knowing. Pay attention to the announcement and next-stop alert on board. 

Hours : Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Weekends & Holidays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.  Closed : Jan. 1, Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) Extended Hours : Open until 9 p.m. on last Wed. of each month & Sat. from March to December Admission : Free

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

[See #7 on Things to Do in Gyeongju Post]

I highly recommend visiting Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond after the sunset. The illuminated palace is reflected on the peaceful Wolji Pond, creating the most romantic view in Gyeongju at night .

After intellectually challenging yourself at the Gyeongju National Museum, hop on over to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. It is super close; you can even walk. But make sure you are taking the right path as it can get quite dark.  

Slowly walking one circle around the Wolji Pond takes about 30-45 minutes. Take your time as it is the last stop on Day 1. Then, you can go for dinner – I suggest finding one near your hotel – and rest.

How to get to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

From the Gyeongju National Museum, you can reach in 10-15 minutes on foot, or take the bus #604, 605 or 600 (1 stop away). You can also catch a taxi at the museum parking lot. 

Hours : 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Admission : 2,000 KRW | Youth: 1,200 KRW | Children under 13: 600 KRW

Heading to Seoul?

My Korea Travel Guide includes unique things to do in Seoul, the best time to visit Korea, and how to eat Korean BBQ like locals. 

Gyeongju Itinerary Day 2

Today, you will visit two of Korea’s most significant Buddhist hermitages on Mt. Tohamsan. If you can, try to start your day early as you will need to travel outside of the city center.

Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, Korea – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bulguksa Temple ​

[See #2 on Things to Do in Gyeongju Post]

Bulguksa Temple, also known as the “Temple of the Buddha Land,” is the head temple of Korean Buddhism built during the Silla period. 

Although the original buildings were destroyed by fire, the restored temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . And the temple ground boasts stunning scenery that changes every season. 

Bulguksa holds seven national treasures of Korea and many other precious Buddhist arts and religious relics. It is such a culturally valuable site that every Korean, regardless of their religion, who went through a formal education system, has visited the temple at least once. (It is a popular field day destination.) 

That said, even if you are not into “touristy” things, you cannot miss Bulguksa in Gyeongju. If you want to have a more spiritual and cultural experience in-depth, you should try a temple stay at Bulguksa . 

How to Get to Bulguksa Temple

Take bus #10, 11, or 700 at the nearest bus stop. 

Hours : Feb. 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | March – Sept. 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Oct. 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Nov. – Jan. 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Admission : 6,000 KRW | Youth: 4,000 KRW | Children under 13: 3,000 KRW

Grab a quick lunch at the Bulguksa Tourist Complex across the parking lot. You will have many options for restaurants, cafes, desserts, and souvenir shops. 

I had a great Korean meal at Gyeongchunjae if you prefer me to pinpoint a restaurant for you.

Gyeongchunjae, 61-7, Jinhyeon-ro 2-Gil, Gyeongju-si

A white granite Buddha at Seokguram Grotto (Image credit: Richardfabi, CC, Wikipedia)

Seokguram Grotto

[See #1 on Things to Do in Gyeongju Post]

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and significant Buddhist heritage on Mt. Tohamsan is Seokguram Grotto. This is the only artificial cave temple in the world , scientifically constructed in the 8th century. 

From the entrance, you will hike up a little along the forest pathway. It is a popular site to see the sunrise in the morning, although the success rate is low due to thick fog. On the day I visited, I was lucky enough to see the East Sea! Test your luck.

Inside the chamber is the Sakyamuni Buddha. The 3.26-meter high Buddha statue is quite sophisticated; you may not believe it was carved on hard granite! 

How to Get to Seokguram

Take bus #12 from Bulguksa Temple. It takes about 40-45 minutes.

Hours : Spring & Fall (Feb. – March, Oct.) 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Summer (March – Sept.) 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Winter (Nov. – Jan.) 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission : 6,000 KRW | Youth: 4,000 KRW | Children under 13: 3,000 KRW

Dinner: Bukgun-dong 

On your way back to the city, you may want to stop by Bukgun-dong for dinner. Bukgun-dong is a pension/guesthouse town with lots of restaurants and cafes. 

I recommend Donggung Banjeom . This restaurant serves creative Chinese-Korean menus, such as Matdol Sunbudu Jjampong and Wild-Raspberry Sauce Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), that you don’t see in other similar restaurants.

If you want some desserts and coffee, you can swing by The Sam Garden . It is a cute modern cafe in the area.

How to Get to Bukgun-dong

Take bus #12 back to Bulguksa Temple (last bus at 5:20 p.m.). Transfer to bus #11 or 700. Get off at Bukgun-dong Pension Village/Donggungwon. 

Cheomseongdae Observatory

[See #5 on Things to Do in Gyeongju Post]

Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia . It lasted 1,300 years, standing strong even during the 5.8-magnitude earthquake in 2016. 

Although Cheomseondae Observatory has an important scientific, cultural heritage, it looks rather dull. So unless you are into astronomy, I suggest stopping by at night when you can enjoy the colorful light show. 

How to Get to Cheomseongdae

Take bus #10, 11, 16, 100-1, 150-1, or 700. Get off at Wolseong-dong Jumin Center. Walk 5 minutes to Cheomseongdae.

Hours : Summer 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Winter 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Admission : Free

Woljeonggyo Bridge

[See #10 on Things to Do in Gyeongju Post]

Since Woljeonggyo Bridge was restored in 2009, the site has become a stunning place to visit at night. Enjoy beautifully illuminated ancient architecture! 

How to Get to Woljeonggyo Bridge

From Cheomseongdae, you will be walking past Gyerim Forest and Gyochon Hanok Village. 

Hours : 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Admission : Free

Insider Tip : By the way, if you are not familiar with the route, walking this path from Cheomseongdae Observatory through Gyerim Forest and Gyochon Village to Woljeonggyo Bridge can be a bit confusing at night. It is not a long distance to walk, but it is not bright for first-time explorers. I joined the city government-certified Night City Tour led by a local tour guide. Although the tour is conducted in Korean only, since the main point is to enjoy the night sight, you can consider participating.  Read this post for detailed information >>  

Gyeongju Itinerary Day 3

As the first two days in Gyeongju are more focused on exploring the ancient Silla heritage, let’s enjoy the modern Gyeongju on your last day, shall we? 

Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park

[See #15 & #16 on Things to Do in Gyeongju Post]

Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park (Gyeongju Expo) is a vast complex that hosts cultural, historical shows and exhibits. Feel free to explore the park and check out the current exhibitions as you please. But I’d like to recommend allotting enough time to enjoy two permanent exhibits that deeply carved in my memory: Gyeongju Tower and Solgeo Museum . 

How to Get to Gyeongju Expo

From Hwangnidan-Gil, take bus #10, 100-1, 100, 150. Get off at Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park.

Exhibit Hours : 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Park Hours : 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Park Admission : 8,000 KRW | Youth & Children: 7,000 KRW Gyeongju Tower Observatory : 3,000 KRW Museum Hours : 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed : Mondays, Jan. 1, Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) Museum Admission : 1,000 KRW | Youth: 700 KRW | Children under 13: 500 KRW *Hours and admission can change during the Expo period.

Option 1: Gyeongju World

[See #17 on Things to Do in Gyeongju Post]

Even though I’m not a big amusement park person, I might recommend visiting Gyeongju World. The famous steel Dive Coaster called Draken is the reason. It seems like people cannot stop talking about this roller coaster that drops 90 degrees from 63 meters high. (Yup. That’s a no for me.)

Before you decide, you might want to check it out from the Gyeongju Tower Observatory. (photo above)

How to Get to Gyeongju World

Gyeongju World is just a street across from the Gyeongju Expo Park. 

Hours : 9:50 a.m. – 6 p.m. All Inclusive Pass [or Admissions only] : 47,000 KRW [26,000 KRW] | Youth: 39,000 KRW [20,000 KRW] | Children under 13: 33,000 KRW [17,000 KRW]

Option 2: Hwangnidan-Gil

If you are like me and prefer to chill at a cafe, head to Hwangnidan-Gil. You had a busy two days exploring all over the town. Why not having some hygge moment with an afternoon pick-me-up and coffee?

Lucky you, you have so many excellent options in Hwangnidan-Gil! Explore the small alleyways, and get into any cafe that catches your eyes. 

Let me share a few places I enjoyed: 

Cafe the Klamp  ( 카페더클램프 ) is a two-story hanok cafe that is beautiful during the day and night. I particularly liked the patterned wooden window and a thick chocolate cake. 

Nokeum Bakery  ( 녹음제과 ) has the best Injeolmi (a type of rice cake) croissants and chocolate pound cake. It was so good that I wanted to go back, but they only open in the afternoon five days a week! 

Hwangnam Darak  ( 황남다락 ) is such a cute hanok cafe with an attic. The cozy place has the shabby chic vibes. I had my very first Czech Honey Cake here and loved it.  

Eero Coffee  ( 이이로커피 ) caught my eyes with its outdoor terrace. Although the wi-fi was unstable, their coffee was excellent.

Cafe Soseol  ( 카페 소설 ) is a hanok cafe near Daereungwon. The beauty of the hanok caught my eyes whenever I passed by. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to get in. Maybe you can.

Gyeongju Food & Restaurants

While Gyeongju is not known as a  foodie city like Busan , here are a few things to eat in Gyeongju you should try.

Gyeongju Bread ( 경주빵 ) ​

Don’t ask me why, but Gyeongju is known for its baked goods. If you observe how local Koreans travel in Gyeongju, you will immediately notice that they buy boxes and boxes of Hwangnam-ppang and Chalbori-ppang as souvenirs!

Hwangnam-ppang  ( 황남빵 ; Hwangnam referring to the region and ppang meaning bread in Korean) is a small round bread with sweet red bean paste inside. Whereas,  Chalbori-ppang  ( 찰보리빵 ; Chalbori referring to barley) is a red bean pancake made of barley powder. Both are quite tasty. If you like red bean pastry, try them out!

Where to Buy Hwangnam-ppang 

• Hwangnam-ppang (황남빵) , 783 Taejong-ro, Hwango-dong, Gyeongju-si

Where to Buy Chalbori-ppang

• Lee Sangbok Gyeongjuppang (이상복 경주빵) , 165-16 Sajeong-dong, Gyeongju-si

Gyeongju Ssambap (Gyodong Ssambap)

Ssambap ( 쌈밥 ) is a Korean dish served with leafy vegetables such as lettuce, sesame leaves, and other greens. Typically, one main entree (meat, fish, or tofu) is served with plenty of side dishes, rice, and bean-paste soup. You can make a wrap (“ssam”) with all or select few, and add a dollop of ssamjang paste, which is a mixture of soybean paste and other condiments. It is a  vegetarian/vegan-friendly meal  as you can order without meat or fish.  

Where to Eat Ssambap

• Beolchaeban Gyodong Ssambap (별채반) , 77 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si
• Hwangnam Sikdang (황남식당) , 39-14, 1050 beon-gil, Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si

Matdol Sundubu

Again, I’m not sure why Gyeongju is famous for Matdol Sundubu ( 맷돌순두부 ). But it is the dish you have to eat in Gyeongju. 

Sundubu-jjigae (spicy soft tofu stew) is a popular Korean dish you can easily find even outside of Korea. What makes Gyeongju’s Sundubu-jjigae so unique is its traditional way of preparing the main ingredient, tofu. Matdol Sundubu uses soft soybean curd ground with millstone-grinder, which supposedly elevates the flavors of tofu .

If you are a bit more adventurous, try Sundubu Jjamppong ( 순두부짬뽕 ) at Donggung Banjeom. This Korean-Chinese restaurant makes a creative jjamppong with Sundubu! (I loved it!!)

Where to Eat Matdol Soondubu

• Hwangnam Matdol Sundubu (황남맷돌순두부) , 3, Notjeon 2-gil, Gyeongju-si
• Donggung Banjeom (동궁반점) , 27, Bukgun-gil, Gyeongju-si

Hanjeongsik

Hanjeongsik ( 한정식 ) is a  Korean table d’hôte . It is a Korean-style full-course meal characterized by an abundance of side dishes, a bowl of rice, and soup. While Hanjeongsik is not a Gyeongju local food per se, eating a traditional meal in an ancient town only seems appropriate.

Where to eat Hanjeongsik  

• Dosol Maeul (도솔마을) , 8-13, Sonhyoja-gil, Gyeongju-si

Gyeongju Beopju

Gyeongju Beopju ( 경주법주 ) is a type of clear rice wine. Also known as Gyodong Beopju, it is an  Intangible Cultural Property  designated by the Korean government. And the members of the Gyerim Choe clan has been distilling this spirit with the special recipe handed down from the Joseon Dynasty.

Beopju has a short shelf life. For that reason, it is hard to find in other regions unless you go to a specialty bar. So when in Gyeongju, go to the source (next to the Historic House of Rich Man Cheo in Gyochon Village) and get one. 

Where to buy Gyeongju Beopju

• Gyeongju Beopju Brewery (경주법주) , 19-21, Gyochonan-Gil, Gyeongju-si

How to Get to Gyeongju 

Gyeongju is a historical city with cultural relics and precious treasures still to be unearthed. As it is essential to protect the heritage, Gyeongju does not have an airport . 

Nevertheless, it is not difficult to reach Gyeongju by train or bus from Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. Gyeongju has Singyeongju Station (express train KTX or SRT), Gyeongju Station (regular train), Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, and Intercity Bus Terminal. 

Insider Tip (Train) Gyeongju has three train stations. KTX will arrive at Singyeongju station , whereas a regular train (Mugunghwa-ho) stops at Gyeongju and Seogyeongju Stations . Gyeongju Station is the closest to the city center. Insider Tip (Bus) Gyeongju also has Express Bus Terminal and Intercity Bus Terminal . These two terminals are only a block away from each other. 

Note : Please use the tables below as a general guideline for your initial planning purpose only. The schedule and charges may change without notice. Please check the relevant websites to confirm. 

Seoul to Gyeongju ​

I highly recommend  taking KTX from Seoul to Gyeongju ( Reserve your discounted KTX pass here >> ) as it is the most efficient way. While you can take a regular train on a 5-hour journey, I did not include it here as it takes too long!

Busan to Gyeongju ​

Busan offers the most diverse transportation means to get to Gyeongju.

Take a private van for a family or a small group, with an option to hire a professional guide.

For public transportation, I recommend selecting whichever transportation is the closest to your hotel . Note that Busan also has both express and intercity buses departing from three different bus terminals.

Daegu to Gyeongju ​

Similarly to Busan, Daegu is close enough to Gyeongju that it makes sense to take whichever is the most convenient for you.

Getting Around Gyeongju

Getting around Gyeongju is fairly easy if you are familiar with using the public transport system in Korea. But note that Gyeongju lacks a subway system, obviously for heritage protection. 

Are you comfortable driving in Korea? Are you interested in exploring outside of the city center? Then, consider renting a car.

Many Gyeongju attractions are scattered all over the place. And it would be much easier to drive, especially if you want to reach destinations beyond Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex. On the downside, finding a parking spot within the city center is not easy. 

To rent a car, you will need to bring a valid international driver’s license. (In Europe, I was able to rent a car with the U.S. driver’s license. Korean rental companies won’t budge.)

From the train stations or bus terminals, you can effortlessly find a taxi. However, flagging down a cab on the road in Gyeongju was not super easy in my experience. Consider downloading the Kakao T app ( iOS , Google Play ) to call a taxi. 

Note that there is a surcharge beyond the 4km radius from Gyeongju Station. Surcharge applies to destinations like Singyeongju Station and the Bomun Tourist Complex. As a reference, we paid ₩17,250 (USD 15) from Singyeongju Station to our hotel in Hwangnidan-Gil.

If you opt for public transportation, the bus is the most common means in Gyeongju. In general, public buses run from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (It may differ by routes.) Some courses have 20-min intervals, while others have as long as 2-hour intervals. So be sure to check the time. 

In Korea, you can use the same transportation IC card for all buses nationwide. There is a 50 KRW discount for every ride, and a bus transfer within 30 minutes is free. So buy your transportation card here .

If you prefer to ride a bike, you can find bicycle rental shops near train stations and bus terminals, as well as popular heritage sites. You can budget about 10,000 won for one day. 

Gyeongju reminds me of Kyoto in Japan. While the rest of Korea is developed and modernized, the ancient capital city is well-reserved and well-curated its history and heritage. While the historical city is evolving with the trendy culture in harmony with its tradition, I think it is a great time to visit Gyeongju to experience the old and new Korea. 

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Hello, I'm Chloe!

I'm an aspiring world traveler, who moved across the Pacific Ocean twice. After leaving my PR career, I'm currently exploring Asia from Taiwan and learning Chinese. Follow my journey as I will share my travel experiences, tips & tricks and cultural insights.

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14 things to do in Gyeongju – The ultimate day trip itinerary

Located in the north-west of South Korea, Gyeongju is dubbed the ‘Museum without Walls’. The area comprises olden-days infrastructure, such as Woljeonggyo Bridge, Cheonmachong, and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. While it is reasonable to agree that this Korean town is rich with culture, it’s not the most appropriate title.

Instead, the focus should be placed on the beautiful amalgamation of tradition and modern in Gyeongju. Restaurants and cafes tookover traditional hanok houses, introducing modern recipes while retaining its archaic architecture. Contemporary art galleries and local craft shops can also be found along the streets.

To make the most out of your day trip, here are the best attractions and cafes to visit when you’re in Gyeongju.

Getting there

The bus ride to Gyeongju takes about 3.5 hours from Seoul. Regular tickets cost ₩30,500, while Premium seats cost ₩38,500.

We recommend taking the bus after lunch so that you’ll reach Gyeongju at 3-4pm. After checking in and freshening up, it’s the perfect evening weather to start sight-seeing.

There are nine sight-seeing attractions listed below, and they can all be visited within in about 3 hours. The trail starts from Daereungwon Ancient Tombs District, heading south, and circling back up.

1. Check in at a hanok

When you’re in Gyeongju, you have to stay in a hanok, a traditional Korean house.

There is a stretch of AirBnbs and guest houses along Sajeong-dong, which is also packed with restaurants and cafes, and located near all the attractions listed in this itinerary. The rates are roughly $50-150 for an individual room within the property. However, most listings will allow you to hang around the main areas. The AirBnb we’ve found is roughly the size of three single beds, excluding the toilet.

Alternatively, there are whole hanoks for rent from $100-$200.

AirBnb listing

Location: 5-2 Sajeong-dong

2. Hwangnamppang

Every city will have their local speciality dish, and Gyeongju’s is Hwangnamppang. 

Also known as Gyeongju Bread, it is a small pastry with a red bean paste filling. The pastry shell is soft and fragrant. It’s less buttery than you’d expect, but its milder flavours pairs well with the natural earthy sweetness of the red bean paste.

While Hwangnamppang can be bought everywhere, we recommend purchasing it from the original store. They are sold in sets at ₩20,000 for 20 pieces and ₩30,000 for 30 pieces. But you can also get them individually for ₩1,000.

Hwangnamppang

Location: 783 Taejong-ro 경북 경주시 태종로 783 Opening hours: 8am-10pm

3. Daereungwon Ancient Tombs District

The most popular tourist attraction in Gyeongju, Cheonmachong Tomb is located in Daereungwon Ancient Tombs District.

Translating to ’sky horse tomb’, Cheonmachong is a wood-lined chamber that houses an array of artifacts, such as a gold crown, jade comma-shaped beads and bronze vessels. Other burial grounds in the form of small hills, and water lily ponds, occupy the district.

Even if you’re not interested in history and culture, the fauna is well-tended and there area many seating areas, perfect for nature lovers.

The entrance fee ranges from ₩1,000 to ₩3,000. Visitors who plan to visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond can opt for the day pass (₩4,000), which includes access to both Daereungwon and Donggung Palace. 

Location: 9, Gyerim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 경주시 황남동 53 Opening hours: 9am-10pm

4. Tea break at Cafe SOL

Daereungwon Ancient Tombs District has two exits on opposite sides. Exit through the southern exit to fuel up at this cafe.

Cafe SOL is a minimalistic cafe built into a hanok.

It has three dining areas: an air-conditioned indoor space, a sheltered extension of the hanok, and individual garden patios.

Coffee starts from ₩5,500, while their desserts- including their croissants, financiers and best-selling ice cream, averages at ₩4,000.

Location: 208-3 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si 경북 경주시 포석로1092번길 62-8 1층 Opening hours: 10:30am-10pm

5. Cheomseongdae Observatory

Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia. It stands at 9.17 meters high, with a cylindrical body and square top. The vicinity is fenced up to prevent any damages to the structure. However, drones are allowed in the area.

Location: 140-25, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 경주시 인왕동 839-1 Opening hours: 9am-9pm

6. Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Donggung Palace served as a secondary palace for the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom.

This attraction is more crowded at night when the palaces are lit with a warm glow. You can rearrange this itinerary and visit the palace when the sun set instead. However, it will mean walking an extra distance. In the same vein, you can skip this area and head directly towards Seokbinggo from the observatory if you wish to walk less.

