Why Gyeongju Should Be on Your South Korea Itinerary
Gyeongju is one of the most beautiful and peaceful cities we explored in South Korea—steeped in history and often called a 'museum without walls'. In this guide, we share our favorite spots, travel tips, and why this timeless city deserves a spot on your itinerary.
HOW MANY DAYS |
2 - 3
BEST TIME TO VISIT |
Mar - May & Sep - Nov
WHERE TO STAY | Siwoowadang
TOP THINGS TO SEE |
Bulguksa Temple, Hwangnida-gil, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Woljeongyo Bridge
HOW TO GET AROUND | public transport or bike
Gyeongju feels like stepping into a calmer, more timeless part of Korea—where grassy tombs dot the parks, temples glow at sunset, and history is woven into every corner. Just a short trip from the city, Bulguksa Temple is one of the country’s most beautiful heritage sites, and a templestay at Golgulsa lets you experience daily life in a working monastery. If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a traditional hanok, surrounded by wooden beams and quiet courtyards, Gyeongju is the perfect place to try it.
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HOW MANY DAYS?
Gyeongju can be visited as a day trip from Busan, but we recommend staying 2 to 3 nights to really take in its charm. With three days, you can explore the city’s highlights at a relaxed pace and even venture out to nearby temples and countryside spots.
WHERE TO STAY?
We recommend staying in Downtown Gyeongju, ideally near Hwangridan-gil Street, which is lined with fantastic restaurants and charming cafes. While this area is convenient, it’s not essential to stay here, as Gyeongju’s efficient bus network makes getting around easy. Keep in mind that prices can rise, and availability may be limited on weekends.
BUDGET | We stayed at Mini Hotel & Guesthouse which is a bit further from Hwangridan-gil but offers great value.
COMFORT | Siwoowadang is an beautiful stay near Gyeongju’s top sights, with wooden interiors, modern amenities, and an excellent Korean breakfast.
HANOK | HanokInn is a highly rated hanok that blends traditional design with boutique comforts like heated floors and sleek bathrooms. Its prime location and thoughtful details make it ideal for a special stay in Gyeongju.
HOW TO GET HERE?
From Seoul, the express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal takes about 4 hours and arrives in the city center. The faster but more expensive option is the KTX from Seoul Station to Singyeongju Station, which takes around 2 hours. Note that Singyeongju Station is located outside the city center—about 15 minutes by taxi or local bus.
If coming from Busan, the express bus from Nopo Bus Terminal is a convenient and budget-friendly option. It takes less than an hour and arrives in the heart of Gyeongju. Nopo is easily accessible by Busan Metro. Alternatively, the KTX from Busan Station to Singyeongju takes about 30 minutes, followed by a short transfer into town.
BUS | Compare bus prices and book your ticket here.
TRAIN | Check KTX schedules and book your seat here.
HOW TO GET AROUND?
Historic sites in Gyeongju are well-connected by buses, and you can easily use your T-money card for seamless travel. Buses also provide access to attractions outside of the city center, such as Bulguksa Temple and the Expo Park. Renting a bike is also a great way to explore, letting you cruise through historic sites, parks, and quiet neighborhoods while enjoying the city at your own pace.
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MUST- VISIT
Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa Temple is a must-see for anyone who loves history or serene, beautiful spaces. Originally built during King Beopheung’s reign (514–540) and rebuilt in 751, it has endured its share of hardships, including damage and theft after being burned during the Imjin War (1592–1598). Despite its turbulent past, the temple is filled with history and incredible details. As we wandered through, we were captivated by the intricate architecture and the fact that it houses seven national treasures. It’s no surprise that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside the nearby Seokguram Grotto.
For those eager to explore more of ancient Buddhist culture, Bulguksa is the perfect starting point. You can also learn more about the meaning and etiquette of Korean Temples with our cheat-. From here, you can easily hop on a bus to Seokguram Grotto and Golgulsa Temple, both in the same direction. Each temple has its own charm, and visiting them together makes for an unforgettable day immersed in history and tranquility. You can find more details about these temples further down.
