Gyeongju, South Korea – 20+ Things To Do Guide + Photos
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Gyeongju is one of South Korea’s best preserved ancient cities with the most temples, pagodas and former palaces anywhere in the country.
Very different from the big cities of Busan and Seoul, Gyeongju is a marvellous mix of old and new South Korea and once the capital of the Korean Silla Dynasty – for every cool coffee shop, there is a historic hanok house or centuries old site.
From hanbok hire to tranquil temples, night markets to craft beer breweries, these are the very best things to do in Gyeongju, South Korea with photos.
You might like – Things to do in Jeonju, South Korea >
Table of Contents
How to get to Gyeongju
From Seoul
The best way to reach Gyeongju from Seoul is by bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. The journey takes 3.5 hours. Book your Seoul to Gyeongju bus ticket on Klook >
Alternatively you can reach Gyeongju from Seoul by taking the high-speed KTX train from either Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Gyeongju Station. Please note Gyeongju Station is located quite far from the city center so we recommend taking the bus. The journey takes around 2.5 hours. Book your Seoul to Gyeongju KTX train ticket on Klook >
From Busan
The best way to reach Gyeongju from Busan is to take the bus from from Busan Central Bus Terminal station to Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal. The journey is around 50 minutes direct. Book your Busan to Gyeongju bus ticket on Klook >
Read more in our guide to taking the bus from Busan to Gyeongju >
Alternatively you can take the high-speed KTX train from Busan station to Gyeongju Station. The journey takes around 27 minutes. Please note Gyeongju Station is located quite far from the city center so we recommend taking the bus. Train tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket desk in Busan train station.
Recommended accommodation in Gyeongju
Budget / Midrange ($)
G House Mini Hotel & Guesthouse
We stayed at this budget hotel for a few nights. Rooms were basic but clean and have a private bathroom and the hotel is located close to the Intercity Bus Terminal. There is also a communal kitchen where bread and eggs are provided for you to cook your own breakfast. Check rates and availability on agoda.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Gyeongju GG Tourist Hotel
Popular hotel also located close to the Intercity Bus Terminal offering both regular and Korean-style spacious rooms. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
Mid-Range – Expensive ($$$)
The K Hotel Gyeongju
4 star hotel located close to Gyeongju World theme park. Some rooms have lake views and facilities include an outdoor pool, sauna, hot spring bath, fitness centre, barbecue facilities and buffet restaurant. Check rates and availability on booking.com or agoda.com
Check out the best hotels in Gyeongju via booking.com or agoda.com
Things to do in Gyeongju, South Korea
1. Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village
Take a step back in time at Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village, a historic hanok chock full of live demonstrations, cute cafes and courtyards plus one of the best places to pose in hanbok dress.
Originally established in the 7th century and recreated over the years, this small but sublime slice of South Korea life from yesteryear is one of the most popular things to do in Gyeongju – better yet, it is free admission.
Even if you don’t fancy doing any of the hands-on activities or sit down restaurants, Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village is a pleasant place to walk around and combine with nearby Woljeong Bridge and the Namcheon Stream stepping stones.
From kimchee to noodle making, live performances to food and drink, here is our ultimate guide to Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village >
Try this – Gyeongju tours with Viator, Get Your Guide and Klook
2. Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa Temple is one of Gyeongju’s most popular and beautiful temples, with thousands of tourists and local worshippers visiting every day.
Built in the 8th century with an idyllic hillside and forest setting, Bulguksa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit when in Gyeongju – it is also only a short bus ride out of town from the main bus terminals.
From what to see at the temple to which buses to get to it, check out our guide to Bulguksa Temple >
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3. Woljeonggyo Bridge
We were lucky enough to visit Gyeongju during the autumn / fall and one of the most spectacular spots is Woljeonggyo Bridge (although this is true any time of the year).
Spanning the Nakdonggang River, the original Woljeonggyo Bridge was built over a thousand years ago in the 8th century but sadly burnt down – this new version was built in 2018 and is the largest wooden bridge in Korea.
Free to visit, you can walk across the bridge and see all the intricate woodwork and painting, but it is best viewed from afar – for the best spot, head past the Woljeonggyo Stepping stones down river and enjoy the panoramic views.
The bridge also lights up at night and is easily combined with the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village next door.
You might like – Things to do in Busan, South Korea >
4. Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil / Poseok-Ro
The best place in Gyeongju for restaurants, Korean snacks, cute coffee shops and souvenir shopping, Hwangnidan Street is a curious mix of historic hanok style buildings and modern shops and restaurants.
Popular for tourist hanbok rentals and golf buggy rentals, this is a lovely place to stroll around, trying tasty Korean tidbits or fun desserts like the 10 Won cheese coins – many of the more popular places have big queues at night.
Several of the coffee shops along Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gilhave second stories and terraces looking out over the Gyeongju and street below so it is a great place for a sunset sip or dalgona at dusk.
Try this – Busan: Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage guided day tour >
5. Jungang Night Market
So far we’ve only talked about historical parts of Gyeongju, but much fun and fine food is to be had at Jungang Market, the main market place for Gyeongju locals.