Location: 102, Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경북 경주시 원화로 102 안압지 Opening hours: 9am-10pm

7. Seokbinggo

From Donggung Palace- or Cheomseongdae Observatory, if you decide to skip it- you’ll pass by the next two attractions.

Translating to stone ice storage, Seokbinggo is an ancient refrigerator that was only found in Korea in its era. You’ll only find a small structure of the storage, as half of the freezer is located underground.

Its ingenious design maintained cold temperatures, allowing food to be stored for a longer period of time without having to cure it with salt, as people typically did in the olden days.

Location: Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 경주시 인왕동

8. Wolseong Palace Excavation Site

The excavation of the Wolseong Palace began in 2014, and it is still currently an active site. 

It spans across a large area, which comprises mainly uncovered dirt, blue tents and digging equipment. It’s not a photo spot for tourists, just an interesting sight that you’ll pass by on your way to the next attraction.

The excavation sites are located between Seokbinggo and Woljeonggyo Bridge.

9. Woljeonggyo Bridge

The largest bridge in Korea, Woljeonggyo Bridge was built centuries ago to connect Wolseong and Namsan, the neighbourhoods in Gyeongju.

In addition to having one of the best photo spots in the city, the second floor of the bridge also houses a small exhibit. You can find a map of Gyeongju in the Joseon dynasty, information of the bridge, and recovered artifacts.

While the bridge lights up at night, we recommend visiting at dusk to better take in the grandeur of the structure.

Fun fact — the bridge was burnt down during the Joseon dynasty, and was only recently rebuilt in 2018.

Location: 31, Gyochonan-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 경주시 교동 274 Opening hours: 9am-10pm

10. Gyeongju Gyo Village

This hanok village used to be home to the famous Choi clan of Gyeongju, a wealthy family of 12 generations which have produced important members to the society.

Visitors can learn more about the Choi family and their contributions to society in this attraction. Additionally, there are experience centers such as kiln workshops, quilt making and a Gyochon Gugak Performance Hall, where Korean court music and folk music are played.

You can rent traditional costumes here as well. While there aren’t as many photo spots as Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul, there is a touch of olden days charm there that you might find appealing.

Location: 39-2, Gyochon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 경주시 교촌길 39-2

11. CAFE EYST 1779

Now that you’re done with all the sight-seeing, take a breather at CAFE EYST 1779.

Located right beside Gyeongju Gyo Village, this cosy space provides a cafe experience like no other. It was built with bricks made in the Three Kingdoms period. Despite its intimidating facade, its spaciousness and organically-shaped furniture creates a cosy, welcoming environment once you step foot into the cafe.

It has a small menu that comprises of coffee and soft serve.

Location: 21 Gyochon An-gil 경북 경주시 교촌안길 21 Opening hours: 11am-9pm

12 Starbucks Gyeongju Daerungwon Branch

On the way back to your accommodation, you’ll walk past a hanok-style Starbucks.

There is a similar Starbucks located near Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. But this branch is more popular as it is a standalone building.

Location: 125 Cheomseong-ro, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경북 경주시 첨성로 125 Opening hours: 8am-10pm

13. Dinner at Pot Rice House

On the way back to your accommodation, get a steamy bowl of stone pot rice at Pot Rice House.

The pot rice starts from ₩15,000 and the toppings include steak, salmon and eel. Leave some rice and meat in the bowl, as the staff will serve clear soup and crispy rice to mix in with the remaining bits.

Diners can also opt for Shabu Shabu (₩15,000) or Raw Sashimi (₩7,500) and Tempura (₩2,000) as side dishes.

Location: 9 Sajeong-ro, 57beon-gil 경북 경주시 사정로57번길 9 Opening hours: 11:30am-9pm

14. Breakfast at Olivee Cafe

Enjoy freshly-baked bread and pastries at Olivee Cafe, a bakery-pairing cafe.

Aside from the usual coffee and tea, their extensive menu includes basque burnt cheesecakes, choux pastries, soft serves, madeleines and financiers, and more.

Its alfresco dining area is also a popular photo spot for many youngsters.

Olivee Cafe

Location: 7-6 Sajeong-ro, 57beon-gil 경북 경주시 사정로57번길 7-6 Opening hours: 10am-9pm

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The 10 Most Exciting Things To Do In Gyeongju In 2024

The title of this blog post says it all! Gyeongju was my favorite place to visit in South Korea . Gyeongju is a historic city located in southeast South Korea, at about a hundred kilometers from Busan . What I really liked about Gyeongju is its calming and relaxing atmosphere. It seems like time goes by really slowly in this city and this gives it a very different vibe from Korea’s other big cities.

There are also many interesting places to visit in Gyeongju. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Silla that dominated the entire Korean peninsula for a millennium, and you can find traces of this glorious past everywhere in Gyeongju.

Let’s find out more about Gyeongju after the following tips on how to get there and where to stay.

How To Get To Gyeongju

If you’re going to Gyeongju from Busan, two options are available to you. The first is to take the local train from Bujeon Station in Busan to the Gyeongju train station you see above. The trip lasts about 2 hours and the train ticket costs 6600 won (~ $5.5). Here is what a local train looks like in South Korea:

To buy your ticket, head to Bujeon Station about 20 minutes before your departure time and buy your ticket directly at the station. To check train schedules in Korea, check the Korail website.

If you want to travel faster, you can also take the KTX (high-speed train) from Busan Station to Singyeongju Station. The trip takes a little more than half an hour and costs 11000 won (~ $9) in economy class. You’ll then have to take a bus (50, 60, 61, 70, 203 or 700) to go from Singyeongju to Gyeongju (takes about 15 minutes).

If you are coming from Seoul , the fastest way to go to Gyeongju is to take the KTX to Singyeongju. The trip lasts 2 hours and costs 49,000 won ($40) in economy class. You’ll then have to take the bus as explained earlier.

If you’re coming from Seoul, obviously take the KTX but if you’re coming from Busan, I recommend you take the local train instead because it’s a direct drive to your destination and will also allow you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes between Busan and Gyeongju. 🙂

You can also buy the Korail Pass online which could save you some money if you plan on using the train often during your stay in South Korea.

Where To Stay In Gyeongju

As far as accommodation goes, if you are a backpacker, I highly recommend the Blueboat Gyeongju hostel. It is conveniently located minutes away from the train station and Seongdong Market. The hostel’s dorms are also well-equipped with very comfortable beds. You will also be warmly welcomed by Sharon, the manager of the hostel who was adorable (sitting to the right in this picture).

Try to book early though, it sells out pretty quickly. The Blueboat Hostels chain also has an establishment in Jeonju that I also recommend. I tell you more about it in this blog post: Jeonju Korea .

If you are looking for something more traditional, then opt for a hanok-style (Korean traditional house) hotel. There are nice hanoks in Gyeongju, the Siwoowadang is one of them.

This architecture is typically Korean and you will be completely immersed in the local culture. You will be sleeping on futons (on the ground) in Siwoowadang , by the way, a bit like in Japan’s ryokan . If you’re skeptical about it, don’t be! It is actually very comfortable to sleep on a futon. 🙂

If you are looking for more traditional accommodation options in Korea, feel free to check out this blog post: Best hanok stay in Korea .

The 10 Best Things To Do In Gyeongju

Transport and accommodation aside, here’s my list of the 10 places I loved visiting in Gyeongju. To enjoy this city, keep in mind two days should be enough to visit everything. Devote a day to visit downtown attractions (1 to 7). The second day, you can leave the city center and visit places 8 to 10.

• The Seongdong Market
• The Royal Tombs of Daereungwon Park
• The Cheomseongdae Observatory
• Hanok Village
• The Woljeonggyo Bridge
• Donggung Palace
• The Ancient Temple of Hwangnyongsa
• Bulguksa Temple
• The Seokguram Caves

I ended up staying 10 days in Gyeongju because I really loved this part of South Korea. I also met amazing people there and I’m still in touch with all my friends in Gyeongju. I hope to go back very soon. 🙂

Let’s jump right into this list!

1. The Seongdong Market

Let’s start our tour of Gyeongju City with a short stroll in Seongdong Market. It is not far from the station and it has many compartments, so to speak. There are the fruit and vegetable area, the fish and seafood market, and finally the restaurant area. Try to have lunch there at least once to get a taste of the fresh local products.

2. The Royal Tombs of Daereungwon Park

• Entrance fee : 2000 won, about $1.7
• Opening hours : 9 AM to 10 PM

As you walk in Gyeongju, you won’t miss these large dunes that have slightly weird shapes. Can you guess what they are? Actually, those are tombs called “tumuli”! When Korea was under the rule of the Kingdom of Silla (57 BC until 935 AD), the bodies of high-ranking people were placed in wooden chambers that measured about 2 meters high. Those were then covered with stones and then with soil until the dune shape is formed. In general, the higher the person’s rank, the bigger the tomb.

It is at Daereungwon Park that you will see the largest number of tombs, some of which contain the bodies of ancient kings of Silla. In addition to the historical aspect of this attraction, the park is beautiful so make sure to stop by and take a look!

3. The Cheomseongdae Observatory

• Entrance: Free
• Opening hours: 9 AM to 9 PM (to 10 PM in winter)

The Cheomseongdae Observatory is probably the most famous place in Gyeongju, but when I went there for the first time, I didn’t really understand what this 7th-century structure was all about.

When I asked about it there, I learned that it is an astronomical observatory. Not just any observatory! The very first astronomical observatory in East Asia. The name Cheomseongdae also means “the tower from which we observe the stars” in Korean.

Cheomseongdae, therefore, symbolizes the technological and scientific advances of the Kingdom of Silla at that time. There are many interesting details to know about this tower. For example, it consists of exactly 362 blocks of stone in reference to the 362 days of the lunar year.

There are also 27 layers of stone in reference to Queen Seondeok who reigned at that time on the Kingdom of Silla and who is the 27th leader of the kingdom. It’s a little reminiscent of the Egyptian pyramids that have been built following carefully determined measurements.

If you travel to Gyeongju during the spring, there are beautiful flower fields in the park next to the observatory.

This site is also open at night so check it out again if you have time, it’s a different atmosphere for sure. It will also be an opportunity to look at the stars, like Korean scientists have, centuries ago. 🙂

4. The Hanok Village

There’s a traditional district not far from the observatory ( exact location ), with ancient houses and typical Korean architecture. It’s like traveling in time! There are also nice little cafes there where you can rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress).

5. The Woljeonggyo Bridge

A short walk away from the traditional Gyeongju district lies the beautiful Woljeonggyo Bridge that spans the Namcheon River. You can take pretty pictures of the bridge from the river if you get on the stones that were put there. Just be careful not to slip. 🙂

The Woljeonggyo Bridge is delightfully lit at night so make sure to cross it in the evening, it’s gorgeous! 🙂

6. The Donggung Palace

• Opening hours : 9 AM to 9 PM (to 10 PM in winter)

The Donggung Palace is also a must-see attraction in Gyeongju. It’s actually a set of wooden buildings around a nice artificial pond called Wolji Pond. It was King Munmu who ordered the construction of the Donggung Palace which ended in 674. As you can imagine, the palace was damaged over time but was recently renovated in 1974.

Like many of the attractions I mentioned above, the Donggung Palace is also accessible at night. And with the lights, this place becomes magical! That’s one of the things I really liked about Gyeongju. As night falls, the city’s atmosphere changes completely and you can revisit places that you have already visited during the day and still live a different experience.

7. The Ancient Temple of Hwangnyongsa

This is what the Hwangnyongsa Temple looks like today:

You don’t see anything, do you? Exactly! It is because the temple of Hwangnyongsa was destroyed in 1238 following the Mongol invasion.

If you’re wondering why I’m telling you about it, here’s the story.

Hwangnyongsa was a very important Buddhist temple at the time of the Kingdom of Silla, one of the most important religious centers at that time, actually. Since 1978, the government has launched archaeological excavations and new relics are found continuously on the site to this day. These relics are displayed in a sort of museum where there is also a replica of the wooden pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple.

FYI, the name of this temple means “the temple of the golden dragon” in Korean.

Access to the museum costs 3000 won or about $2.5. You can also watch a great 3D video of 15 minutes there. It is played every hour from 10 AM to 5 PM. You would ideally watch the video first, then visit the museum.

8. The Bulguksa Temple

Entrance fee : 5000 won, about $4

We’re now leaving downtown Gyeongju to visit one of the most famous attractions in the area: Bulguksa Temple. To get there, you can take bus 10, 11 or 700 from downtown Gyeongju. You can also take the train to Bulguksa Station and then get on bus 11 which will take you to the temple.

If you go to the temple during the spring, enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms right next to the bus station. It reminded me of Japan’s cherry blossoms , the famous sakura, although they are actually quite different.

Korea’s cherry blossoms are larger in size with a sharper pink color.

So the Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 by King Beop-Heung who was then ruling over the Kingdom of Silla. The site is absolutely beautiful and obviously listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It is quite large so you’ll need at least two hours to visit all of it.

9. The Seokguram Caves

Since you are at Bulguksa Temple, visit the Seokguram Caves too, they are not too far away. To get there, take bus 12 from Bulguksa Temple and you’ll be there in 20 minutes. This is what the station looks like and here are the departure times.

Once in Seokguram, you will find many temples and a large statue of Buddha carved on the rock and facing the sea. FYI, it is forbidden to take pictures of this statue so there won’t be any of it here. 🙂

10. Bomun Lake

Back from Bulguksa Temple, the bus will pass by Bomun Lake. So how about a walk and a breath of fresh air? 🙂 There’s a theme park called Gyeongju World by the lake. Entrance costs 23000 won or about $19.

This is it for our visit to the city of Gyeongju and its surroundings, guys! It’s a great place, don’t you think? Are you going to Gyeongju on your next trip to South Korea? Let me know in the comments below. 🙂

After Gyeongju, I went to the beautiful Andong to visit the traditional village of Hahoe. I tell you everything about it here: Andong and Hahoe in South Korea.

Want more tips and recommendations for your next trip to Asia? Make to subscribe to us on social media: Facebook Page , Facebook Group , Instagram , Youtube , and Pinterest .

See you around,

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SEOUL - north  |  SEOUL - south

Day Trips from Seoul  | Busan  |  Best Collections

🥁  Festivals ( Seoul • Busan )

Guide to Gyeongju (UNESCO World Heritage) & its Famous Attractions from Seoul/Busan

▶How to get from Seoul/Busan to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station), Gyeongju

▶Travel Itinerary to M ost Popular Attractions in Gyeongju

Guides  & How to get to:

▶Bulguksa Tem ple

▶Seokguram G rotto

▶Cheomseongdae Ob servatory

▶Daereungwon Royal Tombs

▶Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street

▶Gyochon Hanok Vill age & Woljeonggyo Bridge

▶Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

▶Gyeongju National Mu seum

▶Recommended Snacks, Cafes & Restaurants

From Gyeongju Station 경주역 (KTX/SRT, formerly Singyeongju Station), take bus to Gyeongju city center and attractions. more details

www.gyeongju.go.kr , Official Gyeongju Tourist Maps , Official Gyeongju Tourist e-Guidebook , www.cha.go.kr (Cultural Heritage Administration)

Gyeongju was the ancient capital city of the Silla Dynasty that ruled the Korean Peninsula for 992 years (57 BCE – 935 CE). It is home to many historical heritage sites, Buddhist art masterpieces, relics, palaces, royal tombs, temples and fortress from the culture of Silla Kingdom . 

Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto and Gyeongju Historic Areas (UNESCO World Heritage)

Both Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site  on December 1995 .

Separately, 5  distinct areas in the centre of Gyeongju and its suburbs, collectively named as ' Gyeongju Historic Areas ' were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site  on November 2000 .  Gyeongju Historic Areas have a total of 52 designated cultural assets registered as World Cultural Heritages .

How to Get to Gyeongju from Seoul/Busan: Gyeongju Station 경주역 (formerly Singyeongju Station 신경주역, KTX/SRT)

Gyeongju station (ktx / srt), gyeongju.

Gyeongju Station 경주역 (formerly Singyeongju Station 신경주역 ) is the nearest train station on Gyeongbu Line (KTX / SRT) to Gyeongju . Travelling by KTX or SRT train is the easiest and fastest way to Gyeongju .

💡 Gyeongju is nearer to Busan than Seoul . Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ) is only 2 stops  away to Busan Station .

💡If you have visited Gyeongju in the past via KTX  connection to Gyeongju Station 경주역 located in Gyeongju city center, the station has closed on 28 December 2021 , after 103 years of operation. It was reborn as ' Gyeongju Cultural Center 1918 ' on 2 December 2022 .

💡On 28 Dec 2023 , Singyeongju Station was renamed to Gyeongju Station , 13 years after opening. Visitors visiting Gyeongju using high-speed trains ( KTX and SRT) must reserve tickets for Gyeongju Station instead of Singyeongju Station .

a) Tourist Information Center & Lockers @Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station)

Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ) is a fairly large but easy to get around station, it has all the facilities that travellers may need. e.g. luggage delivery/storage, Tourist Information Center , cafes and restaurants.

If you are stopping over Gyeongju on a day trip between 2 cities (e.g. Seoul & Busan ), lockers for your luggage are conveniently located near the station's entrance. Touchscreen instructions are available in English .

b) Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall @Gyeongju Station

Interestingly, there is a Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall inside Gyeongju Station where historical artifacts excavated during the construction of the Gyeongbu High-Speed Railway are displayed. Free admission for visitors.

c) Souvenir Shops, Convenience Store, Cafes & Restaurants @Gyeongju Station

There are also convenience store, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, local speciality products and snacks at Gyeongju Station .

d) Exit 1 to Bus Stop & Taxi Stand @Gyeongju Station

To get to the bus stop (/taxi stand), take Exit 1 and the bus stop is towards the right.

💡From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ), you can take Bus# 50 , 60 , 61 , 70 , 302 , 332 , 700 , 710 &  711 to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal . 20 mins ride and about  10 mins walk to the nearest attraction, i.e.  Hwangnidan-gil Street .

From Seoul to Gyeongju

KTX Train from Seoul Station to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , Gyeongju ): 2hrs 13mins (₩49,300)

SRT Train from Suseo Station ( Seoul ) to Gyeongju Station (formerly  Singyeongju Station , Gyeongju ): 2hrs 5mins (₩42,600)

Intercity bus from Seoul to Gyeongju : 4hrs (₩49,300)

💡 KTX  train is covered under KORAIL Pass (rail travel pass exclusive for foreign visitors).

💡You can transfer from Suseo Station ( Seoul Subway Line 3 / Bungdang Line ) to Suseo Station ( SRT ) via the underground transfer passageway. 7-10 mins walk.

💡 Seoul Subway to Suseo Station  from Myeongdong Station (45mins, 1-2 lines transfer) / from Seoul Station (50mins, 1-2 lines transfer) / Gangnam Station (26 mins, 1 line transfer).

From Busan to Gyeongju

KTX Train from Busan to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station,   Gyeongju ): 35 mins (₩11,000)

SRT Train from Busan to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ,  Gyeongju ): 35 mins (₩10,000)

Intercity Bus from Busan to Gyeongju Intercity/Express Bus Terminal : 50 mins (₩7,700)

💡The intercity bus departs every every 20-30 mins and express bus  departs every 1.5hrs . Both with the same travel time and bus fare.

💡To get to the bus terminal , take the Busan Subway to Nopo Station (line 1) . Follow the sign, ' Busan Central Bus Terminal (Express•Intercity) '. 3 mins walk. The bus for Gyeongju departs from platform 27 . From Gyeongju Intercity/Express Bus Terminal , it is about 10 mins walk to the nearest attraction, Hwangnidan-gil Street .

💡 Busan Subway to Nopo Station from Busan Station (39mins, same line) / Seomyeon Station (29 mins, same line) / Haeundae Station (52 mins, 2 lines transfer).

Train & bus fares subject to change. Train travel time & fares vary according to departure time.

Gyeongju Day Trip Travel Course/Itinerary

Gyeongju ancient city is best visited on a 2-day relax trip with overnight stay in Gyeongju . However, with proper planning (& comfortable walking shoes), you can also visit most popular and famous attractions in Gyeongju on a worthy  1-day trip from Seoul or on your way to Busan .

These recommended  Gyeongju attractions, often included on day tours are divided into 2 main regions:

a) Bulguksa Temple Region : Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto

b) Gyeongju Downtown Area (also known as Gyeongju Dareungwon Ancient Tomb Complex) : Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Royal Tomb, Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street, Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, Gyeongju National Museum (optional)

a) Bulguksa Temple Region

This region comprises of the well-known UNESCO World Cultural Heritages of:

Bulguksa Temple

Seokguram Grotto

Notes on Travelling in Bulguksa Temple region:

Transport is limited and infrequent. It takes about 1 hr from Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT ) or 45 mins from Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal in Gyeongju city center. So, planning around the bus schedule is recommended.

There is only 1 bus service that operates hourly between Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto . If you miss the bus, you may consider taking a taxi (20mins, ₩12,000) up the winding road to Seokguram Grotto instead. 

Plan to arrive Gyeongju  very early so that you can complete this region by lunch time on your day trip to Gyeongju . Alternatively, if you wish for a more relax trip, skip this region or visit over a 2-day trip.

