Gyeongju

Understand

Gyeongju was once the capital of the Silla Korean kingdom, and is possibly the foremost location in Korea where many ancient buildings, burial grounds and artefacts can be found. Driving through this city you will notice that the typical modern Korean buildings are frequently interspersed with large burial mounds. It's one of the country's most popular destinations. Most of the visitors are domestic or from elsewhere in East Asia — seemingly westerners haven't discovered Gyeongju yet. Forested hills dominate the region; between them there are rice fields as well as houses and roads. Downtown Gyeongju is a small city without high-rises. These, on the other hand, can be found some 5km to the east, namely "Bomunhu Resorts", a collection of several expensive hotels next to an eponymous lake. In the 2012 census, there were some 264,000 inhabitants in the city. The region is famous for the traditional roofs on the houses; even some gas stations have them.

History

There has been human settlement at and around the site of the present-day town of Gyeongju from the prehistoric period. The Silla clan became the rulers of the south-eastern part of the peninsula in 57 BCE. They chose Gyeongju as their capital. There followed a long period of internal struggles between rival kingdoms. With the help of the Tang Dynasty in China, the Silla Kingdom defeated its rivals in the 7th century and established its rule over most of the peninsula; this remained unchallenged until the beginning of the 10th century.

The Silla rulers embellished their city with many public buildings, palaces, temples, and fortresses. Their tombs are to be found in the surroundings of the ancient city. Mahayana Buddhism spread from China into Korea during the course of the 7th century and was adopted by the Silla Kingdom. Mount Namsan, which had been venerated by the existing cults of Korea, became a Buddhist sacred mountain and attracted its adherents, who employed the most outstanding architects and craftsmen of the day to create temples, shrines, and monasteries. With the end of the Silla Kingdom, Korea underwent a further period of internal strife. It was unified again under Korean rule by the Yi (Chosun) Dynasty, which reigned until 1910. However, the country was invaded and devastated by the Japanese in the late 16th century and the Manchu in the 18th century, before being annexed by Japan in 1910. Throughout this long period, Gyeongju has maintained its urban identity, though many of its major buildings have suffered degradation and demolition.

Climate

In the summer heavy rainfall is

Getting there

By plane The nearest airports are Busan Gimhae International Airport and Ulsan, each about an hour away by express bus. From the airport in Ulsan there are four daily buses and tickets cost ₩4500, from the larger Gimhae airport there are twelve daily buses and tickets cost ₩9800. Seoul's Incheon International Airport allow you to come to Gyeongju directly via the high speed KTX train, though trains stop at the new Singyeongju station a bit outside town. Bus service between the airports and Gyeongju's main terminal runs hourly. There are also 5 direct return coach journeys per day between Incheon International Airport and Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal. These services take around 4 hours and cost around ₩40,000 each way.

By bus Gyeongju is well serviced by intercity buses from the 1 Intercity Bus Terminal. Service from Daegu, Pohang, and Busan (depending on terminal) leaves at least every twenty minutes, and every 40 minutes between Gyeongju and Seoul. Travel time from Seoul is approximately four hours, and Daegu, Pohang, and Busan are usually 40 minutes to an hour. From Busan the bus leaves from the central bus terminal at Nopo-Dong (last metro stop of line 1). There is limited daily service to other parts of Korea, and travelers going between Gyeongju and other cities will usually be routed through either Daegu or Busan, depending on direction of travel. An inter-city bus leaves directly from the Incheon International Airport near Seoul. The bus fare from Incheon International Terminal to Gyeongju is 43,900 won (as of 2025)

By train

The KTX (Korea's high speed train) serves Gyeongju directly, although the train goes to the out-of-town station called 2 Gyeongju station where the journey time from Seoul is two hours. From the new station, many buses will take you to the city in about 15 minutes. Use buses 50, 60, 61, 70, 203 and 700. Ask the driver to let you off at the Express Bus Terminal (Gosok Teominal) which is a pretty convenient location. Alternately, there are lots of taxis available in the rank at the station. One-way economy class Seoul-Singyeongju by KTX costs a little over ₩40,000, and tickets can be purchased from the automated machines (in English or Korean) at the station. Check Korail's website for schedules and fares. There is a train ticket from Gyeongju to Daejeon every hour, and the price is 25,800 won for adults The old Gyeongju statio in the center of the city has closed. This means that Singyeongju station is the only option if you want to travel to Gyeongju by rail.

