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
• How To Get To Gyeongju
  • From Seoul
  • From Busan
• How To Get Around Gyeongju
  • Public Transportation
  • Join A Tour
  • Rent A Car
• Where To Stay In Gyeongju
• What To See 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
• What To Do In Gyeongju
  • 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

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What You Need To Know

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.

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How To Get To Gyeongju

From Seoul

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.

From Busan

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.

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How To Get Around Gyeongju

Public Transportation

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.

Join A Tour

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.

Rent A Car

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.

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Where To Stay In Gyeongju

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What To See In Gyeongju

Daereungwon Tomb Complex / Tumuli Park (대릉원경주시 사적공원)

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

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Cheomseongdae Observatory (첨성대)

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)
• Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 10:00pm
• Admission: Adults: W4,000; Children 13-18: W3,000; Children 7-12: W2,000

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Woljeonggyo Bridge (월정교)

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

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Gyochon Traditional Village (교촌한옥마을)

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)

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Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (동궁과 월지)

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)
• Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 10:00pm
• Admission: Adults: W2,000; Children 13-18: W1,200; Children 7-12: W600

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National Museum of Gyeongju

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)
• Admission: FREE

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Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto (불국사 & 석굴암 석굴)

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

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Gyeongju Tower in Gyeongju Expo Park

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

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Gyeongju Namsan Mountain / Gyeongju National Park

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.

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What To Do

Traditional Market Tour & Cooking Class

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.

Gyeongju World Amusement Park

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))

Roller Skating & CM Sports

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

Retro School Uniform Rental/ Hanbok Rental

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.

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What To Eat In Gyeongju

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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