Gyeongju

Angang Market

안강시장

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.

Bae-li-dang

배리당

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.

Mon-Fri 11:00-20:00, Sat Sun 12:00-21:00

Baeri Samneung Tombs

These three burial mounds are located at the entrance to the Samneunggol valley. The kings Gyeongmyeong, Sindeok and Adala are buried here. In the temple there are three standing Buddha statues — the Baeri Seokbul Statues.

Bulguksa Temple

불국사

A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Buddhist art from the 8th century. In front of the main prayer hall stand two iconic stone pagodas: Dabotap (Pagoda of Many Treasures), known for its highly decorative carvings, and Seokgatap (Pagoda of Buddha), admired for its simple and dignified design. Note: Entrance fees have been abolished since May 2023. Look for the "hidden stone pig" under the roof of Geuknakjeon Hall, which is believed to bring good luck. A copy of Seokgatap can also be seen at the Gyeongju National Museum.

09:00 – 18:00 (Exit by 19:00)·Free

Bunhwangsa Temple

분황사

The only pagoda built during the reign of Queen Seondeok from 634 remains in this temple. It is thus Korea's oldest pagoda and a special feature is that it was built with bricks. Originally it had nine levels, but today only three remain. There are also a few stone figures.

8:00 – 18:00 (during winter season until 17:00)·Free

Cafe Araeheon

카페 아래

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.

11:00-20:00(Closed Wednesdays)·10,000-20,000₩

California Beach

캘리포니아 비치 워터파크

California Beach is a large water park located in Gyeongju’s Bomun Tourist Complex. Inspired by California’s beaches, the park features wave pools, water slides, lazy rivers, and kid-friendly play zones. It is designed as a family-friendly summer destination and is connected to Gyeongju World amusement park, allowing visitors to enjoy both attractions. With seasonal events and various leisure facilities, California Beach is one of Gyeongju’s most popular summer spots.

09:30 – 18:00·Adult ₩47,000, child ₩37,000

Cheomseongdae Observatory

첨성대

The oldest existing observatory in the Far East, built during the reign of Queen Seonduk in 634.

Free

Daerungwon Burial Mound

경주 대릉원

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.

9:00 – 22:00 (last admission 21:30, open year-round)·₩3000(adult standard) ₩1000(child standard)

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

동궁과 월지

The artificial Anapji pond was created by King Munmu in 674. The pavilions on its banks were destroyed by fire and fell into the pond in 935. Archeological finds from the pond can be seen in the National Museum today. The pond is covered from late July to early August with blooming lotus flowers. In the middle stands a pavilion, which can be reached via steps. This place is popular with wedding couples who want to be photographed in the middle of the flower spectacle. Anapji has been renamed "Donggung and Wolji" since 2011. According to a Korean history book called the Three Kingdoms Saga, the pond, Wolji, was created in the 14th year of King Munmu (674), and Donggung was built in 679, after the unification of the Three Kingdoms was completed. Donggung and Wolji is one of the most beautiful place in Gyeongju. They are decorated with many lights. It will be good choice, if visit here in the night.

Dori Village Ginkgo Tree Forest

도리마을 은행나무숲

Numerous ginkgo trees form a forest, and there is something for villagers to enjoy by operating food and specialty markets.

Dosol Maeul

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.

Closed · opens noon·₩13,000 per head base, plus extra main dishes at ₩10,000 each

Gampo Public Market

감포공설시장

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.

Girimsa Temple

기림사

At the foot of Hamwolsan mountain, this temple was founded in 643 in the twelfth year of the rule of King Seondeok. The relatively large compound comprises of 16 buildings. The main highlights are the three floor pagoda (Samcheung Seoktap), the Daejeokgwangjeon hall and the golden sitting Buddha statue of Geonchilbosal Jwasang. This temple is much quieter than the one in nearby Bulguksa.

Golgulsa Temple

골굴사

20 km east of the ancient Silla Dynasty capital city of Gyeongju in Southeastern Korea. In the Golgulsa temple area can be found the oldest historical Buddhist ruins on Mt. Hamwol and the only cave temple in Korea. The original temple was built out of solid rock during the 6th century by Saint Kwang Yoo and his companions, Buddhist monks from India. This temple contains a sculptured Maya Tathagata Buddha (Buddha was known as the “Tathagata”; his mother was “Maya Devi”) and twelve rock caves. You can enjoy Temple Stay in Golgulsa.