(image source:  Cultural Heritage Administration )

b) Gyeongju Downtown Area (also known as Gyeongju Dareungwon Ancient Tomb Complex)

The most popular and well-visited attractions in Gyeongju are concentrated around Gyeongju Downtown Area , namely:

Cheomseongdae Observatory (night viewing available)

Daereungwon Royal Tomb  (night viewing available)

Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street

Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge  (night viewing recommended)

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (night viewing recommended)

Gyeongju National Museum (recommended on 1-day course on downtown area only or 2-day course)

Notes on Travelling at Gyeongju Downtown Area:

All attractions are located within 30 mins walk from one end to the other end. Even so, it is still a fair amount of walking from one attraction to another. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.

There is no 'perfect loop' walking course to cover all the attractions as Hwangnidan-gil Street and Daereungwon Royal Tomb run parallel to each other and cover a big area.  Woljeonggyo Bridge and Wolji Pond are on different ends too. You can basically pick and choose your preferred attractions to visit in the downtown area.

c) Recommended 1-Day Trip Itinerary to Gyeongju

🚅Arrived at Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT)

🚌Take bus to Bulguksa Temple

📸Bulguksa Temple

🚌Take bus to Seokguram Grotto

📸Seokguram Grotto

🚌Take bus to Gyeongju Downtown Area

💡If you are hungry, you can have lunch at the restaurants near Bulguksa Temple Bus Stop.

🚶‍♀️Alight at Wolseong-dong Community Center bus stop (as most buses stop here), by-passing Cheomseongdae on the way to lunch.

📸Cheomseongdae Observatory

🥢Lunch near Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon

📸Daereungwon Royal Tombs

🍪Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street

📸Gyochon Hanok Village

📸Woljeonggyo Bridge

📸Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

🚌Take bus back to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station)

🥢Dinner at Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station)

d) Recommended App - KakaoMap

You are recommended to use KakaoMap to find the bus numbers available from your current location to your next destination and your whereabout on the bus journey. Also, KakaoMap app is useful on your walking direction around  Gyeongju Downtown Area , particularly to Woljeonggyo Bridge and onwards to Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond .

Bulguksa Temple 불국사

경상북도 경주시 불국로 385 | 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

9:00 - 18:30 (last admission 17:30)

Free (effective from 4 May 2023, in accordance with the revised Cultural Heritage Protection Act)

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ,   KTX/SRT) exit 1, walk to the bus stop on your right.

Take Bus# 711 (47 mins) /  700 (55mins) OR

Take Bus# 50 / 51  /  70  /  710 (18 mins), get off at Gyeongju Express•Intercity Bus Terminal 고속버스•시외버스터미널 stop. From the same bus stop, transfer to Bus# 11 (34 min) /  10 (42 mins) /  711 (29 mins).

Get off at Bulguksa Temple 불국사 stop. Cross the pedestrian crossing on the left of the road. On reaching the other side of the road, the  Tourist Information Center  is on your left. Walk towards the right side of the big public carpark ( public toilets available) for the temple's main entrance. 12 mins walk.

💡 Bus# 711 runs 10x a day from Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ). 7:07, 8:08, 10:21, 11:17, 13:17, 14:27, 16:16, 17:04, 19:20, 20:23. Latest timetable . This is the new bus route effective 27 February 2023.

💡 Bus# 700 runs 4x a day from Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ). 7:50, 8:50, 13:50, 14:50. Latest timetable .

💡The above bus schedules are also displayed at the bus stop outside Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station) .

💡If you miss  Bus# 711 / 700  at Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ), you may take the more frequent buses and transfer at the bus terminal.

🎀 When you arrived at Bulguksa Temple , it might be worthwhile to check if Bus# 12 to Seokguram Grotto is arriving. If so, you may like to visit Seokguram Grotto first as Bus#12 is pretty infrequent.

Transfer at Gyeongju Express•Intercity Bus Terminal Bus Stop (where necessary)

Tourist Information Center @Bulguksa Temple

Walk on the right of public carpark to Bulguksa Temple's main entrance

Follow the signs to Bulguksa Temple's main entrance

www.bulguksa.or.kr

Bulguksa Temple and the nearby Seokguram Grotto (both UNESCO World Cultural Heritage ) reside on Tohamsan Mountain which is regarded as the holy mountain of Silla . Surrounded by natural beauty, Bulguksa Temple is an architecture masterpiece of the Unified Silla era.

Famous Cultural Assets of Bulguksa Temple

Often seen on photographs taken of  Bulguksa Temple are the 2 sets of stairways referred as:

(Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges)

(Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges)

Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23) leading up to main Jahamun Gate and Daeungjeon Hall  and

Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 22) leading up to Anyangmun Gate and Amitabha Buddha (National Treasure No. 27).

However, all these bridges (/stairways) are closed to the public and you can get inside the temple via the side path. From there, you can see the famous pagodas and enjoy views from both Jahamun and Anyangmun Gates .

Besides the well-known gates and bridges, other famous cultural assets of Bulguksa Temple include:

Dabotap Pagoda (Pagoda of Abundant Treasures, National Treasure No. 20)

Seokgatap Pagoda (Three-story Stone Pagoda/Pagoda of Sakyamuri Buddha, National Treasure No. 21)

Daeungjeon Hall ​ (Great Enlightenment Hall, Treasure No.1744) and Sakyamuni Buddha .

💡 Dabotap Pagoda is the image that appears on the Korean ₩10 brass coin.

Other Highlights & Sights of Bulguksa Temple

From the main entrance and before reaching Banya Pond , keep a look out for a pine tree, Guanyin Song that is over 194 years old.

Other interesting sights at Bulguksa Temple include temple halls (e.g. Geungnakjeon , Gwaneumjeon ), lanterns display, large bell (@ Bumjonggak Pavilion ), art works (e.g. Sarira Pagoda , Golden Pig ), prayer stone stacks, tall trees and persimmon fruit trees (autumn).

Exiting Bulguksa Temple via its Back Gate

To exit the temple, you can take path to the back gate (i.e.  Burimun Gate ) for a different view of the temple ground. The path leads to the large public carpark and Tourist Information Center as well. From there, you can take the bus/taxi to your next destination.

💡There are public toilets at the carpark. Across the road from the carpark are cafes and restaurants.

King Cherry Blossoms in Spring @Bulguksa Temple

Near to the Tourist Information Counter and public parking lot of Bulguksa Temple is a famous King Cherry blossoms viewing spot in Spring.

💡Compare to most other cherry blossoms in Korea , King Cherry blossoms have more petals (/denser), larger in size and the colour is more vibrant.

Seokguram Grotto 석굴암

경상북도 경주시 불국로 873-243 | 873-243 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

From the bus stop alight for Bulguksa Temple , walk about 30m in the direction where the bus came from for the bus stop for  Bus# 12 . Take Bus#12 and alight at Seokguram Parking Lot 석굴암주차장 stop. 14 mins ride. 12 mins walk to Seokguram Grotto .

💡Bus Departs from Bulguksa Temple Stop : Summer (1 Mar - 5 Oct) 8:40, 9:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:50, 13:40, 14:40, 15:40, 16:40, 17:20

Winter (6 Oct - 28 Feb) 8:40, 9:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:50, 13:40, 14:40, 15:40, 16:40 (6-31 Oct & 1-28 Feb) / 16:20 (1 Nov-31 Jan).

💡Bus Departs from Seokguram Parking Lot Stop : Summer (1 Mar - 5 Oct) 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:05, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:20

Winter (6 Oct - 28 Feb) 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:05, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:40 (6-31 Oct & 1-28 Feb) / 17:20 (1 Nov-31 Jan)

💡 The bus timetable can also be found at both bus stops. Latest timetable .

💡Recommend to sit on the right side of the bus on the way up  to Seokguram Grotto for scenic views of the mountain range and mountainside villages.

💡To get back to Gyeongju Downtown Area , take Bus# 12 from Seokguram Grotto  stop and alight at Bulguksa Temple 불국사  stop. Cross the road to the same bus stop alight for Bulguksa Temple  earlier. Depending on your next stop, take bus:

a)  Bus# 10  (27 mins):  Stops along the way in the order of  Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관,  Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과월지, Wolseong-don g Community Cente r 월성동주민센타  (near to Cheomseo ngdae ) and Palwoojeong 팔우정 stops. OR

b)  Bus # 11  (27 mins): Get off at Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타 (near to Cheomeongdae ).   OR

c) Bus# 711 (32 mins, infrequent): Stops along the way in the order of Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과월지, Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센 타 ( near to Cheomseo ngdae ) , Palwoojeong 팔우정 and Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stops. OR

d) Bus# 710 (35 mins, infrequent): Stops along the way in the order of Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과월지, Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타  (near to Cheomseongdae ) , Palwoojeong 팔우정 and Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stops. 

🎀If you are visiting Bulguksa Temple after Seokguram Grotto , instead of Bulgaksa Temple stop, you may like to alight 1 stop earlier at Bulguksa Ticket Office 불국사매표소 stop. Only Bus #12 operates at this bus stop and it is a shorter walking route to Bulguksa Temple . Once you get off the bus, turn right and turn left into the road ahead leading to Bulgaksa Temple .

Bus stop at Bulguksa Temple for Bus# 12 to Seokguram Grotto

View from bus stop in the direction to Seokguram Grotto

Timetable (Bus# 12) at bus stop of Bulguksa Temple for Seokguram Grotto

Bus# 12 arriving at Seokguram Parking Lot bus stop

seokguram.org

Seokguram Grotto was constructed by the then Prime Minister Kim Dae-Seong during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom . It was designated as National Treasure No. 24 on 20 December 1962 and on 6 December 1995 , it was registered as UNESCO World Heritage .

At the center of the grotto is a 3.5m high statue of Sakyamuni Buddha , surrounded by statues of various bodhisattvas, Buddha’s disciples and guardian kings.

When you arrived at the public parking lot/bus stop of Seokguram Grotto , there is a beautiful pavilion with a large bell. You can ring the bell for ₩1,000 which will be donated to the needy.

From the entrance, it is about 10 mins walk on the dirt road uphill, followed by a short 2 mins walk on the stone stairway before you reach Seokguram Grotto .

Seokguram Grotto  and the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha are viewed inside the small building, protected by a glass wall and visitors to refrain from touching it. You will enter from one side of the building and exit from the other side.

💡Photography is restricted in the grotto.

From  Seokguram Grotto , you can enjoy breathtaking views of the temple below and mountain range afar.

As you come down from Seokguram Grotto , you will come across a temple and souvenir shop next to it.

💡At the bus stop for the return bus to your next destination, take a moment to enjoy the scenic lookout while waiting for your bus.

Cheomseongdae Observatory 첨성대

경북 경주시 인왕동 839-1 | 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

9:00 - 22:00 (/21:00 in winter)

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus# 60 / 61 and get off at  Cheomseongdae 첨성대 stop. 28 mins ride. Cross the road to Cheomseongdae . 5 mins walk. OR

From Bulguksa Temple , take Bus# 10 (27 mins) / 11 (36 mins) / 711 (32 mins, infrequent) / 710 (35 mins, infrequent) and alight at Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타. Cross the road and walk towards Cheomseongdae . 9 mins walk. OR

From Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond , 13 mins walk.

www.gyeongju.go.kr

Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia built during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty . The 9.17m high observatory was designated as National Treasure No. 31 on 20 December 1962 .

Cheomseongdae Observatory  is also known for its beautiful seasonal flower fields nearby (e.g. pink muhly, sunflowers, poppies) and a popular hot spot for taking photographs in hanbok (i.e. Korean traditional clothing).

💡If you wish to get around various attractions at Gyeongju Downtown Area effortlessly, you may consider hopping on the cute-looking Jewel Beetle Electric Car at Cheomseongdae Observatory .

Daereungwon Royal Tombs 대릉원

경북 경주시 황남동 31-1 | 31-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

9:00 - 22:00 (last admission 21:30)

Adult (age 19-64): ₩3,000, Youth (age 13-18): ₩2,000, Child (age 7-12): 1,000 won. Free for Adult above 64 and Child under 7.

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ,  KTX/SRT), take Bus# 60 / 61 / 700 (infrequent) / 711 (infrequent) and get off at  Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stop. 18 mins ride. After alighting the bus, turn right and the gate entry is on your left just ahead.

gjfmc.or.kr

Daereungwon is the largest of the ancient tomb sites in Gyeongju .

It has 30 ancient tombs including:

​ Hwangnamdaechong Tomb has two tombs connected like the back of a camel. It is the largest ancient tomb (80mx120m area) in Gyeongju . About 59,000 relics were excavated from the site.

Tomb of King Michu , 13th King of Silla .

Cheonmachong Tomb , the only tomb that is open to the public. The biggest and most luxurious gold crown, Cheonmachong Gold Crown was excavated from the tomb.  

You can also enjoy different serene scenes of Daereungwon Royal Tombs across different seasons (e.g. magnolias in spring and autumn foliage) and the evergreen  Pine Forest .

Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street 황리단길

경상북도 경주시 포석로 1075 | 1075 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (near to Taejong-ro)

Most shops open around 10:00/11:00 to 22:00

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus# 60 / 61 / 700 (infrequent) / 711 (infrequent) and get off at  Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stop. 18 mins ride. After alighting the bus, turn right and walk along the road. Turn left at the cross street ahead (i.e. Poseok-ro). 2 mins walk.

Hwangnidan-gil is a popular area located along Poseok-ro Road with trendy cafes, shops, restaurants, photo studios and hanbok rental stores in hanok-style buildings.

💡The name ' Hwangnidan-gil ' is a combination of its location in Hwang nam-dong ( Gyeongju ) and Gyeong nidan-gil , a trendy street in Itaewon ( Seoul ). It has the meaning of ' Gyeongnidan-gil in Hwangnam-dong ', Gyeongju .

The freshly-baked  10 Won Bread is the most famous snack along Poseok-ro Road with many shops selling it. Made with mozzarella cheese filling, the 10 Won Bread has the image of Dabotap Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple on one side and the Korean ₩10 brass coin on the other side.

Famous 10 Won Bread @Hwangnidan-gil

Hanbok Rental, Fashion, Snack, Toy & Self-Photo Studio Shops @Hwangnidan-gil

Cafes & Restaurants @Hwangnidan-gil

Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge 교촌마을 & 월정교

Gyochon Hanok Village: 경상북도 경주시 교촌길 39-2 | 39-2, Gyochon-gil, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Woljeonggyo Bridge: 경북 경주시 교동 274 | 274 Gyo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Gyochon Hanok Village: -

Woljeonggyo Bridge: 9:00 - 22:00

Gyochon Hanok Village: free

Woljeonggyo Bridge: free

walk from nearby attractions

Located along the beautiful Namcheon Stream  at the edge of Gyeongju Downdown Area is Gyochon Hanok Village and the magnificent  Woljeonggyo Bridge  built across the stream.

The village is the location of Gukhak , the first national university of Silla established in the 2nd year of King Sinmun of Silla ( 682 ).

Gyochon Hanok Village

You can view the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan , richest family in the village.

There are also several popular cafes and restaurants in  Gyochon Hanok Village :

1. Jinsuseongchan Restaurant 진수성찬 - Korean restaurant.

2. Kyochon 300 Years Restaurant 교촌삼백년집 경주본점 - Korean restaurant.

3. Kyochon Garam -   Injeolmi Ice Cream Cafe 교촌가람 - Rice cake ice cream and snacks.

4. Cafe EYST 1779  - A chic, bright-red bricks cafe along the stream near to  Woljeonggyo Bridge .

1. Jinsuseongchan Restaurant 진수성찬

2. Kyochon 300 Years Restaurant 교촌삼백년집 경주본점

3. Kyochon Garam - Injeolmi Ice Cream Cafe 교촌가람

4. Jinsuseongchan Restaurant 진수성찬

Woljeonggyo Bridge

Located near Gyochon Hanok Village is Woljeonggyo Bridge . The bridge was built in 760 A.D during the 19th year of King Gyeongdeok of Unified Silla .

However, it was burnt down during the Joseon dynasty and through historical research, was rebuilt in April 2018 . Woljeonggyo Bridge has become the largest wooden bridge in Korea ( 66m length, 9m width, 8m height).

With its brilliant architecture, Woljeonggyo Bridge presents a majestic grandeur on nightfall when it lights up. The views from the bridge and along the Namcheon Stream are equally mesmerising.

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과 월지

경상북도 경주시 원화로 102 | 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus#  700 (infrequent) / 711 (infrequent) and get off at  Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond  동궁과 월지 stop. 30 mins ride. The entrance is directly across the road. OR

From Gyeongju Station (formerly  Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus#   60 / 61 and  g et off at Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타 stop. 27 mins ride. The entrance is across the road towards the right. 12 mins walk. OR

From Bulguksa Temple bus stop, take Bus# 10  (25 mins) / 711  (30 mins, infrequent) / 710 (33 mins, infrequent) & get off at Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond   동궁과 월지 stop. Entrance is next to the bus stop.

💡Bus Departs from Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond Stop to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT):

Direct bus (infrequent) - Bus# 710 / 711 , 26 mins.

Take bus# 10 , 153 , 600 , 601 , 602 , 603 , 604 , 605 , 607 or  609 (10 mins) & alight at  Gyeongju Express • Intercity Bus Terminal 고속버스•시외버스터미널 stop. From the same bus stop, take bus# 50 , 51 , 70 , 710 or  711 (15 mins) to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station ).

💡Time to bus arrival is displayed on the LED screen at the bus stop. ​

www.gjpass.kr

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (formerly known as Anapji Pond ) was a secondary palace used by the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom . It was also a place where grand banquets were held to welcome important guests.

There are as many as 30,000 artifacts excavated from Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond , most of which are daily necessities used by the royal family and nobles in daily life.

Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관

경상북도 경주시 일정로 186 | 186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

10:00 - 18:00 / 19:00 (Saturdays & public holidays). Last admission 30 mins before closing.

Closed on 1 January, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day).

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus# 711 (infrequent) and get off at  Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관 stop. 31 mins ride. The museum is next to the bus stop. OR

From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station , KTX/SRT), take Bus# 700 (infrequent) and get off at  Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond  동궁과 월지 stop. 30 mins ride. Walk on the right of road to the museum. 4 mins walk. OR

From Bulguksa Temple bus stop, take Bus# 10  (24 mins) / 711  (30 mins, infrequent) & get off at Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관 stop. Museum is directly across the road.

gyeongju.museum.go.kr

Gyeongju National Museum is Korea 's representative museum where numerous historical and cultural artifacts of the Silla Dynasty is housed.

There are 4 main exhibition halls:

1. Silla History Exhibition Hall -   Silla Gold Crown (National Treasure No. 188)

2. Silla Art Exhibition Hall

3. Wolji Exhibition Hall - Artifacts excavated from Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are exhibited here.

4. Outdoor Exhibition Area - Features a collection of stone pagodas, Buddhist sculptures and lanterns collected at ancient temple and palace sites across Gyeongju . Highlights include the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok (National Treasure No. 29) and the Three-story Stone Pagoda from the Goseonsa Temple site (National Treasure No. 38).  

Popular Food, Cafes & Restaurants

There are many cafes and restaurants located along the road, Poseok-ro ( Hwangnidan-gil ) all the way to Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon . This Starbucks store is centrally located between Cheomseongdae Observatory and Daereungwon Royal Tombs , making it a great place to take a break in between attractions.

Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon 스타벅스 경주대릉원점

8:00 - 22:00 (Mon-Thu) / 23:00 (Fri-Sun)

경북 경주시 첨성로 125 | 125 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

www.starbucks.co.kr

Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon has a hanok-style exterior with a unique sit-down indoor seating section. The walls are decorated with artworks and representative patterns of Silla.

Gyodong Myeonok Gyeongju Daereungwon | 교동면옥 경주대릉원점

9:00 - 20:30

경북 경주시 첨성로 119 | 119, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Located next to Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon, Gyodong Myeonok Gyeongju Daereungwon serves a good variety of cold noodles, including bulgogi, braised ribs, pancakes and dumplings.

Baeknyeonsonnim 백년손님

9:00 - 20:00. Breaktime 15:00 - 16:10 (Mon-Fri)/15:00-16:40 (Sat-Sun). Last Order 14:30, 19:30

경북 경주시 포석로1050번길 32 | 32, Poseok-ro 1050beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Opened since 1993, Baeknyeonsonnim offers a simple menu of grilled pork bulgogi, grilled beef bulgogi and grilled fish, served with 7 side dishes, lettuce wraps and soybean paste stew. As the meat is grilled over charcoal, a minimum order for 2 persons is required. 2 mins walk from Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon.

Yeomion 여미온

11:00 - 21:00. Breaktime 15:30 - 17:00. Last Order 20:30

경북 경주시 첨성로81번길 22-12 1층 | 1st floor, 22-12, Cheomseong-ro 81beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

www.instagram.com/yeomi_on

Yeomion is a Korean Cuisine Restaurant set in a beautiful hanok with garden. Its menu includes bibimbap, noodles, pancakes and raw meat. 4 mins walk from Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon.

