What to Do in Gyeongju
As evening descends just outside downtown Gyeongju, long shadows stretch from enormous burial mounds, the stone walls of the Cheomseongdae Observatory glow in the golden light, and Wolji Pond dances with reflected starlight.
Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, is a top destination for anyone interested in Korean history. From 57 BCE to 935 CE, this city was the center of the Silla Kingdom, known for its amazing culture, art, and architecture. With countless things to do in Gyeongju, travelers will discover a living museum of Korean history and culture around every corner.
Just a relatively short train ride from major cities, Gyeongju is an easy weekend getaway for travelers wanting to explore Korea’s past. Having visited many historic cities across Asia, I find Gyeongju to be one of the most exceptional places I’ve been to. That’s why I put together a list of the best things to do in Gyeongju, pointing out its beautiful landmarks and rich history.
If you’d like to view all the recommended locations on Google Maps, just click here.
The Best Time to Visit Gyeongju
Gyeongju is beautiful in every season, but spring and autumn stand out for their uniqueness. In spring, from late March to early April, the city comes alive with cherry blossoms. The pink flowers bloom around historical sites like Cheomseongdae Observatory and Bulguksa Temple, creating a stunning backdrop that’s perfect for photos.
Autumn, from late October to early November, offers a different kind of beauty. The leaves turn into bright shades of orange, red, and yellow, especially around the grass fields and ancient tombs. This colorful scenery, combined with the cool weather, makes it a great time for outdoor walks. The pathways between Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple are particularly appealing during this season.
How to Get to Gyeongju
From Busan to Gyeongju
To travel from Busan to Gyeongju, you can take either a train or a bus. The KTX high-speed train departs from Busan Central Station and takes around 30 minutes to reach Singyeongju Station. You can also take a bus instead from Nopo Bus Station or Busan Seobu Bus Terminal, which will take around 1 hour. Buses arrive at the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, which is located in the city center.
From Seoul to Gyeongju
To travel from Seoul to Gyeongju, you can take either a train or a bus. The KTX high-speed train is the fastest option, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Singyeongju Station. Alternatively, you can take an express bus from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal, which takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Buses depart frequently, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
Tours to Take in Gyeongju
Gyeongju UNESCO sites Tour
If you’re short on time or want to explore Gyeongju’s highlights without worrying about planning and with a guided experience, the Gyeongju: UNESCO Highlights Tour is a great option. It covers most of these must-see locations, including UNESCO sites, all in a single day. You’ll enjoy a mix of a guided bus tour in the morning and a walking tour in the afternoon with a professional English-speaking guide.
The Three Kingdoms Capital Tour
If you’re a fan of palaces, traditional Korean architecture, or just love soaking in the beauty of historic sites, you might want to check out the Busan: Gyeongju Guided Day Trip to Three Kingdoms Capital. It takes you to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, plus other amazing spots like Bulguksa Temple and Daereungwon Tomb. It’s a super convenient option if you’re staying in Busan and want to pass by Gyeongju in just one day.
Must-visit Palaces & Temples in Gyeongju
Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
This palace served as a secondary residence for the crown prince of Silla. Although not much remains of the original structures, the existing ruins are in excellent condition. Visiting the site and the beautiful royal garden made me feel as if I had stepped into a fairy tale. It truly feels magical, and it is definitely worth a walk through the park. Visiting at night allows you to see the lanterns and reflections on the pond, and the soft theme music creates a relaxing atmosphere.
Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa Buddhist temple was built during the Silla Kingdom and contains several national treasures such as two well-known pagodas. This UNESCO cultural heritage site represents the spiritual peak of Silla’s ancient civilization and architecture from over a thousand years ago. Definitely one of my must-sees, but on the average a bit further away compared to other historical places to see in Gyeongju.
As an important UNESCO site, Bulguksa Temple is naturally included in the Gyeongju: UNESCO Highlights Tour.