09:00 – 17:00·Free

Gyeongju Cheonnyeon Hanu Bomun

A BBQ restaurant, also specializing in hanu beef. You get to choose your meat at the butcher shop, and as usually with Korean barbecue, it's barbecued on your table. The price includes all-you-can-eat side dishes.

Closed · opens 11:30 am·₩25,000 and up

Gyeongju Donggung Garden

경주 동궁원

A large-scale botanical garden and bird park inspired by Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. It features a massive glass greenhouse with subtropical plants and a bird park where visitors can interact with various species. It is a very popular spot for families.

Closed · opens 9:30 am·₩5,000 (Bird Park separate)

Gyeongju Folk Craft Village

A few replicas of the surrounding sights, some performances by artisans and several stores selling every imaginable type of souvenirs. In short: a tourist trap, that however is part of almost all tours and widely advertised.

free

Gyeongju Gyo-chon Traditional Village

경주교촌마을

Gyeongju Gyo-chon Traditional Village has been newly restored and preserves the original form of the cultural heritage. Woljeonggyo Bridge, the largest wooden bridge in Korea, has been newly restored, and colorful lighting can be seen at night.

Gyeongju Jungang Market

중앙시장

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.

Gyeongju National Park

경주국립공원/慶州國立公園

Either take a bus or taxi to get to the park. Once there, hiking trails lead up into the mountains. At first the signs are in both Korean and English but soon they become Korean only. Make sure you take a map or even better a Korean!

Gyeongju Simsang

경주심상

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.

11:00-19:00 (closed on Tuesdays)

Gyeongju World

An amusement park with a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster and other rides. It also incorporates several smaller theme parks such as the water park California Beach, the Kiddy Land and the Children's Animal Ranch.

Gyerim Forest

Located between the Cheomseongdae observatory and the National Museum, some of the trees here are over 2000 years old. According to a legend King Talhae heard a rooster in the forest in the middle of the night. The next morning a baby was found in the forest. The king adopted him, named him Kim Alji and he would eventually become the founder of Gyeongju. The forest was named Gyerim which translates to rooster.

Gyochon Traditional Village

교촌마을

A traditional Hanok village that was the center of Silla education and the seat of the famous Gyeongju Choi Clan (rich family) for 12 generations. Visitors can experience traditional Korean crafts, taste the famous 'Kyochon Gimbap', and see the well-preserved aristocratic architecture.

09:00-18:00 (Village grounds open 24h)·Free

Hwangnam Dagwa-jeom

황남다과점

A trendy dessert cafe in a renovated Hanok. Famous for its financiers and traditional tea, offering a perfect blend of old Gyeongju atmosphere and modern dessert culture.

Closed · opens 11 am·₩5,000-10,000

Hwangnam Gyeongju Ten-Won Bread

경주 십원빵

The original shop for the famous '10-won bread'. The bread is shaped like a 10-won coin and filled with melting mozzarella cheese. It has become a viral street food icon of Gyeongju.

Closed · opens 10 am·₩3,500

Hwangnam Ppang

The bakery where the namesake bread, or rather pastry, was invented in 1939. They are sold in packages of 20 or 30.

₩16,000-24,000

Hwangnidan-gil

황리단길

Hwanglidan-gil is a street full of delicious restaurants, cafes, shopping, and small shops in Gyeongju. It's a gathering place for young people traveling to and from the race, and many of the shops here are converted hanoks or single-family homes. Hwangnidan-gil is located in the core area of Gyeongju.

Hwangnyongsa

황룡사

Located east of downtown, these temple ruins of 66,0002 are among the largest in Asia. In 553 King Jinheung planned to build a palace here, however as he heard rumors that a yellow dragon had been seen there, he decided to make a temple here. It was completed in 645. The most important things here were a nine-level wooden pagoda and a golden five meter high statue of Jangnyuksang. The temple was destroyed by Mongol invaders in 1238 and now only the ruins of it remains, including two pillars which are named Dangganjiju — "the flag poles".

09:00 to 18:00 (11:00-19:00 on weekends/public holidays during peak April-October)·Free