Gyeongju: Top Things to Do in Korea's Oldest City
Updated: Dec 13, 2024
Fall in Gyeongju is unlike any place I have visited during my four trips to South Korea. On my most recent trip, I went to Busan to visit my college friend. It was my second time there, and I was craving to see a different side of Korea, so after doing some light research, I decided to visit Gyeongju to satisfy my historical geek side.
Gyeongju, known as “the museum without walls,” is a city near Busan. It’s perfect for those wanting to learn more about Korea’s past, as it has numerous archeological sites dating back to 5 AD from the Silla Kingdom. Unlike other cities like Seoul or Busan, Gyeongju offers a laid-back city vibe with many cute shops and coffee shops.
After my three-day stay, Gyeongju left me wanting more. The mix of yellow, red, and orange leaves, the crispy fall weather, and the peacefulness of the city captured my heart. I can’t wait to go back there again one day.
If you are visiting Gyeongju or are interested in exploring a new side of Korea, this blog will show you the best things to do to help you make the most out of your time there!
When to Visit and How Long You Should Stay
I visited Gyeongju the first week of November, and I loved it! To me, Geyongju in the fall looked extra beautiful. The contrast of the yellow leaves with the historic sites was stunning. I think that visiting Gyeongju in any season will be beautiful. However, do note that Korea’s rainy season spans from July to September, making walking outside a bit challenging.
I stayed in Gyeongju for 3 days/2 nights and I think that was the perfect amount for me. I was able to see everything that I wanted without feeling rushed or anxious about missing out on anything. If you are tight on time, a day trip from Seoul or Busan should suffice to see the main attractions.
How to Get to Gyeongju
Getting to Gyeongju will depend on where you are starting your journey. Korea’s public transportation system is excellent and getting to Gyeongju, although time-consuming, will be smooth sailing with buses and trains going there every hour or so. If you are looking for the timetables for KTX/SRT, you can go on the Naver app (Korea’s equivalent of Google Maps) and it will show up.
If you are in Busan, you will have to get to Busan Station (easily reachable by train, bus, or taxi) to hop on the KTX/SRT train. From there, it is only a 28-minute ride to Gyeongju Station. It is important to note that Gyeongju Station is a 30-minute bus ride from the city center. If you do not wish to wait and take the bus, there are plenty of taxi drivers at the station. It’s only a 15 to 20-minute car ride to the center costing around 18,500 Korean Won. Taxis in Korea take credit cards, but it’s always good to ask before getting in if they take it. Also, my Capital One credit card was too thick for their system, but thankfully I had a thinner credit card handy that I was able to use so make sure to also keep that in mind.
Where to Stay
Gyeongju offers a variety of accommodation styles for all travelers from dorm rooms to hotels to Hanok stays, traditional Korean-style houses. I recommend staying within walking distance from the historic sites as that is where the majority of attractions, shops, and restaurants are.
I stayed at Gyeongjujang Inn and it was a nice private accommodation for just $25 a night.
Things to do in Gyeongju:
Before starting your journey to explore Gyeongju, I recommend renting a bicycle. I rented mine near the Gyeongju bus station for 8,000 Korean Won, but there are lots of shops around the city to choose from.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
Unlike the other historical sites of Gyeongju, you need to pay 3,000 Korean Won. They only take Korean cards or cash so make sure to have some cash handy! You can walk around the palace and if you go there by sunset, I recommend waiting across the palace on the other side of the pond to snap stunning pictures of the view.
Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Daereungwon Tomb Complex has a total of 5 tombs around the area. It is surreal to see what from afar look like hills but in reality are tombs. The complex is open at all times with a security guard by the gate.
Cheomseongdae Observatory
What made me decide to visit Gyeongju was the Cheomseongdae Observatory. It is the oldest observatory in Asia and most likely the world. It was built in 6 AD under the rule of the Silla Kingdom. Cheomseongdae is beautiful at any time of the day, however, I highly recommend that you visit during sunset hour.
Woljeonggyo Bridge
Woljeonggyo Bridge is by far one of my favorite places in Gyeongju. I accidentally stumbled across it while looking for the traditional village. There is a small rock path along the river so you can see the bridge in front of you. There's also a beautiful sunflower field. It connects to Gyeongju’s History Remains Park.
Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village
Right next to Woljeonggyon Bridge, you will find Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village (appearing as “Gyo Village” on the Naver Map app). Despite its relatively small size, it’s still a must-place to visit. It has lots of cute cafés! You can also rent a hanbok and take lots of cute pictures in the surrounding areas. Gyo village connects to the Gyeongju Royal Tomb of King Nameul.
Krug Café
Korea is arguably known as the café capital of the world - everywhere you look you will find a café. It can be a bit overwhelming to choose which one to go. If you are looking for a nice café to eat breakfast before beginning your day in Gyeongju, I recommend Krug Café. It’s a small coffee shop owned by a mother and daughter. I came to eat breakfast here two days in a row. I ordered a ham and cheese panini sandwich with ginger tea. I also ordered an iced matcha tea and it was delicious!
Hooha Barbecue
If you are looking for a place to have dinner, I recommend checking out Hooha barbecue. Located near the Gyeongju Historic Area, it is perfect for those looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Although it’s not Korean, the food there was really good. They serve seafood, poultry, and red meat barbecue with a wide variety of beer and cocktail selections.
Yangdong Folk Village
If you are staying in Geyongju for more than a day, I recommend going to visit Korea's oldest folk village dating back to 1433. Located on the outskirts of Gyeongju city, you will find Yangdong Folk Village. It’s around a 45-minute bus ride from the city center. Although long, the bus ride to Yangdong offers travelers a nice view of Gyeongju.
Once you arrive at the village, the security guard will hand you a paper with the bus timetables. It is recommended that you wait at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before it arrives since it may come earlier.
The entrance fee to Yangdong Folk Village is 3,000 Korean Won. They only accept Korean cards and cash so make sure you have some cash handy before arriving. Before entering the village make sure you grab a map. I recommend allocating 1-2 hours to calmly walk around the village and take cute pictures. There are local restaurants and coffee shops in the village in case you grow an appetite.
Plan.B Studio Photo Booth
If you are a fan of photo booths and are looking for your next picture, head over to Plan.B Studio. What makes this photo booth stand out from others is its unique camera angles that make taking a picture extra fun!
The street where it is located is filled with lots of local restaurants, shops, and food stalls. It's the perfect place for a night stroll to end your day.
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