It becomes Jungang Night Market in the evenings, and has around 60 or so food stalls, selling everything from cheesy lobster to flame grilled beef.
This was one of our favourite places in Gyeongju at night as there was lots of food choice, it was under cover (great if raining) and prices were reasonable.
If you only have limited time in Gyeongju, we’d recommend going here at night as opposed to the daytime so you can try all the local foods.
CK Travels Tip – Jungang Night Market also offers a 12,000 Won 4 food sampler. You buy a tray and can try tasters from four different stalls.
It sounds good but be prepared to queue a long time for some of the more popular stalls – plus your food gets cold if you are waiting in line several times and wanting to eat all your food together.
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7. 월성분식 / ‘Monthly Meal’
By far and away the best and most authentic meal we had in Gyeongju, this Jeyuk Bokkeum / Bulgogi restaurant is run by a lovely old couple (she cooks, he washes up and serves!) and only has a handful of tables. You wouldn’t even know it existed if you were just walking past.
Costing around 10,000 Won per person, you can order the biggest bulgogi platter ever and it comes with several sides, including one of the best kimchi plates we ever tried.
We visited late one lunch and it was just us and a table of local workmen but we have read online that some days there are queues.
One of our favourite ever South Korean food experiences, the restaurant is called ‘월성분식’ on Google Maps (which seems to translate as ‘Monthly Meal’ and can be found here on Google Maps >
Try this – Gyeongju private tour: uncover the eternal beauty >
8. Dongbu Historic Area
This is the stretch of Gyeongju that encompasses Cheomseongdae Observatory, the Tomb of King Nameul, Wolji Pond, Gyerim Forest plus lots of natural beauty spots. It is a designated area of historic conservation, to help preserve all of Gyeongju’s historic Silla Kingdom sites.
This was one of the busiest places we encountered in Gyeongju but it is so worth it – there are lots of paths and parks you can visit and the area is free to explore.
We’d recommend climbing up the hills in this area to escape the crowds and get incredible area views (including of Cheomseongdae Observatory).
On our visit, the sunflower fields at Dongbu (between Gyeongju National Museum and Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond) bloomed into life and were a very popular selfie spot.
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9. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji)
Originally built in the 7th century, South Korea’s second palace has been rebuilt several times over the last few centuries, centred around the huge Wolji Pond (the reflections of the buildings lit up at night look amazing). The lake blossoms into life with lotus flowers in the summer months.
Established in 679AD, Donggung was the main banquet and ceremonial site for important South Korea events and important visitors.
Many other building remains have also been found in this area over the years – the latest incarnation of Donggung Palace was restored in the 1980s.
Try this – Busan to Gyeongju guided day trip to Three Kingdoms Capital >
You might like these Seoul neighbourhood guides:
Hongdae
Myeongdong
Insadong
Ikseon-dong
Gangnam
Seongsu-dong
Euljiro
Itaewon
Dongdaemun
Or check out our best neighbourhoods in Seoul Guide >
10. Whasoo Brewery
Looking for some craft beer in Gyeongju? Head to Whasoo Brewery, a short bus ride from the historic core of Gyeongju and one our favourite breweries in South Korea.
We discovered the delights of Whasoo Beer at the annual Busan Beer Festival (yes, it is as good as it sounds) and knew we had to make the beery pilgrimage here when we visited Gyeongju – handily it is close to the Gyeongju Expo Grand Park so the two can be combined.
Whasoo Brewery taproom is ultra-sleek and modern, located on the ground floor of a shopping mall with a huge outdoor terrace and ample indoor seating.
As well as being some of the best South Korea craft beer we’ve tried, you can also pour your own pints (something we’d only done before at Artmonster in Gangnam).
As you enter Whasoo Brewery, you are given an electronic wristband and you just put this against the beer tap of your choice, pull your own pint and then pay for what you drank at the end. It is an excellent way to try lots of craft beers in a nice brewery environment – ganbei / cheers!
You might like – Our guide to Seoul’s best craft beer bars or Busan’s best craft beer bars
11. Gyeongju Tower & Gyeongju Expo Grand Park
A little out of the city in the Bomun Tourist Complex, Gyeongju Expo Grand Park is a theme park and museum complex comprising several exhibitions and halls (entrance is 12,000 Won).
Including several cinemas, a Natural History Museum and an ‘experiential hall’ (plus giant robots), this is a fun thing to do in Gyeongju for all the family.
Perhaps the best known attraction here is the iconic Gyeongju Tower, an 80 metre high viewing deck with a 9 storey wooden pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple cut out in the middle – it looks so cool!
Try this – 5* Gyeongju UNESCO world heritage sites and history full-day tour with lunch >
12. Woljeonggyo Stepping Stones
Another picturesque activity in Gyeongju is the Woljeonggyo Stepping Stones, free to go across and a great place to look at the nearby Woljeonggyo Bridge from afar.
This (and the bridge) has been a popular spot for K-Drama filming including “The King: Eternal Monarch”.