Map of Bus Route Between Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto

Map of Bulguksa Temple

Map of Key Attractions, Gyeongju Bus Terminals, Recommended Cafes & Restaurants at Gyeongju Downtown Area

Map of Recommended Walking Courses at Gyeongju Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex

Map of Hwangridan-gil Street

Map of Gyochon Hanok Village

KoreaToDo TOP PICKS - Tours (from Busan), Activities & Discount Tickets

➥ Handpicked experiences by KoreaToDo for their uniqueness, value, popularity, price competitiveness and at times, tedious to reach by public transport.

Busan Premium Yacht Tour (optional private tour)

polaroid photography, snacks & refreshment

Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site Day Trip

Bulguksa Temple, Yangdong Village, Daereungwon, Wolji Pond, Woljeong Bridge++

Busan Day Tour: Haeundae Beach Train

✚Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Cheongsapo, Huinnyeoul & Gamcheon Culture Villages

Gyeongju UNESCO Sites & Haeundae Sky Capsule Tour

Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju Historic Areas (Daereungwon, Hwangnidan-gil) & Wolji Pond

Busan Day Tour: Haeundae Sky Capsule

Gyeongju Small Group Full Day Photo Tour (Max. 7)

carefully selected locations by Gyeongju expert. Incl. 8 edited photos & raw photos

Gyeongju Old Capital Day Tour

Bulguksa Temple, Gyochon Village, Woljeong Bridge, Daereungwon, Wolji Pond++

​​Korea Rail Pass: KTX Bullet Train (BUSAN⇌SEOUL)

★tourist exclusive: 2, 3, 4 or 5 days / instant pass issuance / online seat reservation

♔  KoreaToDo recommends  Klook.com , Asia leading in-destination service provider.

🌸SEASONAL HOT PICKS🌸 Handpicked Experiences in Busan

CLUBD OASIS: Water Park @LCT, Haeundae Beach

200m long tube slide!

Busan Air Cruise Cable Car Ticket

normal or crystal cabin options

Other KoreaToDo Collection that you may like:

Top hidden attractions in seoul, top hidden attractions in busan, popular & unique day trips from seoul under 3 hours, still looking explore koreatodo handpicked collection of:, seoul - north of han river, seoul - south of han rive r.

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Discover the Hidden Treasures of Gyeongju: Top 12 Must-Visit Spots

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Discover the best places to visit while you are in Gyeongju!

Steeped in rich history and brimming with natural beauty, Gyeongju is a travel destination that offers a tapestry of South Korea’s splendid past and vibrant present. Often referred to as “the museum without walls,” this charming city was once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom and stands as a testament to its glorious reign. Here, you’ll encounter an awe-inspiring blend of ancient temples, royal tombs, and artifacts, all set against the backdrop of lush hills and serene lakes. The city seems to unfurl like an intricate scroll of art and history, offering countless photo opportunities and momentous experiences as you explore. For travelers seeking both cultural depth and scenic beauty, Gyeongju is a destination that promises to enrich the mind and soothe the soul.

Table of Contents

Top Places to Visit in Gyeongju

1. donggung palace & wolji ponddrama.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 대한민국구석구석｜한국관광공사 (@kto9suk9suk)

Price: 3,000 KRW

When exploring the best places in Gyeongju, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the mesmerizing Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. This captivating area once served as a secondary palace and reception hall during the Silla Dynasty, initially built in 674 AD. It was left in disrepair after the fall of the Silla Dynasty in 935 AD but was revived and designated as a historical landmark in 1963. Extensive restoration has brought the site back to its former splendor, making it a must-see locale on your trip.

While rejuvenating the area, several historical treasures were unearthed from Wolji Pond, among them a vase inscribed with the name “Wolji,” which translates to “A pond that reflects the moon.” This discovery revealed the pond’s name, a mystery for centuries. To fully enjoy the palace and pond, aim to arrive at least half an hour before the sun sets. Expect to see both local and international tourists, as the site is renowned for its awe-inspiring reflection on the water, especially during golden hour.

2. Bulguksa Temple

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 불국사 official (@bulguksa_temple)

Price: 6,000 KRW

A trip to Gyeongju would only be complete with experiencing the serenity and historical richness of Bulguksa Temple. This tranquil haven is steeped in Buddhist culture and is an architectural gem from the Unified Silla Period, featuring numerous towers and structures. The temple offers an enlightening journey into Buddhist history that you won’t want to miss.

Though the temple welcomes visitors throughout the year, the sight of cherry blossoms in spring adds an extra layer of charm to your visit. Located just outside Gyeongju’s city center, Bulguksa Temple is an essential stop if you have a two-day Gyeongju itinerary. It easily ranks among the best places in Gyeongju for both its beauty and historical significance.

3. Cheomsongdae

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Courtenae Truswell (@courtenae.t)

Price: FREE

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Korean history and culture, Cheomseongdae tops the list of the best places in Gyeongju to explore. This serene park not only offers a tranquil atmosphere that mirrors the local way of life but it’s also been featured in popular Korean dramas like Stealer: The Treasure Keeper and Reply 1988 (응답하라 1988) .

Built in the 7th-century Silla kingdom, Cheomseongdae is arguably the world’s oldest astronomical observatory and undoubtedly the most ancient in Asia. Here, ancient astronomers worked day and night throughout the year, collecting celestial data to predict events like eclipses and comet showers. As you wander through the area, don’t miss the nearby Gyerim Forest, which offers stunning views of the Cheomseongdae monument, particularly during sunset hours.

4. Gyeongju National Museum

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gyeongju National Museum (@gnmuseum_eng)

Open hours: 10 AM – 6 PM Closed on January 1 (New Year), Seollal (Lunar New Year), and Chuseok Price: FREE for permanent exhibition halls, Children’s Museum, special exhibition halls (excluding special exhibitions that require a ticket.

If you’re keen on delving into South Korea’s rich history, particularly from the era of the Silla Kingdom, a stop at the Gyeongju National Museum is a must. With five permanent galleries featuring invaluable artifacts and periodically rotating special exhibits, it offers a deep dive into ancient Korean culture. Spending even just an hour or two here can greatly enrich your Gyeongju experience.

For families traveling with children, the Gyeongju National Museum also houses a Children’s Museum on its lower level beneath the Special Exhibition Hall. This dedicated space offers interactive exhibits and engaging activities that both kids and adults will love. Whether you’re coming with friends or family, the museum provides a fulfilling and entertaining experience for all.

5. Daereungwon Tomb Complex

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nathy Brohan (@nathy_bro)

If you’re searching for the best places to visit in Gyeongju, the Daereungwon Tomb Complex should top your list. This site offers a unique chance to delve into the rich history of the Silla kingdom, hosting 23 historical burial mounds. Among these, the Cheonmachong Tomb stands out due to its accessible interior. You’ll find multilingual digital screens inside, making it easy for visitors from all walks of life to grasp the tomb’s historical context.

Discovered in 1973, the Cheonmachong Tomb is believed to be the final resting place of an unidentified Silla king and is a treasure trove of over 11,000 artifacts. Before you leave this captivating site, make sure to capture a photo under the famous magnolia tree situated between the tomb mounds. It’s a popular photo spot, so you might have to wait your turn, but it’s well worth the wait.

6. Woljeonggyo Bridge

View this post on Instagram A post shared by YJ (@yongjin14.choi)

One of the must-see attractions in Gyeongju is the mesmerizing Woljeonggyo Bridge, particularly stunning when the sun dips below the horizon. This location offers the perfect backdrop for relaxation and appreciating the intricacies of its design. The bridge showcases a vivid red hue during daylight, transforming into a glowing golden spectacle once darkness falls.

As a bonus, adjacent to the bridge, you’ll find water stepping stones, a popular spot for photo enthusiasts. Not only that, but you can also relive the scene from one of the hit Korean dramas, The King: Eternal Monarch (더킹:영원의 군주) .

Constructed in the Unified Silla era between AD 676-935, Woljeonggyo Bridge has a rich history. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire but underwent a complete restoration in April 2018, earning the distinction of South Korea’s largest wooden bridge.

7. Yangdong Folk Village (UNESCO World Heritage)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @go.roam.explore

Gyeongju Yangdong Village stands as the largest traditional community in Korea, offering a captivating glimpse into the Joseon dynasty’s rich culture and stunning natural beauty. Recognized as a cultural heritage site, the village boasts a plethora of treasures and folk materials that make it a must-visit destination. Even global dignitaries, including King Charles III, have toured this charming locale, captivated by its wealth of historical elements and picturesque scenery. The view extends to Seolchangsan Mountain and its intricate network of sub-mountains, providing a scenic backdrop to the village.

Housing around 160 vintage residences and thatched-roof cottages that are over 500 years old, the village is a living museum of architectural marvels. Fifty-four of these structures have been immaculately maintained for over two centuries, allowing visitors to experience a diverse range of traditional Korean homes first-hand. The village easily ranks among the best places in Gyeongju to immerse yourself in authentic Korean culture and history.

8. Bomunho Lake

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Bomunho Lake in Gyeongju is a big man-made lake with lots of fun activities and a nice hotel nearby. It’s a favorite spot for people who like biking and walking. When spring comes, the whole city of Gyeongju gets covered in beautiful pink cherry blossoms, especially around the lake. The lake becomes one of the best places in Gyeongju to see these blossoms, which even reflect in the water.

In April, the city holds a special Cherry Blossom Marathon. When the wind blows, the pink petals float down like soft snowflakes. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss.

9. Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

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If you’re traveling to Gyeongju, make sure to explore the Gyochon Traditional Village, especially if you’re planning to visit the Woljeonggyo Bridge. This area, steeped in history dating back to the Silla dynasty, offers a rich experience filled with artisan shops, delightful tea houses, and the noteworthy Historic House of the Rich Man Choi. Don’t miss out on the chance to rent a hanbok and stroll through the village for an immersive cultural experience. As evening approaches, the surrounding area boasts many restaurants perfect for a satisfying dinner.

As one of the best places in Gyeongju, the Gyochon Traditional Village promises an unforgettable journey through Korea’s rich heritage. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or fashion, this village serves as a one-stop destination to experience it all.

10. Golgulsa Temple

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 골굴사 선무도 템플스테이 Temple Golgulsa (@sunmudotemplestay)

Templestay price: 60,000 KRW per night, per person (30 KRW for a pre-schooler), as of July 2023.

Nestled in the natural surroundings just a stone’s throw from Gyeongju City, Golgulsa Temple offers an unparalleled spiritual experience. Not only is it the sole stone cave temple in Korea, but it’s also unique for its practice of Sunmudo, a traditional Korean form of martial arts. Established as a destination for overnight visitors in 1992, it became even more sought-after once Korea introduced its official Templestay program. Today, Golgulsa is one of the top choices for those seeking an immersive temple experience.

Visitors to Golgulsa can engage in various enriching activities, from Sunmudo and archery to chanting and sipping tea with a monk. Other offerings include seated and walking meditation, as well as the deeply spiritual practice of 108 bows. Each of these elements contributes to making your visit not just a trip but the best experience in Gyeongju.

For more templestar info and reservation, you can visit their website .

11. Gyeongju World

View this post on Instagram A post shared by JIU Vision Trip 2023 (@jiuvisiontrip2023)

Fee (all-inclusive of rides and entry fees): – Adult: 48,000 KRW (all-day), 34,000 KRW (half-day, from 3 PM onwards) – Teenager: 42,000 KRW (all-day), 31,000 KRW (half-day, from 3 PM onwards) – Children: 36,000 KRW (all-day), 28,000 KRW (half-day, from 3 PM onwards)

If you have some free time, don’t miss out on visiting Gyeongju World, easily accessible via a 30-minute public bus ride from the city center. Known as one of the best places in Gyeongju for a day of excitement, the theme park offers many activities catering to various interests. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or visiting with family, you’ll find a range of attractions, from roller coasters and bumper cars to water slides and gravity-defying drops.

Over the years, Gyeongju World has reinvented itself through significant investments in its facilities, aiming to be both the ultimate destination for adrenaline junkies and a magical world where families can live out their fantasies. Committed to customer satisfaction, the park continuously updates its offerings to enhance your experience. So, if you’re looking for an exhilarating day amidst your Gyeongju travels, Gyeongju World is the place to be for both adventure and heartfelt memories.

Visit Gyeongju World official website for more details information.

12. Gyeongju Expo Park

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brilliantika Fusi | 티카 (@brilliantikafusi)

Located in the Bomun Tourist Complex, Gyeongju Expo Park is open all year and has something for everyone. It features a tall tower, a 3D animation area, a history exhibit, and a fossil museum. The park’s highlight is the 82-meter Gyeongju Tower, inspired by an ancient temple’s pagoda. If you’re looking for the best places in Gyeongju to visit, this park should be on your list.

Visitors can enjoy both modern and old-world attractions at the park. Whether you like history, animation, or nature, Gyeongju Expo Park has it all. It’s a great place to spend a day learning and having fun. The park offers a mix of educational and entertaining activities, making it perfect for all travelers. Don’t skip this spot when you’re exploring Gyeongju.

Find the Beauty of Gyeongju with Daebak Discovery

Daebak Box has a new offer: Daebak Discovery, a thrilling journey into the work of Korean culture. The theme for August Daebak Discovery is Gyeongju, the “Museum without Walls.”

Especially in August, you can get the  exclusive  buy 1 get 1  offer . Become a Premium or Discovery Annual Subscriber and share your love for Korean Culture by gifting 1 friend a FREE Discovery Box. Use the code  KPPKTP  for additional discount when you check out!

What is Daebak Discovery?

Daebak Discovery is a small version of  Daebak Premium  from Daebak  company , tailored to introduce you to Korean culture. It includes the best and trendiest products, from Kpop and K-beauty to fashion and accessories, stationery, cute character goodies, and more!

More Korea travel information and recommendation:

• Popular South Korean Festivals and Celebrations
• Best Stores to Explore for K-Beauty Products in Seoul
• “Seoul Edition 23: New Tradition”: BTS V Named Honorary Tourism Ambassador of Seoul 2023

Navigating Korean Etiquette: Things Not to Do in Korea

• A Complete Guide to Gimhae International Airport

From picturesque landscapes to hidden gems and cultural adventures, follow KoreaTravelPost’s  Twitter ,  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  LinkedIn , and  Flipboard  for a thrilling journey through the heart of Korea.

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Jessica is dynamic mom-blogger and journalist who is passionate about Kpop, Kdramas, and variety shows. She eagerly explores the vibrant world of Korean entertainment and immerses herself in all things about South Korea, exploring its vibrant culture with unwavering enthusiasm.

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20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN GYEONGJU [KOREA GUIDE]

WHAT TO DO IN GYEONGJU? THE BEST FOOD IN GYEONGJU? WHERE TO STAY IN GYEONGJU?

Gyeongju is one of the main cultural sights in South Korea. When traveling to South Korea, visiting Gyeongju is an absolute must

Gyeongju is the former Capital of Kingdom of Silla (Korea)

The city and its surroundings are full of historic sites, temples, and other landmarks to discover.

We recommend staying at the very least 2 days to visit all the main sights (ideally 3 days), although it is possible to visit on a day trip.

Read also: 99 most amazing things to do in South Korea

Key Takeaways from a trip to Gyeongju in Korea:

– Known as the “Museum Without Walls,” Gyeongju is rich in historical and cultural sites (more than 30 national treasures) – Visit Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. – Check out Seokguram Grotto, another UNESCO site – Visit Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of the oldest observatories in Asia – Check out the Royal Tombs, a unique thing to see in Gyeongju – Explore the nearby village of Yangdong, one of the most charming villages in Korea – And so much more, which we listed in this articles

How to get to Gyeongju:

• The easiest way to get to Gyeongju from Seoul is by train (KTX). It takes about 2 hours
• The best time to visit Gyeongju is spring (April ~ June) and fall (September ~ November)
• Near Gyeongju, you can visit Busan, Uslang or Pohang

Here is a glimpse of what a visit to Gyeongju looks like:

HISTORY OF GYEONGJU, ONCE THE 4TH LARGEST CITY IN THE WORLD

Did you know that a long time ago, Gyeongju was the 4th largest city in the world and the old capital of South Korea ?

Indeed, Gyeongju was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom which was founded in 57 BC. At that time, the city knew three different names: Gyerim (the forest of the rooster), Seorabeol (the capital), and Geumseong (the city of gold). In 668, it became the cultural center of Korea following the unification of the peninsula.

In 682, Gyeongju was greatly enriched after the creation of the Gukhak, the national Confucian academy, by King Sinmun. Impressive right?

However, Gyeongju lost its status as the capital of Silla when it was replaced by Koryo . The city was named Gyeongju by King Taejo, founder of Koryo, in 940. It was named the eastern capital from 987 to 1012 before losing its attractiveness.

During its period of decline, the monuments of Gyeongju were destroyed. This was particularly the case with a nine-story pagoda in Hwangnyongsa, demolished by the Mongols in the 13th century, and the Bulguksa temple burnt down during the Japanese invasions.

Today, Gyeongju is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage . You can find more details in their website here .

BEST THINGS TO SEE IN GYEONGJU?

1. start your visit at daereungwon park to see the royal tombs, one of the main highlights in gyeongju.

Start your day at the Daereungwon Tombs (대릉원경주시 사적공원).

These tombs called tumulus, are the most representative sights of Gyeongju . These small green mountains which spring up everywhere in the city, shelter the remains of the sovereigns and nobles of the kingdom of Silla (57 BC – 935 AD).

There are nearly 150 of them just in the city center: some barely perceptible, others over 20 meters high , and some topped by imposing trees.

The tombs of the Daereungwon complex is one of the best places to admire these Tombs, although, you can see them pretty much everywhere in the city.

Daereungwon is a gorgeous park that allows you to walk around these tombs. Inside the park, you can also admire bamboo groves, pine forests, and stunning ponds. It’s the perfect place to take plenty of great shots!

The 13th ruler of Silla, King Michu, is also buried in Daereungwon. A king whose legendary fame is such that it perhaps explains why his tomb is the only one surrounded by a stone enclosure.

In 1973, excavations brought to light the Cheonmachong tumulus, known as the “celestial horse”. It is the only one that can be visited from the inside, and that allows one to understand how the elite of the kingdom was buried.

Daereungwon Park is undeniably one of the best things to do in Gyeongju!

• Location : here
• Hours:  Every day: 9:00am ~ 10:00pm
• Admission:  Adults: W3,000; Children 13-18: W2,000; Children 7-12: W1,000
• Website: here

2. Check out Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of the most interesting things to see in Gyeongju

Next, continue your visit by foot to Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory (첨성대).

When you exit Daereungwon in the South Gate, cross the road and make a left turn. You will see the observatory right away.

It is said that Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia . At that time, people believed that Heaven was round and Earth was square.

That’s why, Cheomseongdae rests on a square platform, and its structure is cylindrical, thinning upwards. It is nothing like an astronomical observatory as we know it today, obviously.

We actually wondered how people could look at the stars from the inside.

After visiting Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, continue your visit to the rest of the park surrounding the observatory. This is another great thing to see in Gyeongju!

• Opening Hours:  24h
• Admission:  Free

3. Gyeongju Pink Muhly, one of the most beautiful things to see in Gyeongju

If you visit during the Autumn, you might be lucky enough to admire a huge field of pink Muhly right next to the Observatory.

This pink grass is a popular sight all around South Korea during Autumn. It makes some of the best Instagram shots. The field next to the Observatory is particularly beautiful.

The rest of the park around Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory is equally beautiful. You can also admire the famous silver grass and other nice flowers during Autumn.

We’ve never been to Gyeongju during other seasons, but we can only imagine that during Spring another great season to visit Korea , it must be stunning as well.

4. Continue your visit to Gyeongju Gyerim Forest

Continue your way through the forest of Gyerim (경주 계림). Legend has it that it is the birthplace of Kim Al-Ji, the ancestor of the Kim clan. Gyerim Forest is located between Cheomseongdae Observatory and Wolseong Fortress and is accessible by foot.

Legend has it that King Talhae heard a rooster crying from the depths of Sirim Forest . Chancellor Hogong was sent to investigate. When he arrived there, he found a rooster crying under a tree from which hung a golden box. Hogong returned to report to the king, who ordered him to return the golden box to the palace.

The king opened the box and found inside a small child , Kim Alji. The forest, originally named “Sirim” or “Gurim”, came to be known as “Gyerim” (“gye” means rooster). Gyerim’s name also referred to the kingdom of Silla.

Alji became the king’s adopted son, but as the crown passed to King Pasa of the Park family, he never ascended to the throne. A few years later, the Kim clan became the ruling family with the coronation of King Naemul.

Yellow rapeseed flowers bloom along the path connecting Daereungwon with Gyerim and Banwolseong, making the atmosphere of the forest even more magical.

5. Woljeonggyo Bridge, one of the best things to see in Gyeongju

After crossing the forest of Gyerim, you will reach another main sight of Gyeongju: Wolseong Palace.

This palace is most famous for its gorgeous bridge crossing the Namcheon River: Woljeonggyo Bridge (월정교). Unfortunately, only ruins remain from the palace, but the bridge remains stunning.

There is a legend about the Woljeonggyo Bridge.