Getting around

Be sure to visit the two tourist kiosks to get maps and guides. One is next to the express bus terminal while the other is beside the parking lot in front of Gyeongju Station. Whether walking or biking, if you know your destination's Romanized or Hangul name you will find countless signs along the path at just about every intersection pointing the direction to the nearest attractions with distances provided.

By bike The best way to get around the central city is to walk or bike. A bike can be rented for ₩7,000 per day, return by 19:00 from the bike rental shop 3 minutes east of the express bus terminal, motor scooters are available next door but are much pricier for a much shorter duration. Bikes can be used on some of the trails and within a few of the city's parks, so with good planning a bike can save you money compared to buses while providing a more enjoyable experience and allow you to see more attractions in a day. However, riding a bike on a hot summer day and a snowy winter day can be a sweaty experience. Gyeongju is an extremely difficult place to get lost in when visiting its famous sites.

By bus Sites further afield can be reached using the city's bus system. Note that there are no timetables at the bus stops and sometimes you may have to wait long for the bus. The #10 and #11 buses circle the central city, and many of the most notable tourist destinations, in opposite directions. All buses cost ₩1,500, and don't offer a transfer (transfers using local transportation cards unconfirmed). The buses don't accept Daegu nor Daejeon Hankkumi but they do accept Busan Mybi and Seoul T-money cards. There are stops in front of the train stations and the bus terminal. All the stops for the most popular attractions are voice recorded in Korean followed by English. There are also guided bus tours to the main sights; the ticket price includes the entrance to the sights and you don't need to wait for those public buses. Mostly they are good value for money, but sometimes the visits to particular sights are shortened if you are lagging behind schedule. The English of the tour guide is acceptable, but you would probably like to read up a bit about the sights yourself before going on the tour.

By scooter Riding a scooter may be the best option for traveling to a race. The race's attractions aren't far from each other, so a scooter makes it easy to get around and you won't have to deal with parking issues. There are quite a few scooter rental shops near the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal and Expressway Terminal, and prices are usually around ₩40,000 f

See

Gyeongju is home to South Korea's first nominated UNESCO World Heritage Site — Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple — and numerous other national treasures.

Within the city 1 Daerungwon Burial Mound (경주 대릉원), 9, Gyerim-ro (from Gyeongju Station, you can reach Daereungwon by walking about 20 minutes southwest along Taejong-ro, or by taking city bus No. 10, 11, or 600 and getting off at the Daereungwon stop. A taxi ride takes around 5 minutes and costs about ₩4,000–₩5,000). 9:00 – 22:00 (last admission 21:30, open year-round). This tumuli park is the main attraction of the region and consists of 30 burial mounds in the central part of the city. In the Grave of the Heavenly Horse (Cheonmachong, 천마총, Grave #155) there is an entrance that allows you to take an inside look. In addition to the grave, replicas of artefacts found in the grave are displayed. Among these the most valuable item is a golden crown (national treasure #188). Cheonmachong is 13 m high and 47 m across and was built in the 5th century. It got its current name, because a saddle with a picture of a white horse on it w(cheonmado, national treasure #207) as found inside the grave. All of the original relics can be seen in the national museum. The biggest burial mound is the double mound of Hwangnam Daechong, having an area of 80 x 120 and heights of 23 m and 22,2 m. Yet another remarkable mound is the grave of King Michu, 13th king of Silla. During the reign of the 14th king, king Yurye, the Japanese invaded the kingdom. According to a legend, the invaders were defeated by soldiers that had emerged from King Michu's grave. ₩3000(adult standard) ₩1000(child standard). 2 Cheomseongdae Observatory (첨성대), Cheomseongdae Observatory, 839-1, Inwang-dong (from Gyeongju Station, you can walk about 25 minutes southeast to reach Cheomseongdae, passing through the downtown area and Gyerim forest on the way. Alternatively, you can take city bus No. 10 or 11 from the station and get off at the Cheomseongdae stop, which is only a short walk from the observatory. A taxi ride takes around 5–7 minutes and costs about ₩4,000–5,000). The oldest existing observatory in the Far East, built during the reign of Queen Seonduk in 634. Free. 3 Korean tapdancing museum (한국대중음악박물관), 9 Expo-ro (from Gyeongju Station, take a taxi directly to the museum (about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic), or use local bus routes toward the Expo area and alight near the K-Pop Museum; from the stop, it’s a short walk), ☏ +82-54-776-5502. Wednesday to Friday 13:00 – 18:00 (last admission 17:00), Saturday & Sunday 10:00 – 18:00 (las