If you are feeling hungry after your visit, across the temple we had one of the best chive pancakes we tried in South Korea at Fish Soup. We made a list for you about the must-try dishes to have in South Korea.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | free
EAT | Fish Soup | seafood chive pancake & soft tofu soup | ₩9,000 - ₩12,000
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Cheomseongdae Observatory, built during Queen Seondeok’s reign (632–647), is one of the world’s oldest astronomical observatories. Standing about 9 meters tall, this cylindrical structure is made of 365 stones to represent the days in a year and features 27 layers, symbolizing Queen Seondeok as the 27th ruler. The two additional layers at the top reflect the days in a lunar month.
Surrounded by stunning silver grass fields and serene landscapes, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing walk and to enjoy nature. Golden hour here is especially magical for capturing amazing photos.
OPEN | always open
ENTRANCE FEE | free
Anapji Pond (Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond)
Anapji Pond is a beautifully restored historical site dating back to the Silla Dynasty in the 7th century. Once part of the palace complex, it served as a venue for royal banquets and leisure.
We recommend arriving 30 to 40 minutes before sunset to enjoy the serene beauty of the pond in both daylight and under the magical night lights. Surrounded by picturesque gardens and artificial islands, it becomes truly breathtaking at night when the illuminated traditional pavilions reflect on the water. We were blown away and think this is one of the prettiest attractions in the city.
You may encounter large tourist groups at the entrance, but as you continue walking, they tend to spread out.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | ₩3,000 Won | €2 | US$2 per adult
Daereungwon Tomb Complex
The Gyeongju Daereungwon Tomb Complex has five tombs: the Ancient Tombs of Gyeongju Nodong-ri, Noseo-ri, Hwangnam-ri, Hwango-ri, and Inwang-ri. These tombs are located in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, in the Daereungwon area. One of the tombs, Cheonmachong, was dug up in 1973. Another, the Hwangnamdaechong Tomb, was excavated between 1973 and 1975 and contains two tombs thought to belong to a married couple.
The Cheonmachong Tomb is the only one you can enter to see replicas and learn about Silla-era burial customs through English explanations. Though small, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and is worth a quick visit. We spent about 15 minutes inside. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the evening.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | ₩3,000 Won | €2 | US$2 per adult
Woljeonggyo Bridge
Woljeonggyo Bridge in Gyeongju, originally built during the Unified Silla period (AD 676–935), was destroyed during the Joseon dynasty but beautifully rebuilt in April 2018. As Korea’s largest wooden bridge, it once connected Wolseong and Namsan, dating back to AD 760 during King Gyeongdeok’s reign.
We recommend visiting both during the day and at night when the illuminated bridge reflects on the water, offering a stunning view as you walk across.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | free
Gyochon Traditional Village
The village centers around the Gyeongju Choi Clan, known for maintaining wealth over 12 generations. It’s home to traditional hanok houses, offering visitors a glimpse into the family’s history. You can learn about their lifestyle and success in a small museum, though it’s only in Korean. The village also hosts the site of Yoseokgung, Princess Yoseok’s residence. It’s a lovely area to stroll around, admire the charming hanok houses, and take pictures. Nearby attractions include Gyerim Forest, Naemulwangneung Royal Tomb, and Gyeongjuhyanggyo Confucian School.
Hwangnidan-gil Street
The street is filled with many restaurants, cafes, photo studios, and shops in traditional hanok buildings, making it particularly popular among for younger Koreans. Hwangnidan Street is close to attractions like Cheomseongdae Observatory and Daereungwon Ancient Tombs.
Don’t miss trying the popular 10-cent pancake filled with cheese and Gyeongju’s typical sweets.
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WORTH CONSIDERING…
Seokguram Grotto
The Grotto is certainly impressive and beautiful, and we’re glad we made the visit. However, it might not be for everyone, particularly if you’re short on time. If you’re only in Gyeongju for a day, we wouldn’t consider it a must-see. The bus to the Grotto runs once an hour, and we had to try three times to catch it since the schedules on Naver Map weren’t always accurate. If you miss the bus, taking a taxi is another option, and we recommend using the K-Ride app for convenience.
Once you arrive at the Seokguram Grotto, the path is mostly flat with a few steps toward the end. The entire walk to and from the Grotto, including the visit, takes no more than 30 minutes. Depending on how long you take, you may have to wait up to 30 minutes for the next bus.