One day when Monk Wonhyo was passing by, he began to sing, saying he wanted to build a pillar to support the sky. King Muyeol then realized that he needed to be married off to a woman of high rank, who would give birth to one of the pillars of the Silla dynasty.

He maneuvered for the monk to be welcomed into the apartments of his own daughter, Princess Yoseok.

The inevitable happened. A few months later, she gave birth to Seol Chong, who later became famous for creating the Idu writing system , where Chinese characters are used to transcribe Korean.

Woljeonggyo Bridge dates from 760. Perfectly symmetrical, one can only marvel at such engineering work. It is absolutely essential to see it at night when it is illuminated.

6. Visit the beautiful Hanok village of Gyochon, the most charming place in Gyeongju

Right beside Woljeonggyo Bridge, you can continue your visit to the traditional Hanok village of Gyochon (경주교촌마을). This village was home to the Choe family, whose long line dates back to the 16th century.

This clan is known to have correctly applied the precepts of the Seonbi scholars.

They have thus succeeded in preserving their wealth while working for the well-being of the local population.

It is possible to visit the Choe Clan House and even taste Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju Liquor (Important Intangible Cultural Property No.86-3).

The village also offers many cultural activities for tourists. There are also cafes and restaurants.

For us, we managed to visit all of the above sights within a day, including time for lunch, coffee break, and many stops to take plenty of photos.

If you stay 2 or 3 days in Gyeongju, that leaves you sufficient time to visit other main sights. So don’t rush everything, take your time and enjoy all the sights one by one. Gyeongju is so gorgeous, its beauty must be appreciated .

However, if you are still up for 1 last thing on the same day, then we recommend visiting Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, which anyway must be visited at night. You could even have dinner first and then head there to enjoy one of the main highlights in Gyeongju.

7. Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, are the most magical places in Gyeongju at night!

One of the prettiest spots in Gyeongju is Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (동궁과 월지). It can be visited at any time of the day, but it is at nightfall that the place reveals all its splendor .

The pavilions are then fully illuminated, making it a magical sight. The reflections on the water are captivating, so much so that it is difficult to take your eyes off this harmonious and lovely scenery.

Donggung Palace dates from the late 7th century. It was King Munmu himself, after unifying the kingdom of Silla, who decided on its construction in 679. This palace was used mainly for banquets and festivals.

A few years later, in 674, an artificial pond was added, made up of flowery hills on which many animals could live. It was named Wolji Pond until the Joseon period, before changing its name to “Anapji”.

The palace has long served as a residence for distinguished guests and for festivities before gradually being abandoned. The pond underwent full rehabilitation between 1975 and 1986, and excavations found that it surrounded more than 26 buildings at the time, five of which were to the west. The materials of these five pavilions served as the basis for the reconstruction of the palace.

• Location:  here
• Opening Hours:  Every day: 9:00am ~ 10:00pm (we highly recommend going there during sunset and waiting until nightfall)
• Admission:  Adults: W2,000; Children 13-18: W1,200; Children 7-12: W600

8. Visit Seokguram Grotto, one of the most mysterious things to see in Gyeongju

On your second day in Gyeongju head to Seokguram Cave (석굴암). The cave houses one of the largest Buddha statues in Korea nestled inside a cave.

Visiting the cave is one of the best things to see in Gyeongju. The cave of Seokguram is one of the jewels of South Korea. Do not miss this historic site, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Nestled in Mount Toham, the cave also offers an incredible panorama of Gyeongju.

Whereas all the previous sights we listed in this blog can be visited on foot as they are all located in the center of Gyeongju, Seokguram Cave is further away. If you have a car, then no problem, a 40-minute drive will get you there with parking available in front of the entrance of the cave.

However, if like us, you took the KTX from Seoul, then taking a taxi would be the best option. You can book a taxi for a full day for only 60,000 won. This would save you a lot of time going from 1 place to the others. Check it out here .

Count roughly 1 hour to visit the cave, which includes a 20-minute walk to get there through a nice forest path.

• Opening Hours:  Weekdays 09:00-17:30 / Weekends & public holidays 08:00-17:30
• Admission:  Individual: Adults 6,000 won / Teenagers 4,000 won / Children 3,000 won

9. Bulguksa Temple, our favorite thing to visit just outside Gyeongju

It is best to combine the visit of Seokguram Cave and Bulguksa Temple (불국사) as both sights are located near one another and both are far from the city center of Gyeongju.

Bulguksa Temple is another amazing highlight of any trip to Gyeongju. Bulguksa Temple was built in AD 571 and is the most important site for the Buddhist community.

The people of Gyeongju accepted Buddhism as a religion in the 6th century. Beautiful Buddhist art and culture are wonderfully displayed in the magnificent Bulguksa temple.

The intricate interior design and perfection of the temple make it one of the most visited cultural heritage sites in the Gyeongju.

Bulguksa temple is of great beauty. Protected by a relatively dense forest, punctuated by the sound of Buddhist litanies, it conceals an incalculable number of national treasures, representative of the Buddhist aesthetic of the time of Silla.

Count at least 2 hours to visit the entire temple. There is also a very cute tea house inside the temple, perfect if you need a small break.

For us, it was one of our favorite temples we visited in Korea, besides Naksan Temple in Yangyang , Haedong Yonggungsa in Busan , Jingwansa in Seoul , and Jeondeungsa in Ganghwado near Incheon.

• Opening Hours:  Weekdays 09:00-17:00 / Weekends and public holidays 08:00-17:00
• Admission:  Adults 6,000 won / Teenagers 4,000 won / Children 3,000 won / Preschoolers 2,000 won

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING BULGUKSA TEMPLE

10. Gyeongju Market

After finishing your visit to Bulguksa, walk across the street. You will find many restaurants and cafes built in Hanok style. There is also a market to get some souvenirs. We stopped there to get an afternoon snack and coffee. There are many nice cafes around this area!

Visiting Seokguram Cave and Bulguksa Temple will take you almost 1 full day. After you finish your visit head back to Gyeongju City Center.

We recommend walking around the city and finding a nice place for dinner (more on dinner recommendations below).

11. Wander around Gyeongju’s main shopping avenue: Hwangnidangil

Besides all the cultural sights, Gyeongju is a charming city and a few streets are really worth visiting. Filled with Hanoks, Restaurants, bars and coffee shops, it is very pleasant to walk around the city.

Hwangnidangil is one of the main tourist streets. Walk there at any time of the day and you will find something to do or to eat. Behind Hwangnidangil, there is a parallel backstreet filled with very cute Hanoks.

We actually liked this street even more. One of the restaurants specifically caught our attention (see photo above), called Oncheonjip. Check out their Instagram here and location here .

12. Gyeongju Tower in Gyeongju World Expo Park

On your last day in Gyeongju (for a 3 day trip ) head to Gyeongju World Cultures Expo (경주세계문화엑스포공원).

The park is an innovative cultural amusement park providing a place for cultural experience and relaxation. The main attractions are: 3D Animation World, Silla Culture History Pavilion, World Cinematography Gallery, World Fossil Museum, and Fun Challenge World.

You can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Silla Dynasty (-57 BC to 935), historical relics from the four ancient world civilizations and various folk tales from around the world.

Various exhibitions, traditional culture programs, and seasonal events provide visitors with a relaxed learning experience.

However, the main reason we wanted to visit this place, was to see the amazing Gyeongju Tower.

This tower is a remarkable construction that can be seen from afar. This structure is actually the landmark of Gyeongju Cultural and World Expo Park. This tower reproduced the shape of the nine-story wooden pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple. You can take a lift to the top of the tower for a beautiful 360-degree panorama of Gyeongju.

• Getting There: it takes about 20min by taxi, or 45min by bus from the city center of Gyeongju. Count at least 1.5 hours to visit the entire Park.
• Admission:  Adults W8,000; Children W7,000
• Location: here
• Opening Hours: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm

13. Jungdo Tower, the most beautiful tower in Gyeongju

After your visit to Gyeongju World Cultures Expo, head to Jungdo Tower which is just a few minutes walk. This stunning and very impressive Pagoda is the reconstruction of a 7th-century wooden pagoda which was located at Hwangnyongsa Temple.

However, please note that it is not possible to visit the interior of the Pagoda. It is actually reserved for corporate retreats, featuring meditation rooms, accommodations, and other facilities.

Nevertheless, it is still a beautiful place to see especially for a photo across the river passing right in front of the pagoda.

14. Cycle at Bomun Lake famous for cherry blossoms

Bomun Tourist Complex is an area around Bomun Lake, 10 km east of downtown Gyeongju. There, you will find huge luxury resorts, condominiums, golf courses, amusement parks, walking trails, etc.

There are many cherry trees in Gyeongju and especially in the Bomun area. Many tourists visit this place for the cherry blossoms. Bomun Pavilion is one of the most popular sights in this area.

As the lake is pretty big, we recommend renting a bicycle to explore it . We saw many shops renting out bicycles. As for us, we decided to skip that part of Gyeongju since we only stayed 3 days and we did not visit during the cherry blossoms season.

Instead, we headed to Yangdong village , which turned out to be one of our favorite things to see in Gyeongju.

15. Visit the gorgeous village of Yangdong near Gyeongju

Yangdong (양동마을) is a really cute and traditional village with houses built 100 to 500 years ago. Yangdong Folk Village is a World Heritage Site. The houses have been well preserved and many are still inhabited…

When you enter the village, take a map at the entrance, as there are quite a lot of hidden streets behind some hills, which are absolutely must-sees.

Don’t just stay on the main road, venture yourself deep inside the village to see the most beautiful areas.

We loved Yangdong so much , that we spent quite a lot of time exploring and admiring the village just thinking about what it was like to live here 500 years ago. Yangdong was one of our main highlights during our trip to Gyeongju.

We would even rank this place as the nicest village in Korea!

They have a few very traditional restaurants. We opted for a place called Uhyang Daok. The owners, an old couple, were so so nice to us. They spoke a little English and were so interested in our stories and where we came from.

They served us a delicious meal, in fact, one of the best meals we had in Gyeongju. Here is the location.

To get there count 40min by car from Gyeongju city center and 1 hour by bus.

• Admission:  Adults 4,000 won / Teenagers 2,000 won / Children 1,500 won
• Opening Hours: 09:00 – 19:00

READ: FULL GUIDE TO YANGDONG VILLAGE NEAR GYEONGJU

16. TASTE THE LOCAL DELICACIES: GYEONGJUPPANG AND CHALBORIPPANG

Literally “ Gyeongju bread”, Gyeongjuppang (경주빵) is a brioche bun filled with red bean paste, with a chrysanthemum drawn on top.

With a recipe dating back to the days of the kingdom of Silla, we can say that the reputation of this delicacy keeps all its promises. Hot out of the oven, they are delicious! You will find many bakeries offering Gyeongjuppang all around Gyeongju.

As for Chalborippang (찰보리 빵 ), this delicacy looks a bit like a pancake. It is also filled with red beans. We actually like Chalborippang more than Gyeongjuppang.

17. Try the local traditional liquor: BEOPJU

What better way to take advantage of this trip than to test a different alcohol? Try beopju , a liqueur typically native to Gyeongju, made from sticky rice. Be careful though: it could be quite strong. Beopju is served in most local restaurants in Gyeongju.

18. Eat like a King in a Hanjeoksik restaurant in Gyeongju

Gyeongju is the city of kings and great Korean food. What better opportunity to enjoy traditional Korean restaurants that offer the famous hanjeongsik, the royal menu?

Do not hesitate to venture into one of these restaurants, you won’t regret it. You will experience a royal dinner that will not leave you hungry.

Between the multiple banchan, and the different main dishes (meat, fish, soups, etc.) you will be delighted!

We highly recommend a place called Dosol Maeul , located in the center of Gyeongju ( here ). However, be sure to come early if you go for dinner, as this place is very popular amongst Koreans.

We absolutely loved the food in Gyeongju. Similar to Jeonju ( more info here ), food in this part of Korea is absolutely amazing.

19. Step Back in Time at Gyeongju National Museum

If you still have time left in Gyeongju, we recommend a visit to Gyeongju National Museum .

If you want to know more about the history of Gyeongju, which is really fascinating, then this Museum is a must.

This renowned museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and relics from the Silla Dynasty, which ruled the region for almost a millennium.

Marvel at the golden crowns , delicate jewelry, and ancient pottery that offer glimpses into the lives of the Silla people. The museum’s well-curated exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of Gyeongju’s rich historical heritage.

• Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm

20. Hike at the Gyeongju National Park

If you’re a nature lover and enjoy outdoor activities, Gyeongju National Park is a paradise for hikers.

With its picturesque landscapes and well-maintained trails, the park offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.

Lace up your hiking boots and embark on the challenging but rewarding hike up Namsan Mountain.

As you ascend, you’ll be greeted by lush forests, serene temples, and stunning panoramic vistas of the city below .

Don’t miss the iconic rock-carved Buddha statues nestled along the trail .

Gyeongju National Park provides an opportunity to combine cultural exploration with invigorating outdoor adventure, creating unforgettable memories for hikers of all skill levels.

WHERE TO STAY IN GYEONGJU?

If you visit Gyeongju we recommend staying in a Hanok to experience this place fully. Most hotels are around the city center, which is the best place to stay if you visit Gyeongju.

Hanok 1st Street

Hanok 1st Street is a beautiful Hanok Hotel located near the main sights in Gyeongju. This place is absolutely stunning and would make your trip to Gyeongju complete. If you travel to Korea, experiencing staying in a Hanok is a must.

Gyeongju Wadamjung Hanok Pension

Gyeongju Wadamjung Hanok Pension is located close to Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village. In other words, one of the best places to stay in Gyeongju.

On top of the great location, this Hanok is beautiful and the garden at the center makes it a magical place to stay. The other good thing about Gyeongju Wadamjung Hanok Pension is that breakfast is included in the price.

This place is often fully booked, however, if it’s still available during your stay, do not hesitate, to book it right away.

Hwangnamkwan Hanok Guesthouse

Hwangnamkwan Hanok Guesthouse is located right off the main tourist street of Gyeongju. If you stay here, it will be easy to walk around the city and find good restaurants for dinner.

Therefore, we also highly recommend a stay at Hwangnamkwan Hanok Guesthouse.

HOW TO GET TO GYEONGJU?

There are several options if you plan to travel from Seoul.

Train (KTX)

KTX is the fastest way to get from Seoul Station to Singyeongju Station. It would take about 2 hours. If you are planning to visit a few cities in South Korea like Busan , Jeonju , and Gyeongju, there is special discount pass which is only available to international tourists or foreign residents.

These special passes allow unlimited travel on trains managed by KORAIL for a specified period. BUY YOUR PASS HERE.

Express bus

The cheapest way to get to Gyeongju is the bus from Seoul Express Bus Station in Seocho-gu to Gyeongju Express Bus Station. The approximate time to travel is 3 hours and 30 minutes.

You can also book a full-day guided tour by bus. MORE INFORMATION HERE

If you plan to visit Gyeongju by car, it wouldn’t be a bad idea, as you will save some money traveling by taxi to Bulguksa Temple, or Yangdong village. However, without traffic count 4h to get there.

If you are traveling from Busan, the same options are available, either KTX or Express Bus ( book here ). Both are very convenient as Busan is relatively close to Gyeongju. You can also opt for a private car if you are a small group (up to 8 people). You can book a private tour here .

BEST TIME TO VISIT GYEONGJU?

Gyeongju being a city close to the sea, the weather remains pleasant throughout the year. Generally, the best time of year to visit Gyeongju is spring (April ~ June) and fall (September ~ November).

There is a good amount of rainfall most of the year while the climate remains warm.

By the way, the photo above was taken at the top of Yangdong village. What a view it was!

OTHER THINGS TO DO NEAR GYEONGJU?

The main tourist attraction in Pohang is undoubtedly the giant sculpture of the hand rising from the waters at Homigot Square, famous for its sunrises. However, if you want to discover the heart of the city, we recommend that you visit the Pohang Canal.

This canal is the result of restoration work on an ancient watercourse that connected the Hyeongsangang River to the Dongbin Port Area.

Ulsan is both Korea’s main industrial city and a port city. The major ports are Ulsan Port, Onsan Port and Bangeojin Port. As such, it is considered the hub of trade and exchange of goods to East Asia.

The city’s tourist assets are also increasingly recognized. The city is appreciated by visitors for its picturesque landscape formed by the East Sea and its natural environment.

Busan (부산광역시) is the second largest city in South Korea, after Seoul. It is located at the southern end of the Korean Peninsula. Previously, Busan was referred to as Pusan. This spelling is still sometimes found in South Korea.

Busan’s port is ranked among the 10 largest commercial ports in the world! Very impressive.

There are several landmarks to visit in Busan which are absolutely stunning. Busan even has the most beautiful temple in South Korea! Excited? Oh yes, you should be.

READ: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO VISIT IN BUSAN

FINAL THOUGHTS – IS GYEONGJU WORTH A VISIT?

After living 3 years in Korea, we can absolutely say that Gyeongju is one of our favorite places to visit in Korea. Everywhere you go in the city, it’s so pretty. You can sense all the history and cultural richness of South Korea in Gyeongju.

Besides, it was the 4th largest city in the World hundreds of years ago. How impressive is that!

For people who like to know the history of the world and the stories of people from the past, Gyeongju is the place to visit. It’s so beautiful that it was once a popular honeymoon destination for locals.

If you are traveling to Korea, Gyeongju is practically a must-see. It would be a pity to skip it…

We lived in Korea for 3 years and wrote many posts about things to do in this country. You can check them all here .

• YANGDONG , the most charming village near Gyeongju
• BULGUKSA temple near Gyeongju
• BUSAN , the second largest in Korea
• GANGNEUNG and the East Coast
• SOUTH KOREA :  99 must-see in South Korea
• HAEDONG YONGGUNGSA , the most beautiful temple in Korea
• TAEAN : amazing national park on the west coast of Korea
• JEJU :  All you need to know before you go to Jeju
• JEONJU Hanok Village
• NAMSANGOL Hanok Village in Seoul

We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple traveling the world. We will take you to some of the most amazing places on earth. Hammer is a yoga instructor and Guillaume a true water baby, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Follow-us to get the latest update about our travels.

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The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Gyeongju in 2 Days

While most travellers head toward the bright neon lights of Seoul or Busan , a little gem hides between the rugged mountains and the cold embrace of the Korean Strait. Gyeongju – the city which resonates with the echoes of the Silla Kingdom.

Few destinations on the Korean peninsula hold as much history and significance as this miniature city.

Ancient temples and royal tombs stand amongst the cobblestone streets and traditional hanok houses, bringing you back to the heyday of a once mighty empire. Gyeongju is not just a destination; it’s a living museum preserving the essence of Korea’s past for generations to come.

So in that case, let me show you the perfect 2-day itinerary to help you get the most out of Gyeongju!

This article may contain affiliate links which I may be compensated for at no extra cost to you dear readers!

Table of Contents

Day 1 in Gyeongju

One day of your Gyeongju itinerary should be dedicated to visiting all the sites outside of the city itself. Conveniently, many of the area’s greatest treasures are all found practically along one straight line towards the coast.

Gyeongju Tower

Start off your Gyeongju itinerary with a modern talisman to the city’s greatness. Standing just on the outskirts of the city, Gyeongju Tower is a shining example of modern Korean architecture while giving a humble nod to its historic past. Though it may be an impractical design, it’s a beautiful show of architectural skill.

The park where the tower stands also plays host to a number of yearly expos on everything from traditional Korean culture to tech conventions. On top of that, the tower has its own observation deck, which is absolutely free!

Bulguksa Temple

South Korea has a unique system of numbering national treasures, and Bulguksa Temple is placed firmly at number one. In a country of many fascinating temples, this is easily the most significant of all.

Built over a thousand years ago in 528, it was built to celebrate the reign of King Gyeongdeok, the man who unified the Korean peninsula during the height of the Silla Kingdom. Since then, this UNESCO World Heritage site has seen little restoration, giving the temple an authentic touch.

This priceless national relic has even more treats hidden inside. You’ll cross two in the form of Cheongungyo Bridge and  Baegungyo Bridge . By far the most recognisable artefacts are the Dabotap and  Seokgatap Pagodas . Whilst the latter was being restored in 1966, the world’s oldest wood print book was found inside!

Seokguram Grotto

Barely a stone’s throw away from Bulguksa Temple is yet another UNESCO Site built during the same period of history. Nestled in the shadows of Toham Mountain, Seokguram Grotto is a temple made entirely of stone! And just like its bigger neighbour, it also boasts some incredible history.

It’s yet another thousand-year-old temple built under King Gyeongdeok’s reign during the Silla Kingdom’s height. While Bulguksa Temple was built for the King’s parents in his current life, Seokguram Grotto was dedicated to the parents of his former life.

From the outside, it may not look like much, though hidden down a dark chamber is one of the greatest masterpieces of Buddhist art and architecture anywhere in the world! Deep within lays a figure of Bodhisattva sitting in a circular chamber beneath and surrounded by his disciples. The figure was also made to face east, to protect Korea from the pesky Japanese invaders, a common fear during the time.