A word of warning – the steps get very crowded and there are big gaps between the Woljeonggyo Stepping Stones.
You sometimes have to wait for people to pass and it can get busy so if you aren’t a fan of water, maybe just take pics from afar.
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13. Gyeongju Hanbok Rental
Many visitors to Gyeongju wear hanboks and traditional Korean costumes whilst exploring historical areas such as the hanok, Donggung Palace and Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village – they can be easily hired at dozens of hanbok rental shops all around the village (such bright colours too).
Hanbok style clothing has been around for over 1,500 years. A popular family / tourist activity in Gyeongju is to dress up as a family and take pictures around town (often zipping around in the gold buggies you can hire – quite the sight)!
Some families even hire professional photographers (fancy).
Check out this Gyeongju Hanbok Rental Experience or a private professional photoshoot in Gyeongju.
You might like – Our guide to Jeonju Hanok Village in South Korea >
14. Daewha Mandu
A quick mention of Daewha Mandu, located on the main Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil – if you want some hearty Korean fare like traditional dumplings or bibimbap with an ice cold beer (or four), this is your place.
There are only around five or six items on the menu (several vegetarian dishes too) like tteokbokki or SPAM bowls (they love SPAM in South Korea after the Americans introduced it). The food is cheap and cheerful and kinda nostalgic.
We paid 9,000 Won for the tuna Bibimbap, the tteokbokii was 8,000 Won and the fried dumplings 9,000 Won; an enjoyable way to round off a day of sightseeing in Gyeongju.
You might like – Things to do in Seoul, South Korea >
15. Gyeongju National Museum Area
If you’d like to delve deeper into Gyeongju’s past, there are several museums and exhibition halls all located together close to Donggung Palace.
As well as the Gyeongju National Museum, there is the Silla Art Exhibition Hall, Wolji Exhibition Hall plus several parks, pagodas and ceremonial bell towers.
Reminiscent of a university campus, the Gyeongju National Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and until 5pm on weekdays.
The permanent exhibitions, grounds and outdoor exhibitions are free to explore.
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16. Bagel Bageler
As the sign says on this hanok style bagel bar and coffee shop – “In Bagel We Trust”. This was one of the most popular bakeries and coffee shops we encountered in Gyeongju, famous for their freshly baked / boiled bagels and gorgeous hanok style interiors.
Inside, there are views across Gyeongju’s Daereungwon and flower fields plus it has a lovely outdoor terrace popular with families (and their dogs)!
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17. Geumgwanchong / Gold Crown Tombs
Dating back to the 5th century and one of the oldest parts of Gyeongju, this is an underground burial tomb which looks like giant grassy domes from the outside.
We’d recommend visiting the Geumgwanchong / Gold Crown Tomb interiors as it is free to visit and the museum gives a really good background on the history and significance of the tombs, plus has cabinets full of items found inside the mounds.
It is often referred to as the Gold Crown Tomb as it was the first ever burial site that held a gold crown of the Silla Royal Family, which is still the biggest crown recovered so far.
However, we did find it a bit weird (possibly just us) that there is a huge line of people queuing up outside the tomb to take selfie snaps or jump in the air with the burial mound as the background.
You might like – Our guide to Nami Island or the Garden of Morning Calm (easy day trips from Seoul)
18. Seokguram Grotto
If you head to Bulguksa Temple, make sure to also visit the sister Seokguram Grotto high in the hills above looking out over the sea and Gyeongju.
Built in 751 AD, this hermitage is a beautiful Buddhist temple and shrine with a giant concrete Buddha (although quite small compared to Bulgaksa Temple below).
The 2km hike is quite steep and remote so be sure to stock up on water before tackling the trail. To get here, take bus 12 from outside Bulguksa Temple.
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19. K-Pop Museum
Gangnam style…sorry… Gyeongju style. Learn from our mistake – we wanted to visit the K Pop Museum in Gyeongju badly but we rocked up and didn’t realise it was closed on a Monday (and on Tuesdays too), so we went next door to the Wasoo Brewery instead (which was also fun).
Billed as Korea’s first dedicated K Pop Museum, the collection have over 70,000 items plus has a huge outdoor stage for special events.
The permanent exhibition looks back at over 100 years of K-Pop across four floors (note that the emphasis is on the early days of Korean Pop, so isn’t really about modern K-Pop).
You might like – Our guide to the 10 best K-Pop shops in Myeongdong, Seoul >
20. Other Things to do in Gyeongju
- Looking for something more modern? Try the theme park rides at Gyeongju World >
- Visit Terelj, Gyeongju’s pony caffe – don’t talk too much or it will leave you a little ‘horse’
- Go cafe hunting near Bomun lake – especially beautiful during cherry blossom
- Gyeongju Zoolung Zoolung Indoor Animal Theme Park >
- Gyeongju Yangdong Folk Village Traditional Drink Experience >
- Gyeongju Silla Historical Dessert Making Experience >
- From Busan: Gyeongju Autumn Foliage one day tour >
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