Gyeongju is a city filled with an incredible array of historical sites, making it a must-visit destination. It’s so iconic that many Korean students go there for school trips, and it’s often referred to as Korea’s “museum without walls.” Having visited Gyeongju more than three times, I’ve selected my absolute favorite spots and the ones that best represent the city.
⚠️ Note: I’ve intentionally left out Hwangridan-gil, the popular street lined with cafes and restaurants. While it’s vibrant and trendy, it felt a bit too commercialized for my taste. But if you’re into hip spots or want to experience a bustling side of Gyeongju, Hwangridan-gil might be worth a visit.
1. Seokguram Grotto
Seokguram, designated as National Treasure No. 24 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, is a true masterpiece. This man-made grotto houses a majestic Buddha statue surrounded by intricately carved figures. Built in 751, its grandeur and precision are awe-inspiring, especially considering it was constructed in the 8th century.
To visit, you’ll need to drive up winding mountain roads and walk a fair bit from the entrance. Keep in mind that photography is not allowed inside. During one of my earlier trips, I missed visiting it due to time constraints, but I finally made it on my latest trip—and it was absolutely worth it!
🤎 Pro Tip: Pair this visit with Bulguksa Temple, as they are located near each other.
📍 238 Seokguram-ro, Gyeongju
🕘 Open daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💲Free entry (as of May 4, 2023)
🐾 No pets allowed
🌐 Website
2. Morning Walk at Bulguksa Temple
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bulguksa Temple is a testament to Korea’s Buddhist history and the architectural ambition of the Silla Dynasty. The temple was intended to represent a “Buddhist utopia on earth” and, during its prime, was eight times larger than its current size. Though centuries of damage have reduced its scale, its intricate design and serene atmosphere remain unmatched.
🤎 Pro Tip: I’ve written a separate, detailed post about Bulguksa—be sure to check it out!
📍 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju
🕘 Open daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
💲Free entry
🐾 No pets allowed
🌐 Website
3. Daereungwon Tomb Complex
What makes the city of Gyeongju truly unique are its grand royal tombs. It’s fascinating to see so many mounds, rising gently like small hills, scattered all around the city! And Daereungwon is the best place to experience them. This complex features 23 tombs of kings, queens, and nobles from the Silla Dynasty, resembling grassy hills scattered across the landscape. It’s a beautiful spot for a stroll and some photography.
Don’t miss Cheonmachong, the only accessible tomb in the complex. Inside, you’ll find fascinating artifacts, including a gold crown. Entry to the Daereungwon grounds is free, but visiting Cheonmachong costs just 3,000 KRW per adult (as of November 2024).
🤎 Pro Tip: This area is close to other key attractions like Cheomseongdae, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, and Woljeong Bridge, so plan your itinerary accordingly. Parking can be tight, so be prepared!
📍 31-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju
🕘 Front Gate: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM)
Back Gate (Cheonmachong): 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
4. Cheomseongdae Observatory
Cheomseongdae, built between 632–647, is one of the world’s oldest astronomical observatories. It was designated as a National Treasure of Korea in 1962. It was While its modest size might not impress at first glance, the fact that this was constructed in the 7th century makes it truly remarkable. The 362 stones used to build it are said to symbolize the number of days in a lunar year used by the Silla Dynasty.
In autumn, there’s a field of pink muhly grass right in front of Cheomseongdae, making it a great spot for unique photos. I’ve visited Cheomseongdae twice—once in autumn and once in spring—and the difference in the photo backgrounds is amazing! When I went in autumn, it was raining, so I couldn’t enjoy a clear blue sky, but the lovely pink muhly made up for it. Also, at night, the observatory lights up beautifully, making it a perfect place for an evening stroll.
📍 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju
🕘 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (summer); 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (winter)
💲Free entry
5. Night Walk at Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond were built in 674 as a secondary palace of the Silla royal court. According to historical records, it wasn’t used for government affairs but rather served as a venue for banquets and hosting important guests. Banquets were typically held in March or September, which are said to be the most scenic times of the year. That said, I visited in October and May, and it was stunning both times.
This spot is especially famous for its nighttime views, so it’s beautiful no matter the season. Since it’s a popular attraction, the main parking lot is quite spacious, and if it fills up, nearby lots are also available. I highly recommend ending your day in Gyeongju with an evening stroll around Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond!
