Free things to do in Gyeongju

Free things to do in Gyeongju

1. See

   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

2. See

   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

3. See

   Cheomseongdae Observatory

   첨성대

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

   Free

4. See

   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

5. See

   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

6. See

   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

7. See

   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

8. See

   Kamŭnsa

   감은사지

   This temple which is close to the sea in the east has only the foundations and two 13-m-high stone pagodas remaining. The building was begun by King Munmu and completed by his son, Shinmun, in 682. The temple hall was to serve as a resting place of King Munmu's reincarnation as a sea dragon, and therefore Shinmun built a water path from the sea to this temple. This should not be confused with Tomb of Munmu of Silla that is also close by and also references the sea dragon reincarnation.

   Open at all times·Free

9. Do

   Namsan mountain

   남산

   This historically and spiritually significant mountain only 5min south of the central city is littered with historical Buddha reliefs carved into its rocks and boulders as well as dotted with ancient pagodas and temples. A hike up the mountain (466 m) through its western valley from the Samneung tomb site is recommended.

   Open year-round, 24 hours·Free

10. See

    Seokguram Grotto

    석굴암

    A masterpiece of Silla Buddhist art, this grotto houses a majestic granite Buddha looking toward the East Sea. On the solstice, a ray of sun hits the Buddha's "third eye," a design meant to protect the kingdom. Although the Buddha is now behind a glass panel for preservation, the site offers spectacular views on clear days. Photography is strictly prohibited inside due to the sacred nature of the site. Entrance has been free since May 2023.

    09:00 – 17:30 (Weekends until 18:00)·Free

11. See

    Woljeonggyo Bridge

    월정교

    Scenic bridge reconstructed in Silla style near Gyeongju National Museum and Gyochon Traditional Village. It is a popular place for its night view

    9:00 – 22:00·free

12. Do

    Wolseong Park

    월성지

    Wolseong Park, also called Banwolseong or “Half-Moon Fortress,” is the former site of the Silla royal palace in Gyeongju. Although the earthen fortress walls remain, the area is now a large grassy park featuring historical relics and scenic walking paths. Archaeological excavations have uncovered palace foundations, ponds, and artifacts from the Silla Dynasty, providing valuable insight into Korea’s ancient royal culture. Today, the park is a peaceful site popular for strolling, photography, and exploring nearby landmarks such as Cheomseongdae Observatory and Anapji Pond.

    Open year-round, 24 hours·Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Gyeongju (CC BY-SA 4.0).