Do

As a major tourist destination in Korea, Gyeongju is host to many festivals and events.

Korean Traditional Liquor and Cake Festival. An annual festival held during March and April. Events include traditional music and dance performances, as well as opportunities to learn traditional Korean arts and crafts. However, the highlight of the festival is the rice cakes, traditional tea, and rice wines. 1 Namsan mountain (남산), Namsan-dong (From Gyeongju Train Station, take a local bus or taxi toward Samneung Tombs (about 15 minutes). The western valley trailhead to Namsan Mountain begins near the Samneung tomb site. Hiking trails are well marked and accessible from various entry points.). Open year-round, 24 hours. This historically and spiritually significant mountain only 5min south of the central city is littered with historical Buddha reliefs carved into its rocks and boulders as well as dotted with ancient pagodas and temples. A hike up the mountain (466 m) through its western valley from the Samneung tomb site is recommended. Free. 2 Tumuli Park (대릉원), San 20-1 Namsan-dong (from Gyeongju Train Station, the park is about a 20-minute walk west (1.5 km) or a 5-minute taxi ride. It is near Gyeongju’s downtown area, easily accessible by foot or local bus). 09:00 – 22:00 (last admission 21:30). Tumuli Park, also known as the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, is a historical park in Gyeongju featuring large grassy burial mounds from the Silla Kingdom (57 BC – AD 935). Within the park are over 20 royal tombs, including the famous Cheonmachong (“Heavenly Horse Tomb”), which is open to the public and displays artifacts discovered inside. The park offers a peaceful setting with walking paths surrounded by pine trees and provides insight into the royal culture and traditions of ancient Korea. Adult ₩3,000, teenager ₩2,000, child ₩1,000. 3 Wolseong Park (월성지), 387-1 Inwang-dong (from Gyeongju Train Station, Wolseong Park is about a 25-minute walk (1.8 km) southeast or a 7-minute taxi ride; it is next to Cheomseongdae Observatory and Tumuli Park, making it easy to visit together). Open year-round, 24 hours. Wolseong Park, also called Banwolseong or “Half-Moon Fortress,” is the former site of the Silla royal palace in Gyeongju. Although the earthen fortress walls remain, the area is now a large grassy park featuring historical relics and scenic walking paths. Archaeological excavations have uncovered palace foundations, ponds, and artifacts from the Silla Dynasty, providing valuable insight into Korea’s ancient royal culture. Today, the park is a peaceful site popular for s

Buy

The best items to buy in Gyeongju are mostly reproductions of Silla craftworks, such as ceramics, metalworks, and artwork. There will be numerous vendor stalls on your hikes to Bulguksa and a few more if you continue onto Seokguram Grotto in addition to the souvenir shops that sell mostly the same goods plus some higher ticket items in addition to small trinkets and nicknacks. You are more likely to get a good deal from the street vendors who you might reward buying multiple items with a discount off the ticketed price.