Golgulsa Temple

By now it’s pretty clear that Gyeongju isn’t short of some incredible temples to add to your itinerary, and here’s one more for you! Golgulsa Temple is yet another temple completely made of stone. However, the temple is unique in the fact it’s carved right into Mount Hamwolsan, making it the only temple cave in Korea.

The whole complex is made up of 12 caves which hold rock-carved sculptures of various monks and deities. Just like with most temples built during this period, most figures face the ocean as even more protection against the land of the rising sun.

Golgulsa is also one of the many temples in Korea which offers training programs and temple stays for tourists. So if you ever wanted to know what temple life is really like, this is your chance!

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Gameunsaji Temple Site

Though the temple may be a shell of its former glory, it’s the historical significance of the site and the godly surroundings that make it worthwhile.

Gameunsaji Temple was originally built in the 7th century by King Munmu of the Silla Kingdom ( we’ll get to him again later ) for Buddha’s protection and guidance. Against whom I hear you ask? Who else but those troublesome Japanese again! Its coastal location played a big part in protecting Korea from a possible ( and eventual ) invasion from across the ocean.

Even though it’s one of the earliest remnants of the Silla Kingdom, sadly, there’s little left. The few remaining foundations and a pair of restored pagodas still make for an awe-inspiring view before the backdrop of the valleys.

The Tomb of Emperor Munmu

Though it looks like an unassuming pile of rocks, this happens to be the final resting place of one of the nation’s most powerful rulers, Emperor Munmu. He was the man responsible for unifying the three kingdoms and shaping the modern Korea that we know today.

The Emperor himself actually picked out this peculiar tomb placed just a stone’s throw away from the beaches of Bonggil-ri. He believed that in his afterlife, he would become a dragon that would protect the Silla Kingdom from the ever-so-pesky Japanese.

Day 2 in Gyeongju

You can spend the last day of your Gyeongju itinerary much closer to the city itself. This day should be dedicated to exploring the wonderful sites scattered just on the rim of the city limits.

Mount Namsan

Surrounding Gyeongju on all sides are some of the most beautiful rolling mountain ranges in Korea. Of these peaks, one is considered most sacred above all others, Namsan Mountain.

Even up here there is no escaping the historical and cultural influences of Buddhism. The mountain acts as a vast open-air museum filled with over 100 temple sites, 80 stone Buddhist statues, and 60 stone pagodas scattered across the mountainside.

Other historical landmarks are hidden amongst the peaks, such as Anapji Pond and Najeong Well , which is thought to be the mythic birthplace of King Hyeokgeose, the founder of the Silla Kingdom. Not too far from there is Poseokjeong Pavilion , which quite poetically was where the mighty era of the Silla Kingdom came to an end.

Woljeonggyo Bridge

This stunning bridge is yet more evidence of the once-prominent Silla Kingdom. Though it was originally built in 760, the bridge was sadly destroyed. However, excavating the river allowed researchers to reconstruct the bridge in 2018 after finding pieces of the original stonework.

Once it was finished, it became the largest wooden bridge in Korea! For the best views, make sure to visit as dusk falls or when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Gyochon Hanok Village

Gyeongju is a city built around the mighty Silla Kingdom and still lives in the echoes of its ever-lasting heritage. Luckily, there’s a perfect place to see exactly what thing were like back then!

Gyochon Hanok Village is like a time machine taking you back to old-school Korea. It’s packed with these traditional Korean houses called hanoks that are made from wood and clay. This village is said to be the birthplace of a Silla-era princess and, more significantly of all, it’s the birthplace of bibimbap!

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Dongguang Palace and Wolji Pond

While walking along the edges of koi-filled ponds and through forests that were once full of frolicking deer, it’s easy to see how this was the perfect place for an Emperor to kick back and relax. Dongguang Palace was not only used as a secondary palace during the Silla Kingdom, but it also played host to banquets that celebrated important national events and welcomed notable visitors.

Translated as “ a pond that reflects the moon” , the palace’s name was found carved into a piece of pottery that was excavated at the site. Though only a few of the palace’s former structures have been recovered and reconstructed, the pond itself is practically identical to what passed Emperors would have also enjoyed.

Gyeongju National Museum

The intimidating figure of the Gyeongju National Museum stands as a grand representation of the area’s royal heritage. The museum highlights both the fascinating history of Gyeongju and the Silla Kingdom as a whole through a number of incredible exhibitions.

Not only does it house relics from that rich period of history, but it also continues to research its ever-evolving past. You can even see some excavation sites around the museum itself!

Cheomeseongdae Observatory

Yet another relic of a once-mighty empire, Cheomeseongdae holds the title of the oldest surviving observatory in Asia, and possibly the entire world! Built between 632-646 AD, this simple-looking structure has a very deliberate design. The entire observatory is made up of 365 stacked stones that represent each day of the year. At its base, 12 stones symbolise each month and a total of 30 layers are used for the days of the month. Pretty clever!

Literally translated as “ Observe the Stars Platform “, it was first used to predict upcoming weather. It then played a part in determining equinoxes and seasonal solstices, which were some of the earliest forms of cosmology.

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Bunhwangsa Temple

Despite being oversaturated with ancient temples and tombs, Bunhwangsa has a unique quality to it. The temple has the oldest pagoda in all of Korea which stands proudly in the middle of the compound. On top of that, its completely built from stone!

The temple happens to be in a very historic area. The now empty field next door once had a gigantic temple/palace being built on it, but was sadly destroyed before its completion. For once, the attack can’t be blamed on the Japanese, this time it was the even more dominating Mongolians!

Tumuli-gongwon (Tombs of the Silla Kingdom)

It’s clear to see that Gyeongju is all about its history, and there are few sites more significant than this one to add to your itinerary. These simple-looking mounds of earth may not seem like much, but you couldn’t be more wrong. These mounds make up the final resting place of 23 of the Silla Kingdoms’ finest Emperors and family members.

Of all these tombs, only one is open to the public. Inside the 5th-century tomb are the remains of the coffin that once stood within and its decorative additions which include jade ornaments and weaponry. Other treasures found inside these tumuli are also on display in the nearby Gyeongju National Museum.

Oh, and as tempting as it might be to climb atop these mounds, it wouldn’t be very wise. You could spend up to 2 years in prison for it!

Seongdong Market

No Korean trip is complete without a visit to a traditional market! This particular one is lined with vendors selling a mix of vegetables, fruit, meat and ready-to-eat snacks. With over 300 stores and 30 street vendors, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a long day exploring Gyeongju’s history. It’s the perfect place to wrap up your Gyeongju itinerary.

Thank You for Reading! Check Out These Other Helpful Links!

Thank you so much for reading The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: 2 Days in Gyeongju! Check out these other helpful articles! See you next time!

• The Ultimate Travel Guide: Gyeongju
• The 15 Best Highlights To See on Jeju Island
• The DMZ: The World’s Most Dangerous Tourist Attraction
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A green jewel in Korea’s tourist crown, GYEONGJU (경주) is a city that deserves a little more fame. Here you can walk among kings from a dynasty long expired and view the treasures accumulated during a millennium of imperial rule, while strolling around a city with infinitely more traditional sights than any other in the country. Strangely, much of Gyeongju’s present charm is all down to a bit of good old-fashioned dictatorship: in the 1970s and 1980s, authoritarian President Park Chung-hee managed to ensure that Korea’s most traditional city stayed that way at a time when rapid economic progress was turning the country upside-down. He introduced height restrictions on structures built anywhere near historical remains – in other words, pretty much all of the centre – and passed a bill requiring almost everything static to have a traditional Korean-style roof. The rules have, sadly, not always been followed – spend as little time as possible in the mucky city centre – but the contrast with regular urban Korea remains quite palpable.

Bulguksa and around

Gyeongju festivals, namsan park, tumuli park, what’s green and lumpy.

Chief among Gyeongju’s sights are the dead kings’ tombs, rounded grassy hills that you’ll see all over town; it’s even possible to enter one for a peek at the ornate way in which royalty were once buried. To the east of the centre there’s Anapji Pond , a delightful place for an evening stroll under the stars, and a museum filled with assorted trinkets and fascinating gold paraphernalia from Silla times. Further east is Bulguksa , one of Korea’s most famous temples; splendidly decorated, it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list, as is Seokguram , a grotto hovering above it on a mountain ridge. A less-visited mountain area is Namsan to the south of the centre, a wonderful park filled with trails and carved Buddha images.

Brief history

The most interesting period of Gyeongju’s lengthy history was during its near-millennium as capital of the Silla kingdom . After so long as Korea’s glamourpuss, the degree to which Gyeongju faded into the background is quite surprising – having relinquished its mantle of power, the city lived on for a while as a regional capital, but then fell into a steep decline . The Mongols rampaged through the city in the fourteenth century, the Japanese invasions a couple of hundred years later stripped away another few layers of beauty, and from a peak of over a million, Gyeongju’s population fell to next to nothing.

Ironically, centuries after carrying countless spoils of war across the sea after their successful invasion, it was the Japanese who reopened Gyeongju’s treasure-chest of history, during their occupation of the country in the early twentieth century. In went the diggers, and out came hundreds of thousands of relics, so that, even today, much visible evidence of the dynasty still remains around the city. Not all of this is above ground – excavations continue, and new discoveries are made every year.

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Sitting comfortably under the tree-lined wings of the surrounding mountains, Bulguksa (불국사) was built in 528 during the reign of King Beop-heung, under whose leadership Buddhism was adopted as the Silla state religion. It was almost destroyed by the Japanese invasions in 1593 and, though it’s hard to believe now, was left to rot until the 1970s, when dictatorial president Park Chung-hee ordered its reconstruction. It has subsequently been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. As one of the most visited temples in the country, it can be thronged with people, many of whom combine their visit with a picnic on and around the path leading from the bus stop to the ticket office. Once through the gates, you’ll walk a pretty path past a pond and over a bridge, before being confronted by the temple. Here two staircases lead to the upper level; these are officially “four bridges” rather than two flights of steps, leading followers from the worldly realm to that of the Buddha. Both are listed as national treasures, so you’re not actually allowed to ascend them. Having entered the main courtyard, you’ll be confronted by yet more treasures, this time two three-level stone pagodas from the Unified Silla period; one plain and one ornately decorated, representing Yin and Yang.

From the courtyard, it’s best to stroll aimlessly and appreciate the views. The whole complex has been elaborately painted , but the artistry is particularly impressive in Daeungjeon, the main hall behind the pagodas, whose eaves are decorated both inside and out with striking patterns. At the top of the complex, another hall – Gwaneumjeon – looks down over Bulguksa’s pleasing array of roof tiles; the steep staircase down causes problems for Korean girls in high heels, but there are other ways back. Making your way across the rear of the complex you’ll come to Nahanjeon, a hall surrounded by bamboo and a cloak of maple leaves. Behind this lie small towers of stacked stones; you’re welcome – expected – to add your own. The tearoom beneath the nearby trinket shop provides a useful rest stop.

Throughout the year the city puts on many shows and events to please its guests. In warmer months, regular performances of traditional song and dance take place on Bomun Lake and around Anapji Pond at 8pm on Saturdays from April to October, but the biggest event by far is the three-day Silla Cultural Festival , in October, one of the best and most colourful in the land. On the menu are wrestling, archery, singing and dancing, and a parade in which a mock Silla king and queen are carried down the streets. Other events include the Cherry Blossom Marathon , held on the first Saturday of April, and a Traditional Drink and Rice-Cake Festival in late March, while on December 31 the New Year’s crowd heads to King Munmu’s seaside tomb to ring in the change of digits and enjoy the first sunrise of the year.

Central Gyeongju’s ragtag assortment of buildings fades to the south, turning from urban to rural. Mercifully, development of this area is unlikely, as the city is hemmed in on its southern flank by Namsan Park , a small mountain area packed with trails and sights. New discoveries of ancient relics are made regularly, but even if you don’t find yourself unearthing a piece of Silla jewellery, this is another of the city’s must-sees. Roads run along the park’s perimeter, giving access to a wealth of sights on both sides, while the interior is strewn with carved Buddhas and offers some fantastic hikes. Namsan is best tackled either by bicycle around its pleasantly traffic-free perimeter, or with a pair of hiking boots through its interior.

Gyeongju is often described by the Korean tourist board as an open-air museum, thanks to its large number of grassy regal, burial mounds. The tombs in question are known as Tumuli , which are prolific and impossible to miss. Right in the centre of town, the walled-off Tumuli Park (대릉원) contains over two dozen tombs. It’s hard to imagine that this was until quite recently a functioning – though quiet – part of town, but in the 1970s the buildings were removed and the area beautified, creating a path- and tree-filled park that’s wonderful for a stroll. Entrances are located at the east and north of the complex, but its most famous hump sits to the far west. Here lies Cheonmachong (천마총), the only tomb in Korea that you can actually enter. Its former inhabitant is not known for sure, but is believed to be a sixth- or seventh-century king whose many horse-related implements gave rise to the name – Cheonmachong means “Heavenly Horse Tomb”. Excavated in 1973, it yielded over twelve thousand artefacts, which was the largest single haul in the country, and although many went to Gyeongju Museum, a few decorate the inner walls of the tomb. There’s also a full-scale mock-up of how the inhabitant was buried. Elsewhere in the complex is the large tomb of King Michu , who reigned from 262 to 284 and fought many battles to protect his empire from the neighbouring Baekje dynasty. According to legend, he even dispatched a ghost army from beyond the grave when his successor was losing one particular bout of fisticuffs; these phantoms disappeared during the resulting celebrations, leaving behind only the bamboo leaves that had infested the cavities of the enemy dead. For this reason, the tomb is often referred to as the “Tomb of the Bamboo Chief”. One other tomb of note is the double-humped Hwangnam Daechong , which was almost certainly the resting place of a king and queen.

Every culture has its own solutions for what to do with the deceased. Tibetan corpses are often left on a mountainside for vultures to carry away, certain Filipino societies place the departed in a coffin and pack it into a cliff, while the Yanomami of the Amazon rainforest choose to cremate their dead then eat the ashes with banana paste. Koreans have long preferred burial – a slightly more prosaic journey to the afterlife, for sure – and those who have travelled around the country a while will doubtless have seen the little green bumps that dot hills and mountains in the country’s rural areas. Larger versions used to be a matter of course for Korean royalty.

Literally hundreds of tombs from the Silla dynasty can be found all over Gyeongju and its surrounding area. However, the identities of few of the tombs’ occupants are known for sure – there were only 56 Silla kings, so it’s clear that many were created for lesser royals, military leaders and other prominent members of society. Equally mysterious are the interiors , as the super-simple green parabolas give almost no hints as to their construction; however, a look inside Cheonmacheong in Tumuli Park should provide a few hints. Layers of gravel and stone make up the base of the tomb, with a wooden chamber placed in the centre to house the deceased – unlike a Pharaoh, he or she would not have supervised the construction, but as in Egypt they would have been buried with some of their favourite belongings. The chamber was then covered with large, rounded stones (these would eventually crush the chamber, after sufficient putrefaction of the wood), which in turn was covered with clay and dirt, and sown with grass.

Given the riches inside, surprisingly few of the tombs were plundered for their treasures – while such an endeavour would be long and rather conspicuous, that didn’t stop thievery elsewhere in the country. Over the past century, many tombs have been carefully excavated, yielding thousands of artefacts, many of which are now on display in Gyeongju’s National Museum.

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Gyeongju 1 day itinerary — How to spend one day in Gyeongju, South Korea

The ancient capital of Gyeongju located in Gyeongsangbuk-do province is an interesting highlight in this trip to Busan to feel the ancient tranquility, ancient architectural works and enjoy the “slowness” of a which was once the ancient capital of Korea under the illustrious Silla dynasty that lasted for a millennium. So, how to spend one day in Gyeongju (Gyeongju in one day, 1 day in Gyeongju)? Let’s check out my Gyeongju 1 day itinerary (Gyeongju one day itinerary) as follows!

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How to get to the ancient capital Gyeongju? (# one day in gyeongju)

• Take the bus from Busan – Gyeongju to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, travel time: 50 minutes
• Take the KTX train to Singyeongju train station, travel time: ~30 minutes. Then take the bus to the city center for another ~30 minutes.

From Seoul (# one day in gyeongju)

• Take the Seoul – Gyeongju bus to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, travel time: ~3 hours 30 minutes
• Take the KTX train to Singyeongju train station, travel time: ~2 hours 15 minutes. Then take the bus to the city center for another ~30 minutes.

Below are my experiences in a day in the ancient capital of Gyeongju with impressive things to do. Of course, this is not all.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond – Crown Prince’s palace during the Silla period (# 1 day in gyeongju)

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

My first impression when I came here was the airy, quiet space and very poetic landscape. I was fascinated by the forests in the changing season of leaves in this palace, I could only stand “dumbfounded” when I saw the yellow and red leaves gently falling every time there was a breeze. How many times do I have to click my tongue: “So beautiful!” when walking in Donggung palace.

A little deeper inside is the palace reflecting on the calm, cool blue surface of Wolji Pond. Along the lake there is a trail so guests can walk around the lake and enjoy the beauty of this place. There are also many virtual living spots.

This Donggung Palace used to be the capital of the Silla dynasty for about 1000 years, the residence of the Crown Prince and VVIP guests at that time and also the place to organize important events.

Gyeongju Historic Areas (# gyeongju in one day)

This historic areas was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000. Here, you can walk around the relic to see the ancient Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory with a unique architecture with a cylindrical body that gradually gets smaller from the bottom, the top and base supporting the observatory are square. The tower’s cylindrical body is built from 365 pieces of granite cut to symbolize the number of days in the year.

Around this site, there are small green hills that look very beautiful, they are the royal tombs of the past.

And, coming to Gyeongju relics this season, you can freely “live virtual” with beautiful flower gardens.

Such as the reed grass fields, sunflower fields and especially the beautiful pink grass fields gently swaying in the wind. The autumn-winter sunlight makes these fields look very poetic and pale pink.

Visit Bulguksa Temple (# gyeongju one day itinerary)

Address: 385 Bulguk-ro, Bulguk-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Hours: 7:30 AM–5 PM

Bulguksa Temple (Seokgatap) is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. This temple is more than 1000 years old and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1995.

Until now, Bulguksa temple is still a place not to be missed if you love traditional beauty every time you come to Korea. Temporarily ignoring stories about history or Buddhism (because it is quite long and informative, I will tell it in the next post), this is a place with very beautiful scenery, tranquil. There are many metasequoia (Dawn redwood) trees, maple trees, persimmon trees, etc. that have been planted for a long time, so the roots and tree shapes are very ancient and beautiful.

Mingle with Korean youth

In addition to “hunting” for red leaves, you can wander on Poseok-ro street to enjoy the youthful atmosphere with many lovely restaurants, cafes, clothing stores, accessories,… with Korean young people.

There are many trending dishes here, like the brand new Hwangnam Jjondeugi or coin cheesecake, for example. In short, the vibe here is very interesting!

Have a Korean-style lunch

After making the effort to come here, don’t miss lunch at 정록쌈밥 restaurant (copy the restaurant name, put it on Naver Maps and follow quickly).

A tray of rice here is a small but full dishes with all kinds of vegetables, kimchi,… especially the spicy stir-fried pork dish, so delicious. Now that I think about that dish, I still crave it…

In addition to these things to do, the ancient capital of Gyeongju has other works and structures recognized by UNESCO as world cultural heritages, such as: Seokguram Buddha Grotto,… for you to explore. Hopefully next trip, when I have more time in the ancient capital of Gyeongju, I will experience and share more.

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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Little Holidays

Helping you plan amazing holidays

Gyeongju – a day trip to South Korea’s ancient capital

Asia , South Korea , Travel Guides / April 8, 2022 by littleholidays / 21 Comments

South Korea is mostly known for being modern – even futuristic.

And when you’re in the major cities like Seoul and Busan, you can see this everywhere with all the towering buildings, ultra-bright city lights, and high-speed Internet. Even their tourism organizations highlight the country’s dynamism and rapid progress.

Despite this, however, pockets of cultural destinations where visitors can catch a glimpse of Korea’s splendid past remain. One such destination is Gyeongju – the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Silla, home of some of the best Buddhist art in the Far East.

If you’re into ancient cultures and traditions – or just want a break from the fast cars and bright lights of South Korea’s bustling cities – take a day trip to Gyeongju, South Korea’s ancient capital.

Little Holidays Guide to Gyeongju, South Korea

• Historical overview
• Map – essential landmarks and top sights
• Best things to see and do in Gyeongju
• Planning your trip

Beyond Gyeongju – where to go next

Gyeongju – a glimpse into south korea’s ancient history.

Gyeongju is a city in the North Gyeongsang Province, near the southeastern coast of mainland Korea. It’s an hour’s drive or bus ride north of Busan and a perfect day trip for those seeking a unique cultural experience.

While Busan has its share of cultural attractions , if you want to learn more about Korean history and culture, a trip to Gyeongju is a must.

The Silla dynasty ruled the Korean peninsula for almost 1,000 years, from 57 BC to 935 AD, and much of the cultural achievements of the time can still be seen in Gyeongju. At the time, Silla was a prosperous country, and its capital Gyeongju was the fourth largest city in the world. The city was home to the Silla court and most of the kingdom’s elite, and you can still see remnants of their lavish lifestyle and after-life.