Seokguram Grotto
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see for its spectacular stone cave temple housing an impressive Buddha statue in the mountain and is part of the Bulguksa Temple Complex. However, some visitors might find it slightly underwhelming due to the longer travel time required and the lack of a complex surrounding the site. I’d recommend it for history enthusiasts, but if you’re looking to maximize your time in Gyeongju, you might consider prioritizing other attractions in this “museum without walls,” as there are numerous historical sites to explore in the area.
This UNESCO site is also part of the Gyeongju: UNESCO Highlights Tour.
The 5 Best Historical Attractions To See in Gyeongju
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia, and it’s amazing to visit both during the day and at night. I personally love seeing it after sunset when the lights make it glow, which gives it a really cool atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might even see some stars, which makes the whole experience more special. Since it was actually used for stargazing, seeing it at night feels like you’re connecting with how ancient astronomers might have observed the sky.
The Cheomseongdae Observatory is included in the Gyeongju: UNESCO Highlights Tour.
The Royal Tombs of Silla
There are around 150 tombs in Gyeongju that serve as final resting places for royals and elite individuals from the Silla Kingdom. It is amazing to see the variety in height and size among these mounds, and it is interesting to note that the identities of many individuals buried in them remain unknown.
The Gyeongju: UNESCO Highlights Tour takes you to the Cheonmachong Tomb as well as the Great Hwangnam Tomb, the largest tomb in Gyeongju.
Woljeonggyo Bridge
Woljeonggyo Bridge, located in Gyeongju, is the largest wooden bridge in Korea and part of the ancient Silla Kingdom. Originally built in 760, it was recently rebuilt and reopened to the public in 2018, preserving its beauty and cultural value. I visited the bridge at night to see how the lights brighten it, highlighting its details and making it look alive.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to walk along the stepping stones next to the bridge for a standout photo opportunity. Just be careful not to slip and fall in because you wouldn’t want to take an unexpected swim!
The Woljeonggyo Bridge is included in the Gyeongju: UNESCO Highlights Tour.
Seokbinggo Stone Ice Storage
This funky but interesting stone structure demonstrates how Koreans historically stored ice. I wouldn’t describe it as a must-see, however its proximity to Cheomseongdae Observatory and Donggung Palace should give you a good reason not to skip it.
Bell of King Seongdeok
This bell, also know as the Emile Bell, is located next to the Gyeongju National Museum and is known for its size, design, and sound. It is said that this bell has a unique sound, and I do not doubt that, considering it is over 1,200 years old. Unfortunately, they no longer demonstrate the sound of the bell to maintain its current decent state.
The 2 Best Museums to Visit in Gyeongju
Gyeongju National Museum
This Museum offers a look at the Silla kingdom’s history, bringing together all the pieces of this ancient puzzle. With English-speaking tour guides available, visitors can enjoy various scoops about the Silla era. Various items such as armor, swords, treasures and even trading items from Europe are found in this museum. There is no entry price for this museum since it is all for free.
As one of Gyeongju’s most important attractions, the Gyeongju National Museum is also naturally included in the one-day Gyeongju: UNESCO Highlights Tour.
Cheonmachong Museum
The Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse) Tomb is the only tomb that has been opened to the public. Inside this museum, you can see golden treasures in the grave, which reminded me of ancient Egyptian pharaohs who were also buried with treasures for the afterlife. It’s surprising to see how diverse cultures shared similar beliefs about the afterlife and material possessions.
Gyeongju’s Trendiest Area: Hwangnidangil Street
This shopping street was different from what I expected. It’s filled with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and traditional snacks. The scenery and architecture made me feel like I was walking on a Greek island, but at night, the vibe changed to feel more like the hanok style of the Silla Kingdom. The restaurants I visited offered great food at reasonable prices. I also spent a lot of time looking for the best souvenirs and enjoyed trying a variety of coffees since I drink it quite often.
These are my top picks for the best things to do in Gyeongju. I hope you enjoy exploring these attractions and experiencing the rich cultural sites of the Silla Kingdom. Remember to check out the Google Maps link at the top for easy navigation!
And if you’re looking for where to eat or get coffee in Gyeongju, check out our Top 10 Awesome Restaurants and Cafes in Gyeongju article!