Please note that photography inside the Grotto is strictly prohibited, which some visitors find disappointing and feel makes the visit less worthwhile. However, we didn’t mind, as we felt appreciating the experience was more important than taking pictures. If capturing photos is essential to you, it might be best to skip this site. Additionally, the Grotto is housed in a small, narrow space covered with glass, limiting the time you have to view it. If you visit on a busy weekend, it can be difficult to see it clearly due to the crowds.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | free
Golgulsa Temple
Golgulsa Temple is the only temple in South Korea where you can experience and witness Sunmudo, a Korean martial art combining meditation and breathing techniques. Visitors can enjoy a public demonstration of this unique practice. This 1,500-year-old temple is also home to numerous Buddha statues preserved within its twelve grottoes.
If you plan to visit, we recommend combining it with Bulguksa Temple, as they’re in the same direction and accessible via the same bus route.
We stayed at Golgulsa for two days and one night as part of a temple stay program. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed us to explore Buddhist monastic life, practice breathing techniques, and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism. If you’re curious, read more about our temple stay below!
READ | Balancing Body and Mind: Our Templestay at Golgulsa Temple
Gyeongju National Museum
If you’re interested in the history and art of the Silla Dynasty, this museum is a for you. We spent about two hours here, exploring the beautifully displayed artifacts and immersive digital media rooms. Korean museums are truly exceptional, and this one is no different! The interactive exhibits bring history to life in spectacular ways. If you missed the National Museum in Seoul, make sure to add this to your itinerary.
OPEN | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | free
Gyeongju Tower and Expo Park
One of the times that we missed our ride to go to Seokguram, we decided to go into the Expo park and use our time while we waited for another bus. We have to say that we were impressed with the media exhibitions. The exhibitions showcase Korean culture and include the viewpoint Gyeongju Tower, Timeless Media Art, Solgeo Art Museum, Lumina Night Walk, Cheomseongdae Film Hall, and Asadal Sculpture Park. We think that it is a nice park for people of all ages, but it is not a must also considering the entrance fee. It took us around 3 hours to visit all the attractions, excluding the children’s area and Film Hall. We recommend the Lumina Night Walk, as we could imagine how beautiful it might be to walk in the forest with the light sculptures.
OPEN | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | ₩12,000 Won | €8 | US$9 per adult
WHERE TO EAT?
Eat Like a Local: Korean Flavors
We had the best beef Bulgogi Ssambap at Jeongnok Leaf Wraps & Rice. When in South Korea, you have to try Ssambap. At this restaurant you can choose between beef, duck or pork served with rice and various side dishes (known as banchan) and condiments, which are then wrapped in leafy greens like lettuce, perilla leaves, or cabbage. The term "ssam" means "wrap," and "bap" means "rice." So you make your own leaf wraps with rice, bulgogi and banchan. Honestly, can it get any better than this?
PRICE | ₩16,000 - ₩23,000 Won | €10 - €15 | US$10 - $16 per adult (price for 2nd person varies)
Korean BBQ is an experience you cannot miss. We think that Keun Giwa Hwangnidan Gil Main Branch flavor and quality was incredible. They have lunch menus which make it more accesible because this experience is normally not for budget travelers. You pay per 100g for the meat cut of your choice. We ordered 200 gr for both of us and it was more than enough. The reason why we enjoyed Korean BBQ is of course the banchan, soups, and noodles that complements it. It is not a heavy experience because of all the delicious vegetables and Korean specialties. We choose the cold noodles and still dream of their flavor, they were heavenly.
PRICE | ₩19,000 Won | €12 | US$13 per person during the lunch special
Flavors from Around the World
Thai food js comfort food for us and it always makes us happy when we find it. Chom Chom serves Thai and Vietnamese food. We cannot say that it is super authentic, but it comes really close. The food is delicious and they have some vegetarian options. Remember that Thai food uses oyster and fish sauce, so if you are vegan clarify this beforehand.
PRICE | ₩13,000 - ₩22,000 Won | €8 - €14 | US$10 - $16
If you are craving some wood-fired oven pizza and cheese, Hwangri Hwaduckga is the place for you. We shared a Quattro Formaggi pizza and it was sufficient for us. This restaurant also offers, pasta & salads.
PRICE | ₩13,000 - ₩27,000 Won | €8 - €18 | US$8 - $19
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