Gyeongju

As a living museum of Korean history, or 'the museum without walls,'  Gyeongju is home to numerous archaeological sites, ancient Buddhist pagodas, royal tombs, and observatories. It was also known historically as Seorabeol and was the capital of the Silla kingdom, which governed the Korean Peninsula for almost a thousand years (57 BC–935 AD), making it a fascinating destination for cultural enthusiasts and history buffs in South Korea.

Read More ...
Top things to do in Gyeongju, south korea

Revere the land of Buddha at Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

Dating back to the Silla Kingdom, Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan comprise a religious architectural complex of remarkable significance that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. While the artificial granite grotto Seokguram is famous for its monumental statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha looking out to sea in the bhumisparsha mudra position, which is regarded as a masterpiece of Buddhist art, Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple complex made up of a series of wooden buildings with exquisite multicolored tiles and carved artworks on stone terraces.

Walk around royal tumuli at Daereungwon Tomb Complex

Daereungwon Tomb Complex is a cluster of 23 royal tombs of Silla rulers and family members. From the outside, they look like pyramid-like grassy hillocks rolling across the landscape. Many of the tumuli have yielded historic treasures that are now on exhibit at the Gyeongju National Museum. One tomb, Cheonmachong, is available to tourists to see excavated artifacts, jade ornaments, and weapons.

Admire the remarkable Cheomseongdae Observatory

Cheomseongdae Observatory is one of Asia's oldest astronomy observatories, dating back to the 7th century in the kingdom of Silla. Its square stylobate comprises of 362 stones placed on top of each other to represent the 362 days in a lunar year, and it was primarily used to forecast the weather. For those visiting this historical site in autumn from September, there will be a chance to snap a selfie amidst a field full of pink muhly grass beside an ancient observatory and misty mountain peaks.

Experience a temple stay at Golgulsa Temple

Satying overnight in a beautiful temple is a must-do in South Korea if you're so into diverse cultures and traditions. There are several temple stay options suitable for foreign visitors, and in Gyeongju, you can experience it at Golgulsa, a tranquil temple located amid the natural beauty of Hamwolsan Mountain. During the stay, you can take part in morning rituals, tea ceremonies, meditation sessions, communal activities, and martial arts, especially Seonmudo, a traditional Korean Buddhist training technique.

Step back in time at Yangdong Folk Village

Yangdong Folk Village is an ancient Joseon-era village, where you see people still live in some of its hanok (Korean traditional houses). With one of the longest known histories in Korea, it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. Here you will find noble houses with 100-year-old tiled roofs and beautiful village roads. There are several course options to visit the large village, and it is advised to choose a course in advance.

The Best Gyeongju Private Tours For You

Get inspired with our Best Tailor-Made Private Gyeongju Tours below
All Gyeongju Tours can be easily customized for free to your personal wishes & needs within 24h

Destinations
Experiences
Duration
10Days

Best of South Korea

Seoul → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju Island
South Korea South Korea

Enjoy a guided tour in Seoul, where modern skyscrapers meet Buddhist temples, traditional villages, and street markets

Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone from Seoul and explore all of its surrounding landmarks

Explore the UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto with ancient Buddhist carvings and wooden structures

Experience an overnight stay in Golgulsa Temple and see the everyday life of monks living there

Take part in a hands-on cooking class in Busan and taste authentic local food

Go for a cable car ride across the sea to Sky Harbor Observatory for Busan’s coastal views

Gaze at the stunning beauty of the Jeongbang waterfall that falls directly into the sea

Learn about Korea’s traditional tea culture at O’Sulloc Tea Museum

Uncover the natural marvels of Jeju Island that make up its Natural Heritage Site

... More
Seoul → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju Island
Experiences: swimming cultural heritage nature cuisine beach history
Handpicked:
Only from $3886 pp explore this trip
14Days

True Beauty of South Korea

Seoul → Jeonju → Daegu → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju Island
South Korea South Korea

Explore the captivating capital of Seoul, from palaces and temples to art streets and high towers

Escape to Nami Island’s natural gardens with a spin through Gangchon Rail Bike Park

Travel by cable car to Apsan Mountain of Daegu for natural scenery and panoramic city views

Visit the UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, famous for ancient Buddhist carvings and wooden structures

Take in the beautiful sea vistas, cultural villages, historical sites, and fish markets in Busan

Gaze at the colorful backward alley of Gamcheon Culture Village, the Machu Picchu of Korea

Uncover natural marvels in Jeju Island, from coastal lines to walking trails and botanical parks

Learn about the culture of Jeju's Haenyeo (sea women) at the Haenyeo Museum

Experience the modern public transportation system in South Korea

... More
Seoul → Jeonju → Daegu → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju Island
Experiences: cultural cuisine beach history
Handpicked:
Only from $5757 pp explore this trip
14Days

Immersive Journey through South Korea

Seoul → Daejeon → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju → Seoul
South Korea South Korea

Admire the magnificence of Gyongbukgung Palace, the most famous palace in South Korea

Try yourself wearing hanbok stroll along antique streets of Insadong and Bukchon Hanok village

Get a enjoyable Seoul city tour to its most highlighted landmarks and skyscrapers

Experience a day trip to the DMZ for deeper insight into Korea’s division

Learn about Korean military architecture with Suwon’s UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress

Dive into rich cultural highlights of Andong Hahoe Folk Village and Andong mask museum

Visit renowned Buddism heritage site of Seokgulam Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

Explore Busan city, Korean second largest city where captures diverse feature of modernity, vibrant culture, and stunning beach

Unveil the distinctive landscape and gifted natural beauty of Jeju Island's south course

Discover Korean traditional tea culture at O'Sulloc Tea Museum

... More
Seoul → Daejeon → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju → Seoul
Experiences: cultural heritage nature cuisine adventure beach history
Handpicked:
Only from $5790 pp explore this trip
15Days