📍 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju
🕘 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM)
💲3,000 KRW per adult; 1,000 KRW for children (ages 7–12)
🌐 website
6. Yangdong Folk Village
Yangdong Folk Village is one of my personal favorite spots in Gyeongju. While it’s not as famous as other major historical sites, it has a humble, authentic, and peaceful charm that makes it feel like a hidden gem. This is a true hanok village where people still live, preserving its 500-year tradition. It was even designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
I’ve visited Yangdong Village on every recent trip to Gyeongju, and each time I’m captivated by its tranquil and serene atmosphere. Since it’s an actual residential area, visitors are encouraged to keep noise levels down, but honestly, the peaceful scenery here naturally puts you in a calm and reflective mood.
🤎 Pro Tip: It’s located about 30 minutes by car from downtown Gyeongju, so plan accordingly when scheduling your itinerary.
📍 Address: 92-16 Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk
🕘 Hours:
Daily: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last admission: 6:00 PM)
Winter (October–March): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission: 5:00 PM)
💵 Admission:
Adults: 4,000 KRW
Middle/High School Students & Military Personnel: 2,000 KRW
Elementary Students: 1,500 KRW
⚠️ Note: General houses are not open to visitors. Please do not enter any homes without the owner’s permission.
🌐 Website
7. Eat Traditional Temple/Vegan Food (Yeonhwa Baru)
Since Gyeongju is steeped in the Buddhist history of the Silla Kingdom, trying temple cuisine is a must-do experience. Even though I’m a meat lover, the vegan temple food here was so delicious that I ate until I was absolutely full! The restaurant, Yeonhwa Baru, specializes in traditional temple dishes, and even my husband, who rarely touches vegetables, loved the food here.
I always order the Baru Special Meal Set (20,000 KRW as of May 2024), which includes an array of appetizers and dishes, finishing with bibimbap and a rich, savory soybean paste stew. The stew has an intense flavor that may be surprising at first, but I found it absolutely delightful.
The restaurant is run by just two ladies who handle both cooking and serving, so service can be a bit slow. However, the healthy, flavorful food and peaceful atmosphere more than make up for it. Highly recommended!
📍 Address: 4827 Daegyeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
🕛 Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
8. Eat Hanwoo, Korean Beef (Yeongyang Sutbul Galbi)
After trying the essence of plant-based cuisine, how about indulging in some premium Korean beef? Surprisingly, Gyeongju is well-known for its high-quality hanwoo. I’m a big fan of Korean barbecue, but this place—Yeongyang Sutbul Galbi—served me the best meat I’ve ever had in my life!
The standout for me was the chimasal (flap meat), offered as both salt-grilled and marinated options. Personally, I preferred the salt-grilled version for its pure, rich flavor. My recommendation is to start with the salt-grilled, move on to the marinated, and finish with whichever you enjoyed most. Don’t forget to cap off the meal with naengmyeon (cold noodles) for the perfect finale.
This restaurant isn’t even on Google Maps yet, making it a true hidden gem loved by locals.
📍 Address: 79 Bonghwang-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk
🕘 Hours:
Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order: 8:30 PM, Break: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Weekends: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Last order: 9:00 PM)
9. Eat Hwangnam Bbang (Choi Yeonghwa Bakery)
When you think of Gyeongju, Hwangnam Bbang (Hwangnam Bread) immediately comes to mind. While there are many types of bread unique to Gyeongju, including Sipwon Bbang and Gyeongju Bbang, the original is Hwangnam Bbang. This sweet pastry, similar to manjū, was created by Choi Yeonghwa, whose eldest grandson now runs the Choi Yeonghwa Bakery.
The bakery allows you to enjoy freshly baked Hwangnam Bbang on-site. Although it’s filled with red bean paste, it’s not overly sweet or cloying, making it surprisingly addictive. I’m not usually a fan of sweet foods, but I truly enjoyed this one. It’s also great for packing and snacking on the go. While there’s a branch on Hwangridan-gil, I recommend visiting the original shop for an authentic experience.
📍 Address: 307-2 Hwango-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
🕘 Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily)
10. Morning Coffee by the River
If you’re traveling, isn’t it wonderful to enjoy coffee with a view? There’s a café located right by Bulguksa Temple, making it the perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee after exploring the temple. The café itself is spacious, with some gallery-like spaces and a stunning outdoor area. Built in traditional Korean architectural style, it’s a fantastic place for taking beautiful, Korea-inspired photos.
While the coffee itself isn’t exceptional, the scenery and photo opportunities make it worth a visit. It’s a great stop to pair with Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto for a complete day of exploration.
📍 Address: 181 Bobul-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
🕛 Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last order: 7:45 PM, Closed Wednesdays except on holidays)
🌐 Instagram: @cafe_arae_heon