Apart from relics from the elite of Silla, you’ll also find a lot of Buddhist art in Gyeongju. Mahayana Buddhism spread from China into Korea during the 7 th century and was adopted by the Silla kingdom. Mount Namsan became a Buddhist sacred mountain and inspired its devotees to hire the most outstanding architects and craftsmen of the time to build temples and sculptures dedicated to Buddhism.

But all kingdoms eventually cease to reign. When the Joseon dynasty came to power in 1392-1910, Gyeongju ceased to be a national capital. It suffered numerous assaults from foreign forces – in the 13 th century, the Mongols destroyed a wooden pagoda; during the Japanese invasions of Korea, Gyeongju became one of the bloodiest battlefields; and in the early Joseon period, Neo-Confucian radicals hacked arms and heads off Buddhist sculptures in Namsan.

Throughout the centuries, Gyeongju’s influence declined and it was no longer considered a major city. However, thanks to archaeological excavations done in the early 20 th century, Gyeongju’s historical significance was recognized and it became a cultural destination.

In November 2000, the Gyeongju Historic area was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site for containing “a remarkable concentration of outstanding examples of Korean Buddhist art, in the form of sculptures, reliefs, pagodas, and the remains of temples and palaces from the flowering culture of Silla dynasty, in particular between the 7 th and 10 th century.”

Gyeongju is now referred to as “the museum without walls” and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Korea, especially for visitors who are interested in the cultural heritage of the Silla dynasty and the architecture of the Joseon dynasty.

If you’re a foodie and wondering about the cuisine, food in Gyeongju is generally typical of the cuisine elsewhere in Gyeongsang province. However, they do have local specialties that include Gyeongju bread, a red-bean pastry, and beopju , a traditional Korean liquor.

If you’re looking for seafood dishes though, head to Gampo-eup, a coastal town on the east district of Gyeongju where you can enjoy fresh seafood and jeotgal (fermented salted seafood). You’ll find hundreds of seafood restaurants along Gampo Harbor where you can get raw fish dishes, abalone soup, grilled seafood, and more.

Tell us: What are you most excited about your trip to South Korea?

• Eating - from quirky cafes to street markets and fine dining restaurants
• A mix of everything - shopping, sightseeing, and food-tripping
• Relaxing and enjoying the country’s natural landscapes
• Exploring South Korea’s futuristic cities and experiencing the vibrant culture
• Excited to go on a road trip and see South Korea’s beautiful countryside
• A mix of everything - shopping, sightseeing, and food-tripping 52%, 66 votes 66 votes 52% 66 votes - 52% of all votes
• Eating - from quirky cafes to street markets and fine dining restaurants 14%, 18 votes 18 votes 14% 18 votes - 14% of all votes
• Excited to go on a road trip and see South Korea’s beautiful countryside 14%, 18 votes 18 votes 14% 18 votes - 14% of all votes
• Relaxing and enjoying the country’s natural landscapes 12%, 15 votes 15 votes 12% 15 votes - 12% of all votes
• Exploring South Korea’s futuristic cities and experiencing the vibrant culture 8%, 10 votes 10 votes 8% 10 votes - 8% of all votes

Map – essential sights and landmarks in Gyeongju

Use this Google map to plan your day trip to Gyeongju. Note that you can’t use Google maps to navigate in South Korea – you’ll have to use an alternative map like Naver , Waze , or maps.me .

Best things to see and do – Gyeongju day trip itinerary

With all the cultural and historical richness of the region, Gyeongju is a major tourist destination for both locals and foreign visitors and a fantastic day trip from Busan. In such a compact area, you’ll see 1,000 years of Silla heritage as well as fine examples of Buddhist art.

Start your visit of Gyeongju at the Gyochon Traditional Village. If you’re arriving in the city at noontime, this is a great area to grab lunch as well.

Gyochon Traditional Village

Traditional villages throughout Korea mostly consist of “ hanok ” or traditional Korean houses. Traditional Korean houses are typically environment-friendly – they are designed with raw materials that do not cause pollution (such as soil, timber, and rock) and are designed in a way that is in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Traditional Korean architecture also considers the positioning of the house in relation to its surroundings, and designed to endure cold winters (utilizing the ondol heated rock system unique to South Korea) and hot summers (by having a wide daecheong front porch for keeping the house cool).

In Gyeongju, you can visit the Gyochon Traditional Village, which is a hanok village centered on the life of the Choe clan. The Choe family were particularly well-loved by their neighbors, as they were said to be very public-minded and generous with their wisdom and wealth.

Within the village, you’ll see various traditional houses and restaurants specializing in traditional cuisine. You’ll also be able to take part in glassmaking classes, pottery making workshops, and tea ceremonies. This is also a good place to pick up some postcards and souvenirs.

If you’re particularly keen on learning more about the traditional village, drop by the Information Center where you’ll see dioramas and audio-visual setups. You can even take a quiz to test your knowledge of Gyeongju!

Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheomseongdae Observatory

The Daereungwon Tomb Complex holds the large ancient tombs of kings and nobles of the Silla Kingdom. Twenty-three large tombs are located here, the most significant ones being the Cheonmachong and the Hwangnamdaechong.

The Cheonmachong contains the only painting discovered from the Silla era, as well as relics demonstrating the king’s lavish lifestyle. The Hwangnamdaechong tomb is a queen’s tomb, showing more luxurious accessories.

Near the tomb complex, you’ll find the Cheomseongdae Observatory – the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Cheomseongdae, which means “star-gazing tower,” was constructed in the 7 th century in the kingdom of Silla, under the reign of Queen Seondeok. It’s 9.4 meters tall and made up of 362 pieces of cut granite, which represents the 362 days of the lunar year.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

From the tomb complex, make your way to the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, an artificial pond also formerly known as Anapji.

This is what remains of a palace complex of ancient Silla, constructed by the King Munmu following Taoist aesthetics in 674 CE. After the fall of Silla, the pond was abandoned and was only rebuilt in 1974. During this time, excavations revealed many archaeological relics, which are now on display within the complex.

The pond is especially gorgeous at night if you happen to be staying the night at Gyeongju.

Bulguksa and Seokguram Grotto

The Bulguksa temple complex is 12 kilometers from the Gyeongju National Museum Park and contains both the Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto. Together, they are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for being “a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East.”

The Seokguram Grotto is a hermitage and national treasure. It was established in the 8 th century and contained a monumental statue of the Buddha looking out to sea with his left hand in dhyana mudra position (the position of concentration), and his right hand in the bhumisparsha mudra position (the earth-touching gesture). The grotto also houses statues of devas, bodhisattvas, and disciples sculpted on the surrounding walls, which to this day, is considered a masterpiece of East Asian Buddhist art.

Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple complex comprised of a series of wooden buildings on raised stone terraces designed to represent the land of Buddha.

The complex is a great glimpse into Buddhist art and architecture. You can also arrange a temple stay if you want to immerse yourself more.

Planning your trip to Gyeongju

Getting there.

Flying – The nearest international airport to Gyeongju is in Busan. There is also an airport in Ulsan. You can ride airport shuttles from Incheon (Seoul), Gimhae (Busan), and Ulsan straight to Gyeongju.

Driving – Driving from Busan to Gyeongju takes about 60-90 minutes via the expressway. Make your way first to the Gyochon Traditional Village, and explore the surrounding areas from there. You can use Waze or the Korean GPS to navigate.

Destinations and phone numbers in Gyeongju

Here are the telephone numbers of the major tourist destinations in Gyeongju. You may use some of these for navigating with the Korean GPS, but during our trip, some of the numbers don’t show up on our GPS. My tip is to find a phone number that will take you to Gyeongju (check against other maps, like maps.me) then use maps.me while within the city.

Note: Don’t forget to set your area code to (54)

• Gyochon Traditional Village – (54) 779-6981
• Daereungwon Tomb Complex – (54) 779-8796, (54) 743-1925
• Cheomseongdae Observatory – (54) 779-8744, (54) 772-3843
• Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond – (54) 772-4041
• Poseokjeong Pavilion – (54) 745-8484, 779-6394
• Bulguksa / Bulguk Temple – (54) 746-9913, (54) 746-0983
• Seokguram Grotto – (54) 746-9933

Day tour options and public transportation

From Busan –

• If you’re coming from the Gimhae International Airport, ride the Geuma Tour shuttle bus directly to Gyeongju.
• If you’re coming from elsewhere within Busan, ride a bus from the Busan Central Bus Terminal (near Nopo station on the Busan Metro Line 1) to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. This ride takes about 50 minutes, with buses leaving from the terminal every 15 minutes.
• For more comfort and convenience, join a day tour from Busan to Gyeongju .

From Seoul –

• Ride a bus from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal (near the Express Bus Terminal Station on the Seoul Subway Lines 3, 7, and 9) to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. This ride takes about 4 hours and is the cheapest and easiest option from Seoul.

Where to eat in Gyeongju – best restaurants

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

• Hongsi Restaurant – it’s a bit far from the main attractions in Gyeongju, but well worth the visit if you’re looking for a traditional Korean meal experience.
• Sukyeong Sikdang – this is within the vicinity of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, and the restaurant serves pajeon (green-onion pancake) and dongdongju (rice wine)
• Dosolmaeul – this is another traditional restaurant serving seafood and various stews. If you want to try a huge variety of traditional Korean dishes, you can get their set meal.

Check the Gyeongju tourist map above to find these restaurants.

Where to stay in Gyeongju – best hotels

If you’re traveling to South Korea for just a short holiday, a day trip to Gyeongju will suffice. But if you want to explore more of this cultural city, Gyeongju has lots of hotel options.

★ Top Pick: If you want to combine culture with luxury, stay at the Hilton Gyeongju . It overlooks the Bomun lake and has six in-house dining options serving a variety of cuisine. The rooms and amenities are, of course, top-notch. Double rooms start at USD 290.

For bigger groups looking for holiday rentals in the area, Yejeon Pension is one of the best-value properties you will find. You’ll get a spacious apartment with complete amenities, including an outdoor pool, a garden, and barbecue facilities. Apartments for four start at USD 120; they also have options for couples.

For budget or solo travel options, check out G House Mini Hotel and Guesthouse , a friendly and cozy guesthouse that’s near the bus terminal and most attractions. Beds start at USD 20; they also have private rooms and family rooms.

• Spring destinations in South Korea

If you happen to visit Gyeongju during the cherry blossom season, make sure to go to the Daereungwon stonewall walkway, the Heungmuro cherry blossom road, the Wolseong Palace cherry tree forest, and the Bomun Tourist Complex. Then drive to other beautiful spring destinations in South Korea.

• Andong and Jecheon

If you’re heading to Seoul by car, stop by the Hahoe Folk Village in Andong and the Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex in Jecheon. Both are perfect places to learn more about South Korea’s history and take peaceful walks in the countryside.

• Busan , Seoul , and Jeju guides

While you’re planning your trip to South Korea, make sure to check out our other comprehensive city guides.

I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Gyeongju! It’s the perfect side trip if you’re planning to visit Busan, with lots of beautiful and historical sights to explore. If you’re keen on learning more about South Korea’s ancient history – or just want a break from the country’s bustling cities – you might want to extend your trip and stay for more than a day.

If you need more information about your trip, get in touch, and I’ll do my best to help you out. Happy travels to South Korea!

Photo credits: Bulguksa Temple by Boon Hong Seto . Creative Commons.

First published – 14 June 2017

Last updated –8 April 2022 – updated information, fixed format

Reader Interactions

November 27, 2017 at 11:30 am

Hello. I would like to ask if it’s possible to still see Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond at night and head back to Busan, where we a staying. We plan to visit Gyeongju as a day trip.

December 1, 2017 at 11:37 am

Hi Christine, this is possible if you’re going by car. Busan is just about an hour away. Otherwise, you should check the bus schedules for the last trip. 🙂

April 9, 2018 at 5:52 pm

Good day, may I know how to get around Gyeongju? I plan to go there by public bus from Busan. Is there frequent bus service within Gyeongju that can take us around the mentioned point of interest? Thanks!

April 10, 2018 at 7:43 pm

Hi Monique! From the express bus station, you can walk or bike to the Gyochon Traditional Village and Daereungwon Tomb Complex. To get to Bulguksa, you can ride the buses (#10, #11) that go around the central city. Hope that helps!

April 11, 2018 at 5:09 pm

Thanks for the helpful information! I will try that 🙂

June 4, 2018 at 6:54 am

Do you have any info about the bus that goes from Gyeongju express bus terminal to Busan Gimhae Airport? I would like to find timetables and maybe a website, but I haven’t had the best of luck looking online. Also, would we need to pre-purchase tickets, or could we buy bus tickets at the bus terminal. Thanks

June 4, 2018 at 8:46 am

You can check this website: https://www.airport.co.kr/gimhaeeng/extra/bus/busList/layOut.do?langType=1&cid=2016010913352165563&menuId=2728

The second entry is for Gyeongju. You have to ride the bus from the Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. They seem to have almost hourly departures from 05:40 to 21:00. You can buy the tickets at the terminal. Have fun!

July 14, 2018 at 12:11 am

Hello, we are planning a day trip to Gyeongju. Do you think we could make all the things you said coming from Busan with public bus and going back there at night? Otherwise we would have to stay in Gyeongju for a night and then head to Jeonju on the next day.

Thank you very much!

July 15, 2018 at 4:00 pm

Yes, you can do the trip to Gyeongju from Busan in one day. Just take note of the last trip so you don’t get left behind by the bus! Have fun! 🙂

September 2, 2018 at 11:15 pm

How to go there from from incheon airport ?

September 4, 2018 at 8:49 am

Hi Liza, I think the simplest/fastest way to go from Incheon to Gyeongju is to take the KTX train to Singyeongju Station.

September 4, 2018 at 3:40 am

Hello, We are planning to take KTX from Busan to Singyeonju station, then take bus to either Yandong or Bulguksa followed by Royal tomb and the surroundings. When return, may i know what buses can i take from Gyeongju bus terminal back to Singyeonju station and the estimated travel time? Next question, is there any buses travel between Yandong and Bulguksa? Btw, i cant find the KML file in your website(cant find options!) Thank you.

February 20, 2019 at 2:36 am

Hi!! Thank you for sharing this information – very helpful. Im wondering if you could offer advice. I am traveling to Gyeongju. Will stay overnight to make sure we have time to see everything. The issue is that my mother speaks Korean and my sister and I speak English so Im not sure how to go about in finding a tour guide that can accommodate both. The hotel we are staying only suggested the city bus. Do you have any suggestions?

I would greatly appreciate any assistance you can provide.

February 20, 2019 at 11:45 am

Hi Joyce, here’s a day trip tour you can check out . You can send them a message first to verify if they can do the tour for you both in Korean and English.

Personally, I went around Gyeongju with my family with no guides. We had a rental car, though, so maybe having a private guide would be better for your group so you could easily go around the city.

Have fun in South Korea!

September 2, 2022 at 3:58 pm

Did you pick up the rental car from gyeongju? Which car rental did you use ? Tks !

November 17, 2022 at 4:03 pm

Hi Rach, we picked up our rental car from Busan and used Avis. You can check out this link and find rental car companies in Gyeongju as well.

September 2, 2019 at 1:23 pm

Hi! First of all, thank you for this post. It’s really helpful! Secondly, I was wondering how you get around all of the places you’ve listed – is it by foot or will we need to use the bus/taxi?

September 8, 2019 at 7:23 pm

I’m happy to help! The sights around Gyochon Traditional Village are walkable, but you’ll need to ride a bus to go to Bulguksa. 🙂

November 5, 2022 at 2:07 am

Hello! We are in South Korea right now and your guide to Jeju was VERY useful, loved the restaurant tips also, thank you for the great work! We decided to do this itinerary of Gyeongju leaving Busan by car, sleep one night near Bomun lake, and then take a trip to Jeonju, where we will stay for a couple days and do the Naejangsan park returning the car in Jeonju station. Could you recommend us something to do on the way to Jeonju?

November 17, 2022 at 3:59 pm

Hi Pedro, happy to hear that! I checked out possible routes, but I think the best move is to just get to Naejangsan and spend as much time there before heading to Jeonju. My reply is a bit late so I’m guessing you already made the trip. Let me know if you have any suggestions for other readers!

April 16, 2023 at 3:25 am

Hi. We have 7 full days after landing in Seoul in early September and planning for 4 days in Seoul and 3 days in Jeju Island. During that 4 days in Seoul, we plan to get a one day tour to Gyeongju from Seoul. I have looked at Viator and since there are only two of us, the cost is A$739 per person including the KTX train ticket. Is it worth going there or is Busan day trip better? Busan with Viator is around A$450 per person. Your opinion is much appreciated.

Thanks Julia

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A Snob's Guide to What's New in the Hamptons This Summer

Our guide to the hotels, restaurants, spas, and stores gracing the East End this season.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

For the past few summers, the Hamptons have felt busier than ever. With remote work and summer Fridays, any weekend can be a long weekend if you catch the Jitney (or the Blade ‘copter) on time.

To capture the ever increasing crowds, Hamptons hotels and restaurants are remodeling, relaunching, and reintroducing themselves. That’s alongside a crop of newcomers and a solid chunk of New York City mainstays following their customers down Highway 27-A.

So, whether you're delighted or devastated that Zero Bond hasn’t been able to open in East Hampton yet, we’ve gathered options to spice up your summer rotation.

Arthur & Sons

A new outpost of the popular West Village Italian-American restaurant Arthur & Sons opened in Bridgehampton in May. It’s “for anyone wanting a full Italian-style meal but also a lively atmosphere,” said Andrew Warren, the socialite and content creator.

Casa Sereña at The Surf Lodge

The sceney Hamptons party spot needs no introduction—everyone from the Kardashians to Jimmy Buffet have been spotted at the beachside hotel-meets-concert venue. But, this year, the hotspot added a new restaurant, Casa Sereña at The Surf Lodge , serving a Mediterranean-Asian inspired menu—think mezze, seafood towers and crudos. Afterwards, catch a concert outside; this year’s lineup includes Diplo (July 4) and Duke Dumont (August 24).

The California brand , known for breezy dresses and lacey tops often has a line outside its West Village outpost. Expect the new Sag Harbor spot to be equally popular, as Hamptonites rush to secure their beach cover ups.

The invite-only pilates studio , with locations in LA and New York, followed its clients to Sag Harbor for the summer. Expect a tough, energizing workout that can offset a night at Surf Lodge… maybe.

Gurney's Montauk

Gurney’s is a Hamptons standby, but this summer it's exploring a high fashion collab. Dolce & Gabbana is revamping the hotel’s Beach Club and East Deck outdoor area, from the decor to the cocktails, giving the whole place an air of the Amalfi Coast. The takeover begins July 4th weekend.

Perhaps you’re still trying to get your hands on Khaite’s sheer ballet flats. It’s worth trying the brand’s new East Hampton store—one of just three Khaite stores worldwide—that opened in May.

The West Village pizza joint Lil Charli opened in the Hamptons with Roman-style pizzas and late night hours. Closing time is at 4am on Friday and Saturday nights—a rarity for East Hampton.

The Los Angeles-based streetwear company, popular with celebrities and teenage girls alike, opened a modern, airy popup shop in Southampton, perfect for grabbing some post-beach loungewear.

The Maidstone

LDV Hospitality, best known for Scarpetta, took over the Maidstone , a 150-year-old East Hampton mainstay, and gave it a much needed upgrade and a new restaurant, LDV at the Maidstone, run by chef Jorge Espinoza. The restaurant aims to bring “Italian Summer” to the Hamptons with trademark pastas and an aperitivo hour. We’ll meet you there for a Spritz.

A new Montauk steakhouse from James Beard-nominated chef Jeremy Blutstein , Mavericks emphasizes local ingredients and an extensive wine list, with over 500 options. They also opened a beachside bar, Shark Bar, nearby for frozen cocktails and a classic beachy menu.

Montauk Yacht Club

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The Rams Head Inn

Venturing up to Shelter Island, the Rams Head Inn is also under new ownership and just went through a significant remodel. The resort now has a new dock, beach dining and a beach bar, all off the property’s 900-ft private beach.

The Reform Club

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The Row and the Hamptons are a match made in fashion heaven, so it’s no surprise that the brand set up shop Out East in the former Tiina the Store space.

Ruschmeyers

The campground-style Montauk hotel starts the season with two new food and beverage offerings: Placēbö , a Puerto Rican New American fusion restaurant (pictured), and Don Jaguar’s, a speakeasy with cocktails and small bites. The 19-room hotel also got a refresh under hospitality group El Grupo SN, best known for Somewhere Nowhere and 9 Jones in Manhattan.

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Chef Billy Durney, the owner of Red Hook Tavern and Hometown Bar-B-Que, opened up a spot in Sag Harbor , bringing his famous burger out East. It’s already a tough table to score—and if you’re a real pro, you’ll aim for one of the tufted booths.