South Korea Cultural and Beach Relaxation

Seoul → Jeonju → Busan → Gyeongju → Jeju Island
South Korea South Korea

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace, the largest & most beautiful palace in Seoul

Walk on Gwanghwamun Square, a popular public square in Seoul that often has outdoor performances and art exhibitions

Learn more about South Korea history when going to explore Demilitarized Zone

Enjoy a pleasant cultural visit to traditional Jeonju Hanok Village

Taste various kinds of traditional Korean liquors in Jeonju Traditional Liquor Museum

Explore Gamcheon Cultural Village where is known as Machu Picchu in Korea

Join in a historic tour visiting Bulguksa & Seokguram Grotto UNESCO Heritage Site in Gyeongju

Catch an insightful encounter Jeju Island's unique rock formation icons, which made it Heritage Site

Relax with serene seascape and beaches on Jeju Island

Immerse yourself in local atmosphere of Korean traditional markets and local seafood markets

Treat your tummy with a hearty feast of iconic Korean dishes

Experience innovative hi-speed train of KTX in Korea

... More
Seoul → Jeonju → Busan → Gyeongju → Jeju Island
Experiences: cultural heritage nature cuisine beach history
Handpicked:
Only from $5725 pp explore this trip

The authentic & unique experiences in Gyeongju you can expect

Gyeongju
South Korea

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

Located near Gyeongju, Bulguksa Temple showcases stunning Silla Dynasty typical architecture with its intricate stone terraces and centuries-old pagodas. A short hike away, Seokguram Grotto houses a...

View More Info
Gyeongju
South Korea

Challenge yourself with 3-hour hiking at Namsan Mountain

The Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju, unlike eponymous one in bustling Seoul, combines serene nature and history, offering a unique experience through forested trails dotted with ancient...

View More Info
Gyeongju
South Korea

Learn Sunmudo - a unique experience at Golgulsa Temple

Sunmudo, meaning "the way of martial arts and meditation," is a Zen Buddhist practice that blends dynamic physical movements with mindfulness and breathing techniques. At Golgulsa Temple, located in...

View More Info
Gyeongju
South Korea

Take a fascinating glimpse of Silla Dynasty in Daereungwon Tomb Complex

Daereungwon Tomb Complex is one of Gyeongju's most iconic historical sites. Well-known for its impressive collection of 23 large and small burial mounds, this ancient tomb complex offers a...

View More Info
Gyeongju
South Korea

Pay a historic visit to Gyeongju National Museum

Gyeongju National Museum, located in historic city of Gyeongju, is a treasure trove of artifacts from the Silla Kingdom, which ruled Korea for nearly a thousand years. The museum houses a vast...

View More Info
Gyeongju
South Korea

Explore Gyeongju's Ancient Astronomical Observatory Tower

Gyeongju's Ancient Astronomical Observatory Tower, commonly known as Cheomseongdae, is the oldest still exsisting astronomical observatory in East Asia. Built during the 7th century in the Silla...

View More Info

Gyeongju travel guide information

Gyeongju Quick Facts

Gyeongju is the second largest city by area in North Gyeongsang Province after Andong

Location: southeastern corner of the province, 370 km (230 mi) southeast of Seoul

Area: 511 square miles (1,324 square km)

Population: 249,845 (2022)

Gyeongju experiences a cooler version of a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters and a monsoon season from late June to early August.

World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in and nearby Gyeongju include Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju Historic Areas, and Yangdong Folk Village.

Read More ...
See all photo

Best time to visit Gyeongju, south korea

Like the other parts of South Korea, Gyeongju experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures varying between the city and the inland area. The best time to visit this coastal city is considered in spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), when the weather is pleasant and dry and you can view cherry blossoms in bloom or vivid autumnal foliage.

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Gyeongju
Best time
Great time
Off season

Top South Korea Food in Gyeongju, south korea
4

"Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)"

Sundubu-jjigae is a popular capsicum dish in Gyeongju. It ranks with kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and doenjang jjigae (bean curd stew) as one of the most popular Korean stews. Its key ingredient is sundubu, or uncurdled tofu, soft and silky. Sundubu-jjigae is often based on meat (usually beef) or a variety of seafood, followed by spicy gochugaru (chilli powder), veggies, and raw chilis.

4

"Hwangnam-ppang (Gyeongju Bread)"

Hwangnam-ppang is a must-try for sweet-toothed foodies in Gyeongju. Also called Gyeongju bread or Hwangnam bread, it's a small pastry made with egg-flour dough and filled with sugary red bean curd. Tourists can find these bite-sized delights with their original version at the Hwangnam Bread Original Store (783 Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si).

4

"Chueo-tang (Loach Soup)"

Though chueo-tang is a signature dish of Namwon rustic city, the chefs of Gyeongju have been cooking it for decades. The soup uses boiled and deboned pond loaches, a tiny freshwater fish living in rice paddies after harvest. The mixture is thickened with soybean and chili paste, as well as ginger and mung beans, mustard seeds, and pepper. It is then served with cooked greens and mint.

4

"Haejang-guk (Hangover Soup)"

Haejang-guk is a delight if you've had a party night with soju (Korean vodka). It's a tailor-made broth for curing a hangover. There are several variations, but the main idea is a big, comforting, meaty broth from pork spine. On top of that goes Napa cabbage, sea cucumber, and bean paste.

Being the locals, We know our homeland the best!

We are here to take the stress out of the holiday planning process.
Let us help you plan an unforgettable journey of lifetime with High Quality & Affordable Price.
Surely, you will feel satisfactory!

Your questions, trip ideas...*
Name:*
Email:*
Your budget (USD)/person (without in/out flights)
Build Enquire Call Us