1 Seongdong Covered Market (Close to the Gyeongju train station). A classic example of the modern Korean market with lots of fresh seafood, food stands and some textiles. Bomun Shopping Center. The shopping mall at Bomunho Resort caters to tourists: it has stores with souvenirs and local specialties as well as traditional restaurants. 2 Gyeongju Jungang Market (중앙시장), 295, Geumseong-ro, ☏ +82 054-743-3696. It is the market with the longest history among urban markets, and stores in commercial buildings operate every day and the five-day market enters around the commercial building every day ending on the 2nd and 7th. (updated Oct 2025) 3 Angang Market (안강시장), 25-17, Angang Market-gil, Angang-eup, ☏ +82 054-761-5356. It is the largest traditional market in the northern part of Gyeongju, with more than 400 stores. On the 4th and 9th of every month, a five-day market enters around the commercial building. (updated Oct 2025) 4 Gampo Public Market (감포공설시장), 115, Gampo-ro, Gampo-eup. It is a market in the center of Gampo Port, Gyeongju's largest fishing port, and the 5-day market enters the area around the commercial building every day ending on the 3rd and 8th of each month. (updated Oct 2025) 5 Bae-li-dang (배리당), 1083, Poseok-ro (Main street of Hwangnidan-gil), ☏ +82 507-1335-0816. M-F 11:00-20:00, Sa Su 12:00-21:00. A popular souvenir shop in Hwangnidan-gil specializing in Gyeongju-themed goods. They are famous for their unique "Neung" (Royal Tomb) shaped candles and various stationery items designed with Silla cultural heritage motifs. (updated Dec 2025) 6 Gyeongju Simsang (경주심상), 21, Poseok-ro 1068beon-gil (Near Hwangnam Dagwa-jeom), ☏ +82 10-6316-5246. 11:00-19:00 (closed on Tuesdays). An independent bookstore and gift shop that offers a curated selection of books, postcards, and locally made crafts. It is a great place to find artistic and high-quality souvenirs that capture the quiet atmosphere of the city. (updated Dec 2025)

Eat

Unlike many cities in Korea, there is no particular dish the area is known for besides a general association with seafood. However, there are some famous edible items found in Gyeongju that have become renowned throughout Korea: Hwangnam ppang (ppang being the Korean word for "bread"; derived from the Portuguese word "pão") which is a small ball of silky-smooth sweet red bean paste surrounded by a thin pastry shell, and Gyeongju ppang which is the same sweet red bean paste enclosed between two thin barley bread pancakes. Both can be purchased many places in town (including from a booth at the train station) but the best way to taste them is fresh and warm from the bakery, just across the street to the east from the Flying Horse Tomb (Cheonmacheong) Park. For seafood, many locals head to Gampo, a village directly on the coast. Most of Gyeongju's fishing catch is brought here and served locally, rather than being exported to other markets. The local hoe (sashimi) is excellent and very fresh. If you happen to drink too much Gyeodong Beopju you might want to check the famous Haejangguk — a pork spine and coagulated blood stew — at the "Hangover Soup Street". The area around Bulguksa's bus stop and carpark hosts a veritable village of restaurants. The owners will, unusually for Korea, tend to aggressively tout their shops over others but there are enough around that if you can ignore their advances, you can pick and choose. Prices are surprisingly standard, given the location. Since 2010, Gyeongju has had a very popular bread called Gyeongju Tenny Bread. Gyeongju dakbap tastes like a hotcake, with mozzarella and cream cheese in a dough similar to a hotcake. It is characterized by the pagoda depicted on the Korean currency, the 10 won, and is so popular that everyone seems to have one in their hand when walking around Gyeongju. Most of the trendy cafes and restaurants are concentrated in Hwangnidan-gil (Poseok-ro), a street famous for its preserved Hanok buildings and modern interior designs. It is within walking distance from Daereungwon and Cheomseongdae.

Budget 1 Dosol Maeul, 71-2 Hwangnam-dong (Near Cheonmachong, Daeleung-won), ☏ +82 54-748-9232. 12:00-22:00. You can experience a Korean traditional meal of Gyeongbuk area here. Located next to the Sarangchae accommodation. The building is a one-hundred-year-old traditional Korean house. ₩13,000 per head base, plus extra main dishes at ₩10,000 each. 2 Sukyeong Sikdang, Gyerim-ro, 60, ☏ +82 54-772-3369. W-M 11:00-21:00. Korean cuisine in a traditional Korean building. Famous for its barley rice, you can a

Drink & nightlife

Alcohol Gyeongju is known for Gyeodong Beopju, a mild rice wine. Although it is principally made from glutenous rice and spring water, locals believe that a boxthorn or Chinese matrimony vine growing near the wellsource of the water has imbued the wine with special medicinal properties and flavor. Gyeongju is not particularly known for its nightlife, and in the major tourist areas around downtown and Lake Bomun you can drink at restaurants and hotel bars, but proper nightlife is hard to come by. Bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around Dongguk University, in the 1 Seonggeon-dong district. Some of them serve snacks (anju) at a price of ₩10,000-20,000.

Cafés 2 Schuman and Clara, 36-1, Hanbit-gil 36beon-gil (the main street leading from downtown to Dongguk University, basement level on the right hand side when heading north). 10:00-21:00. A coffee house, reportedly with one of the best baristas in Korea. 3 Nahbi Brunch Cafe & Books, 69, Dongmun-ro. 11:00 - 20:00. Cosy cafe and brunch restaurant, also featuring a bookstore. They have different sandwiches and coffees and it's one of the few Western-style cafés in the city. (updated Dec 2017) 4 Cafe Araeheon (카페 아래), Hadong 121-3 (It is located next to Hadong Reservoir.), ☏ 0507-1343-2200Country code missing. 11:00-20:00(Closed Wednesdays). It is the most crowded time from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and the bakery is delicious, so if you go to Gyeongju, it is a good place to visit. 10,000-20,000₩. (updated Dec 2025)

Sleep

Budget

There are some yeoinsuk (guesthouses) near the old (abandoned) railway station where you can stay for as little as US$10/night. However, none of these places have hot water, making it difficult to use the very dirty facilities. There are also roaches in many of the rooms. Far better are the few "motels" in the same area that charge around $20/night.

1 Hanjin Hostel, 173-1 Rose-Dong, ☏ +82 54-771-4097. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 10:30. The owner has 30 years of experience and hosts around 2-3000 guests each year. He has a proprietary tourist map with destinations and bus numbers which he will mark up in your presence to give a sort of personal-itinerary with some verbal tips while answering your questions. He highly encourages congregations on the rooftop at night where stories can be shared and tomorrow's journey can be made, either of which he may join. He speaks excellent Korean, English and Japanese. ₩20,000 for shared bathroom; ₩25,000 for private bathroom. 2 Sa Rang Chae Guesthouse, 238-1 Hwangnam-dong, ☏ +82 54-773-4868. Located down an alley next to Tumuli Park and within easy walking distance of several of Gyeongju's other spectacular historical sights. You can sleep in their cozy traditional style Korean room (there are only a few so call ahead) which surround a common courtyard where guests can meet around the small firepit or in the large modern kitchen/lounge at nighttime and exchange stories. The lounge offers free internet and coffee while a rudimentary make-it-yourself egg and toast breakfast is also included. Difficult to find, and the Lonely Planet guide is incorrect, so check the website to be sure on directions. Single: ₩30,000-35,000, Double: ₩40,000-45,000. 3 Gyeongju Guesthouse, Gyeongbuk, Hwango-dong, 138-2 (300 m from Gyeongju Station, turn left out of the station and the guesthouse is down a small signposted side street on your left), ☏ +82 54-745-7100. Check-in: 14:00-22:00, check-out: 11:00. This is where all the young Koreans who come to visit Gyeongju stay. You may not find it in tour guides as yet as it was opened in 2010. A clean and welcoming guesthouse which offers 4 bed dorms for ₩17000 per person per night and double rooms from ₩40000 per night. The guesthouse has free wireless and internet facilities in the bright and modern lounge/lobby and a self-service breakfast is provided. Dorm rooms have individual lockers and most importantly the beds are extremely comfortable. from ₩17,000. 4 Modorine Hostel, 5-4, bungmun-ro 55beon-gil, Sunggundong, ☏ +82 10-9386-6974, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, ch

Go next

Buses and trains regularly leave to other cities in the region, the intercity and express bus terminal are very close to each other at the river in the southwest of the city. For nearby destinations, travel time by train and bus are about the same, but buses are more frequent and cheaper.

Busan – the second most populous city of South Korea with beaches, seafood, and a huge port. Daegu — 'Colorful Daegu' is the country's fourth city with parks and festivals and once the capital of one of Korea's traditional eight provinces. Pohang — an industrial city on the east coast famous for its steel plants, technical university and fish market. West of the city there are several historical attractions, such as the Yangdong Folk Village. Ulsan — another seaside industrial city, which is also the gateway to the Yeongnam Alps.