Staud and Staud Sea

Sarah Staudinger’s namesake brand opened up not one, but two shops in East Hampton. One for the main brand, Staud , with its chic sets and beaded handbags, and the other across the street for Staud’s swimwear line, Staud Sea.

Veronica Beard

Do you really want to be the only Hamptons mom without a Veronica Beard blazer? The brand’s new store in East Hampton, filled with variations on linen and raffia, opened just before Memorial Day Weekend.

Wayan & Ma•dé

These two NYC hotspots are combining to pop up in the Hamptons. The Indonesian eateries from Chef Cédric Vongerichten, son of the famed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, are holding court in East Hampton Wednesdays through Sundays until September 2.

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My First Trip to Norway, With A.I. as a Guide

Can artificial intelligence devise a bucket-list vacation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? Our reporter put three virtual assistants to the test.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

The assignment was clear: Test how well artificial intelligence could plan a trip to Norway, a place I’d never been. So I did none of my usual obsessive online research and instead asked three A.I. planners to create a four-day itinerary. None of them, alas, mentioned the saunas or the salmon.

Two assistants were, however, eager to learn more about me in order to tailor their initially generic recommendations, which they had spewed out within seconds. Vacay , a personalized travel planning tool, presented me with a list of questions, while Mindtrip , a new A.I. travel assistant, invited me to take a quiz. (ChatGPT, the third assistant, asked nothing.)

Vacay’s and Mindtrip’s questions were similar: Are you traveling solo? What’s your budget? Do you prefer hotels or Airbnbs? Would you rather explore the great outdoors or pursue a cultural experience?

Eventually, my chat sessions yielded what seemed like well-rounded itineraries, starting with one day in Oslo and moving on to the fjord region. Eventually, I locked down a trip that would combine the assistants’ information and go beyond a predictable list of sites.

This time around, my virtual planners were far more sophisticated than the simple ChatGPT interface I used last year on a trip to Milan. Though it offered more detailed suggestions for Norway, I ended up ditching ChatGPT in the travel-planning stage after it repeatedly crashed.

Vacay’s premium service, which starts at $9.99 per month, included in-depth suggestions and booking links, while Mindtrip, which is currently free, provided photos, Google reviews and maps. During the trip itself, each delivered instantaneous information by text and always asked if more specific details were needed. Sadly, only ChatGPT offered a phone app, whose information I found to be outdated (the $20-per-month premium version is more current).

I’m not alone when it comes to turning to A.I. for help: Around 70 percent of Americans are either using or planning to use A.I. for travel planning, according to a recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the personal finance app Moneylion, while 71 percent said using A.I. would most likely be easier than planning trips on one’s own.

I decided to find out for myself in Norway.

A whirlwind day in Oslo

After I landed at Oslo Airport, all three assistants directed me to the Flytoget Airport Express Train , which got me to town in 20 minutes. I was delighted to find my hotel adjacent to the central railway station.

Choosing accommodations had not been easy. I was looking for a midrange boutique hotel, and the A.I. assistants generated many options with little overlap. I went with Hotel Amerikalinjen , Vacay’s recommendation, which it described as “a vibrant and unique boutique hotel in the heart of Oslo.” Its location was the main draw, but overall the hotel exceeded my expectations, blending comfort and style with the 20th-century charm of its building, which once housed the headquarters of the Norwegian America Line shipping company.

For the one-day Oslo itinerary, the assistants were in agreement, packing in the city’s top sights, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Royal Palace , the Nobel Peace Center, Akershus Fortress and the Munch Museum. I shared my location and asked each assistant to restructure the itineraries to start from my hotel. But when I gave in to my own research instincts and pulled up Google Maps, I saw that the order they suggested didn’t make sense, so I plotted my own path.

By the time I got to Frogner Park at midday, I had already covered half of the sights, and after walking past more than 200 sculptures by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, I was happy to sit down and admire his granite monolith of entwined humans.

For lunch, the assistants recommended high-end restaurants in the bustling waterfront neighborhood of Aker Brygge . But I wanted a quick bite in a more relaxed atmosphere, so I ditched A.I. and walked to the end of the promenade, where I stumbled upon the Salmon , a cozy establishment where I started with salmon sashimi that melted in my mouth and finished with a perfectly grilled fillet. How had my assistants not mentioned this place?

Next on my list was the Nobel Peace Center, the Opera House and the Munch Museum. The assistants had not recommended prebooking tickets, but fortunately, I had done so, learning, in the process, that the Peace Center was closed, a crucial bit of information that A.I. did not relay.

It was chilly for mid-June, and as I walked along the harbor promenade toward the Munch Museum, I spotted small floating saunas, which my assistants had not included. I went back to the ChatGPT phone app for recommendations. Even though I was eager to try a floating sauna, where people warmed themselves and then plunged straight into the frigid waters of the Oslofjord, I took ChatGPT’s suggestion and booked the Salt sauna, which is where I headed after spending a few hours at the Munch Museum, with its extensive works by the Norwegian artist and its sweeping views of Oslo’s harbor.

At the Salt cultural complex , a large pyramidal structure on the water, I was relieved that swimsuits were a requirement. In Scandinavia, saunas are usually taken naked , and earlier, I had asked ChatGPT for the etiquette at Salt, but it failed to give me a definitive answer. After sweating it out with around 30 strangers in Salt’s main sauna, I dipped into a cold-water barrel tub and then tried the smaller sauna options, which were hotter and quieter. It was the perfect ending to a long day.

Waterfalls, lush valleys, raging waters

Each of my assistants had different ideas on how to reach the fjord region. ChatGPT suggested taking a seven-hour train ride and then immediately embarking on a two-hour fjord cruise, which sounded exhausting. Mindtrip suggested taking a short flight to Bergen, known as the “gateway to the fjords,” and setting out on a cruise the next day, which was perhaps more efficient, but would also mean missing one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Vacay also recommended a train ride.

After conversing with the assistants, I decided on a shorter train journey (six hours) that would deliver me to Naeroyfjord , a UNESCO World Heritage site with lush valleys and thundering waterfalls. But to figure out the logistics for transport and accommodation, I needed live train timetables, which I found on my own, and information on hotel availability that none of the assistants had.

At this point, I was desperate for human guidance to navigate the region’s expensive and limited accommodations. This is where the pictures and reviews on Mindtrip were useful, helping me to understand that I would be paying premium prices for the spectacular setting of a mediocre hotel.

The train ride from Oslo to Myrdal was breathtaking: rolling hills, mountain villages, fjords, waterfalls. But nothing prepared me for the majestic one-hour Flam railway ride that followed. Vacay had described it as an “engineering marvel” with a breathtakingly steep descent as it passes picturesque villages, dramatic mountains, raging rivers and pounding waterfalls, complete with a dance performance featuring a mythological spirit known as a huldra.

The next morning I boarded a Naeroyfjord cruise, recommended by Vacay, on an electric, 400-person vessel. I was surprised by the serenity of the fjord. Later I learned from a tour guide that I had been lucky to visit when there were no large cruise ships. It was hard to imagine an ocean liner maneuvering through the narrow, windy fjord, but when I asked ChatGPT, it told me 150 to 220 cruise ships squeezed through the fjord each year, a detail that I felt the travel assistants should warn travelers about.

The cruise ended in the village of Gudvangen, where rain made me cancel a hike to a waterfall and instead try my hand at ax-throwing in the Viking Village Njardarheim. The assistants had told me that there were buses that left town every four hours, a time frame that had worked with my original hiking plan, but now I was stuck. Thankfully, I took note of the A.I. disclaimers to check all information and found an alternative shuttle bus.

On my way to Bergen, I decided to stop in the town of Voss, famous for extreme sports like skydiving and spectacular nature. All the A.I.-suggested hotels were booked, but a Google search led me to the lakeside Elva hotel , which had delicious farm-to-table food. I suspect it didn’t make the A.I. shortlist because it was new.

I ended my trip in Bergen, which, despite being Norway’s second-largest city, maintains a small-town charm with its colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets. With only half a day to explore, I followed Mindtrip’s short itinerary, starting with a hearty lunch of fish and chips at the bustling waterfront fish market and ending with a funicular ride up Mount Floyen for panoramic views of the city and fjords. The A.I. dinner suggestion at the Colonialen was perfect: cozy vibe, live jazz and locally sourced dishes.

The bottom line

None of the A.I. programs were perfect, but they did complement one another, allowing me to streamline my travel decisions.

Overall, Mindtrip — with its polished, dynamic interface that allowed me to cross-check details with maps, links and reviews — was my favorite. While it gave some good recommendations, Mindtrip needed more prompting than Vacay, which offered a wider variety of suggestions in more detail. Unfortunately, Vacay doesn’t save chat history, which I discovered halfway into my planning after closing the website’s tab on my browser.

The biggest drawback was the absence of phone apps for Mindtrip and Vacay, which led me to rely on ChatGPT’s basic A.I. assistant when I needed on-the-spot guidance. Mindtrip, I’ve since learned, is planning to debut an app in September.

Still, there were times when I desperately craved the human touch. Before setting out on a trip, I always contact friends and colleagues for recommendations. This time, as part of the A.I. experiment, I refrained from reaching out to a Norwegian friend until after my trip, only to find out that we had both been in Oslo at the same time.

That’s one element of travel that I doubt A.I. will ever master: serendipity.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

Come Sail Away

Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

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Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

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Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

Cult Cruisers: These devoted cruise fanatics, most of them retirees, have one main goal: to almost never touch dry land .

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• Our Guide to the (Very Good) Zara Sale

With Fourth of July on the horizon, it seems like every retailer is throwing its own summer sale. One particularly noteworthy sale that caught our eye is Zara’s, and as you might expect, things are going fast. To help you discover the hidden gems amid the retailer’s rather large selection, we scoured the site’s women’s, men’s, kids’, and home sections to find truly standout items at deeply discounted prices, including chic dresses, breezy linen shorts, bedding staples, charming baskets, and more. And if you’re wondering about the other sales that caught our attention, you can check out our favorite finds from Girlfriend Collective’s Anniversary Sale and Everlane’s Summer Sale .

The Strategist  is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about  here . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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Travel | Why Coloradans should check out Winnipeg, the…

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Travel | why coloradans should check out winnipeg, the “cultural cradle” of canada, united airlines offers direct flights from dia, making it just a 2 1/2-hour flight.

Look closer, however, and you will see that Winnipeg is also uniquely located smack dab in the middle of North America: in the heart of the continent.

And despite its geographical isolation — some will say it’s as a result of it — Winnipeg, which is celebrating its 150-year birthday in 2024, has matured into a cosmopolitan city that is a cauldron of creativity. It is often referred to as the “cultural cradle” of Canada as a result of its history of talented artists, award-winning musicians, legendary festivals and world-renowned museums.

United Airlines resumed direct flights to Winnipeg in May, reestablishing a route the airline canceled after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and making the city a 2 1/2-hour flight from Denver International Airport.

Known for its friendly and welcoming spirit — the province’s license plate motto is “Friendly Manitoba” — Winnipeg is a diverse multicultural city with a rich and varied history. An Indigenous trading center prior to the arrival of Europeans, Winnipeg was at the heart of the country’s fur trade and instrumental in developing Canada’s gateway to the west. It was once referred to as the “Chicago of the North.”

No, folks, it’s not just a collection of crazed, decked-out-in-white hockey fans cheering on their NHL’s Winnipeg Jets .

Roland Sawatzky, curator of history at the Manitoba Museum, says it’s the city’s isolation that actually defines it.

“That’s why it’s such a cultural center and such a creative center. We’re forced to do it ourselves,” he explains. “So we have these amazing festivals, so many great artists and so many great musicians. It’s a hotbed of creativity.”

Jason Hooper is the executive director at the city’s West End Cultural Centre , a nonprofit music venue that was founded in 1987 and has hosted a multitude of homegrown and international artists. He has had a front-row seat to the various displays of talent in the city and cites a collaborative all-for-one-and-one-for-all spirit that enables Winnipeg to punch above its weight.

“I think there’s a real sense of community that happens and it’s an artistic community that’s supportive of each other,” he says. “And then, equally important is there’s an audience that supports that community. You see it at all levels of culture in the city.

“There’s a real passion for creativity in Winnipeg that makes it a very special place.”

The city’s artistry and originality is also heavily influenced by its ethnic diversity and inclusiveness. Winnipeg is home to the largest Indigenous population in Canada, the third-largest Filipino and Ukrainian populations in Canada, and has the largest francophone community in Western Canada.

“There has always been an incredible openness to immigration in Winnipeg, because we want to grow, to change and to improve,” says Sawatzky. “Winnipeggers see immigration as a very positive thing … and because of that we are much more global than we used to be … and it is very much a city that is dedicated to and immersed in truth and reconciliation.”

The Winnipeg Gallery at the Manitoba Museum is a terrific place to get an overview of the city, past and present. Exhibits include a nine-minute timeline film of the history of Winnipeg; a 20-foot-long showcase with more than 100 artifacts exploring seven themes in the city’s history; an engaging storytelling feature where newcomers to the city express their feelings about living in Winnipeg; and an immersive experience where visitors enter a 1920 Winnipeg Cityscape and explore the buildings of the era and discover the diversity of people from more than 100 years ago.

A recent exhibit — If These Walls Could Talk — is a series of 20 posters that capture the issues and concerns of the LGBTQ+ community in Winnipeg from the early 1970s to the present. They are calls to action to advance and protect the rights of individuals in the community. A rainbow wall is “very popular with the kids,” says Sawatzky.

Here are several suggestions of places to explore on a trip to Winnipeg:

Opened in 2014 with an impressive eight floors of exhibition space, the award-winning Canadian Museum for Human Rights draws a quarter of a million visitors a year to galleries that focus on past and present global issues such as equality, justice and dignity, including a sizable component devoted to Canada’s indigenous people. A current exhibit that is scheduled to run until September 2024, called Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change , showcases artists who have used their talents to promote equality, freedom and social change.

Often praised for its live music scene , Winnipeg is best known for giving birth to the likes of The Guess Who, Neil Young and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. There is a wide variety of venues in the city that provide an opportunity for the next generation of musical upstarts, including the Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club that is located in a beautifully restored 19th-century building a few blocks south of Winnipeg’s iconic intersection of Portage and Main and is best described as a Tom Waitsian masterpiece of honky-tonk glitz and grit. Young makes a homecoming on July 17, when he brings his Love Earth Tour to town.

Located in the 1,100-acre Assiniboine Park, The Leaf is an indoor horticultural attraction that houses four indoor plant biomes and more than 12,000 trees, shrubs and flowers from around the world. It is also home to Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall and a terrific butterfly garden.

Opened in 2021, Qaumajuq features the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world . This first-of-its-kind center connects to the Winnipeg Art Gallery , creating a 185,000-square-foot cultural campus in the heart of downtown Winnipeg.

Numerous festivals throughout the year include the live-theater Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, the second-oldest such festival in North America; the Winnipeg Folk Festival , which will mark its 50th anniversary this year; the two-week Folklorama , the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world offering authentic entertainment, cuisine, and arts and crafts at a series of pavilions representing more than 40 countries; and the 10-day Festival du Voyageur that celebrates the city’s francophone community and fur-trading heritage with exhibits, entertainment, food and a popular snow-sculpting competition.

The FortWhyte Alive nature center is Winnipeg’s largest green space offering outdoor recreation and environmental education. It has some terrific trails for hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing, a gorgeous lake for canoeing and fishing, and the world’s largest urban bison (or buffalo, as they’re known in the U.S.) herd.

The Forks National Historic Site is located in the heart of Winnipeg at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers and has been a meeting place of Indigenous people for more than 6,000 years. The 56-acre site includes The Forks Market with shops offering locally-produced goods. The Market is also home to The Common, a popular craft beer and wine kiosk located in the newly renovated Food Hall. The Children’s Museum , the Manitoba Theatre for Young People , and the Agowiidiwinan Centre , where visitors learn of the history of Canada’s First Nations, are all located at The Forks.

On the subject of food, there are plenty of unique eats in Winnipeg, but no visit is complete without a trip to a Salisbury House . Known to locals as simply “Sals,” this exclusive-to-Winnipeg restaurant chain has been serving up all-day breakfasts and burgers (which they call “nips”) since 1931. This writer’s suggestion is the three-cheese double nip. Ask them to butter and grill the bun.

Known as the French Quarter , Saint Boniface is one of Winnipeg’s many distinct neighborhoods and is the heart of Manitoba’s French history and culture. The area has a nice selection of boutiques, quaint cafes offering French cuisine and historical sites. Among these is the St. Boniface Cathedral and adjacent cemetery, which includes the gravesite of Louis Riel, leader of the ill-fated North-West Rebellion that rose against the federal government in 1885 to fight for the rights of the Metis people in Western Canada. Local tip: located across the Esplanade Bridge on the east side of the Red River, Saint Boniface is the ideal place to enjoy views of the downtown skyline. And for those with a sweet tooth, be sure to stop by the shop of Chocolatier Constance Popp .

If planning a visit, be sure to check out the Winnipeg Attractions Pass , a mobile phone passport that is good for either one or three days, and offers entrance-fee savings on many of the city’s top attractions, including several listed here. The pass is available through the website of Tourism Winnipeg .

Steve Lyons is a freelance journalist based in Winnipeg.

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Guide to floating lower Santiam River: Beautiful but mellow

When people paddle the North Santiam River, they’re typically riding the Class II and III rapids of the upper river.

The two upper runs, from Packsaddle to Mill City, or Fishermen’s Bend to Mehama , require the ability to navigate rocks, waves and holes in a fast-moving part of the river. It’s not expert-level, but it’s not for beginners either.

That’s why, as my daughters are starting to learn to paddle their own kayaks, I’ve started exploring the lower stretches of the North Santiam to float. From Stayton downstream is where I first learned to paddle my raft.

The river is slower, often scenic and occasionally bouncy as it traverses forest and agricultural land. It’s a stretch often floated by anglers, occasionally rafters and kayakers, and, though I can’t recommend it, tubers.

Watch out for trees!

The danger in the lower river isn’t rapids, but rather downed trees that sometimes stretch across the river and can be dangerous if you get caught in them.

The good news is that this summer, the river from the Stayton boat ramp downstream to Green's Bridge, Jefferson and Interstate 5 is more open than in previous years. High water over the winter and spring knocked out the worst blockages.

“Luckily, right now it’s pretty clear, at least for the moment,” said Dan Graybill, marine deputy for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

Here are a few North Santiam floats on the lower river that those paddling boats and looking for slower but still fun river can travel.

Stayton to Buell Miller Boat Ramp (about 5 miles)

Among the lower North Santiam floats, this one is my favorite. It’s close, has a great boat ramp, is scenic and has a few splashy rapids. It’s mostly free of trees.

There are a few places where the river pulls you near some brush. And 3 miles into the river, there is a large downed cottonwood tree on river left to stay away from. I’d recommend people have some experience on moving water before jumping on this run. But overall, it’s pretty safe. The hardest part might actually be getting to the boat ramp at the take out, which has some fast current.

The downside of this run is that it’s pretty short. Depending on how much you paddle, it probably takes one to two hours.  

Buell Miller to Green's Bridge (about 7-8 miles)

This section was notorious for collecting large and dangerous blockages of trees in its braided channels. But for now, it’s in decent shape. There are logs in the water, and large root wads, but they’re easy to get around as long as you can navigate. This stretch is slower and feels a lot more agricultural in scenery, but does have some beautiful moments. It also allows for a longer day on the river. I paddled pretty fast from Stayton to Green’s Bridge and made it in about two hours. A mellower float would probably be at least three hours.

Green's Bridge to Jefferson (about 5 miles)

This is one of the better loved and more infamous inner tubing floats. It follows some scenic river bends to the confluence of the North and South Santiam River and the eventual takeout in Jefferson. This is a stretch that commonly has trees in the water, and where numerous inner tubers have needed to be rescued. Graybill said that if you can navigate, it’s not in bad shape currently. “It’s not bad right now,” he said. “However, if you’re drunk and in an inner tube it’s not the best.”  

Jefferson to Santiam Rest Area on I-5 (about 4 miles)

This is the safest run on the Santiam — the mainstem down to the Interstate 5 rest area. That’s because it’s wide and deep. There’s some scenic spots as well, as the river drifts below the Santiam Bluffs. But mostly, it looks a lot like the Willamette, which is just fine. For first-time paddlers, this is a good one to start with.

Notes on floating the North Santiam River

Note #1: The Oregon State Marine Board has a hazards map that’s worth a look in advance of a float. It shows pictures and locations of obstructions like downed trees. However, it does sometimes, including now, list hazards that are no longer there. Hopefully that will be fixed soon.

Note #2: I can’t recommend tubes that leave no way to navigate. I know people use them frequently in the summer. But they get people into trouble all the time on the Santiam because the current does sometimes push you into downed trees and other hazards.  

Note #3: Every year, the North Santiam Guides Association hosts a “learn the river” trip where you can go down with groups of experienced boaters. In addition, the Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club offers outings that help people learn with more experienced paddlers. The best way to learn is by going with those who know what they're doing.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast . Urness is the author of “ Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon ” and “ Hiking Southern Oregon .” He can be reached at [email protected] or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors.