Gyeongju

As a living museum of Korean history, or 'the museum without walls,'  Gyeongju is home to numerous archaeological sites, ancient Buddhist pagodas, royal tombs, and observatories. It was also known historically as Seorabeol and was the capital of the Silla kingdom, which governed the Korean Peninsula for almost a thousand years (57 BC–935 AD), making it a fascinating destination for cultural enthusiasts and history buffs in South Korea.

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Top things to do in Gyeongju, south korea

Revere the land of Buddha at Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

Dating back to the Silla Kingdom, Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan comprise a religious architectural complex of remarkable significance that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. While the artificial granite grotto Seokguram is famous for its monumental statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha looking out to sea in the bhumisparsha mudra position, which is regarded as a masterpiece of Buddhist art, Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple complex made up of a series of wooden buildings with exquisite multicolored tiles and carved artworks on stone terraces.

Walk around royal tumuli at Daereungwon Tomb Complex

Daereungwon Tomb Complex is a cluster of 23 royal tombs of Silla rulers and family members. From the outside, they look like pyramid-like grassy hillocks rolling across the landscape. Many of the tumuli have yielded historic treasures that are now on exhibit at the Gyeongju National Museum. One tomb, Cheonmachong, is available to tourists to see excavated artifacts, jade ornaments, and weapons.

Admire the remarkable Cheomseongdae Observatory

Cheomseongdae Observatory is one of Asia's oldest astronomy observatories, dating back to the 7th century in the kingdom of Silla. Its square stylobate comprises of 362 stones placed on top of each other to represent the 362 days in a lunar year, and it was primarily used to forecast the weather. For those visiting this historical site in autumn from September, there will be a chance to snap a selfie amidst a field full of pink muhly grass beside an ancient observatory and misty mountain peaks.

Experience a temple stay at Golgulsa Temple

Satying overnight in a beautiful temple is a must-do in South Korea if you're so into diverse cultures and traditions. There are several temple stay options suitable for foreign visitors, and in Gyeongju, you can experience it at Golgulsa, a tranquil temple located amid the natural beauty of Hamwolsan Mountain. During the stay, you can take part in morning rituals, tea ceremonies, meditation sessions, communal activities, and martial arts, especially Seonmudo, a traditional Korean Buddhist training technique.

Step back in time at Yangdong Folk Village

Yangdong Folk Village is an ancient Joseon-era village, where you see people still live in some of its hanok (Korean traditional houses). With one of the longest known histories in Korea, it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. Here you will find noble houses with 100-year-old tiled roofs and beautiful village roads. There are several course options to visit the large village, and it is advised to choose a course in advance.

The Best Gyeongju Private Tours For You

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Destinations
Experiences
Duration
Highlights of South Korea with DMZ Experience

Highlights of South Korea with DMZ Experience

8 days from $3488 / Person

This 8-day journey will offer you a chance to learn about South Korea's history and culture, including traditions, temples, markets, street food, and high-speed trains. Begin by discovering Seoul’s local markets and historical sites and South Korea's Demilitarized Zone before continuing to...

8 days
Seoul → Gyeongju → Busan
cultural nature cuisine history
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Best of South Korea

Best of South Korea

10 days from $4336 / Person

Are you ready for an unforgettable vacation experience in South Korea? On this 10-day tour, you'll explore the attractions of Seoul and surrounding areas, as well as visit folk villages, historic museums, and Busan's traditional markets, and even experience a temple stay in Gyeongju. Learn about...

10 days
Seoul → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju Island
swimming cultural heritage nature cuisine beach history
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True Beauty of South Korea

True Beauty of South Korea

14 days from $5757 / Person

Uncover the true beauty of South Korea on this two-week adventure offering insights into local history, nature, culture, and cuisine. From bustling, neon-lit streets to rolling hills, long sandy beaches to mountainous temples, our local experts will take you off the main tourist path and show you...

14 days
Seoul → Jeonju → Daegu → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju Island
cultural cuisine beach history
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Immersive Journey through South Korea

Immersive Journey through South Korea

14 days from $5790 / Person

An insightful immersion into best of South Korean highlighted cultural and natural features, it's encapsulated within our 2-week traversing across the country's famous destinations. Starting in Seoul, with vibrant capital's palaces, markets, and modern landmarks. Suwon, Andong, and Gyeongju...

14 days
Seoul → Daejeon → Gyeongju → Busan → Jeju → Seoul
cultural heritage nature cuisine adventure beach history
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Timeless Beauty of South Korea & Japan

Timeless Beauty of South Korea & Japan

14 days from $8225 / Person

As the name, let's unveil the timeless beauty of two wonderful East Asian countries where contemporary modern culture meets well-preserved traditions and history. Explore South Korea from North to South through prominent destinations including bustling capital metropolis of Seoul, historic city of...

14 days
Seoul → Gyeongju → Busan → Osaka → Kyoto → Kanagawa → Tokyo
boating cultural heritage nature wildlife history
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South Korea Vietnam Tour: Cultures and Highlights

South Korea Vietnam Tour: Cultures and Highlights

14 days from $5460 / Person

Offering the classic itinerary for any visitors in South Korea and Vietnam, this 2-week package covers the trio Korean destinations: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan and three major travel stops of Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An Ancient Town, which showcases the very best of the two countries'...

14 days
Seoul → Gyeongju → Busan → Hoi An → Hanoi → Halong Bay
swimming cruising boating cultural heritage nature cuisine kayaking
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South Korea Cultural and Beach Relaxation

South Korea Cultural and Beach Relaxation

15 days from $5725 / Person

With pleasant travel itinerary visiting Korean famous destinations from North to South, this tour is a perfect choice for those who prefer classic tour capturing the very best of Korea yet keep everything not too rush, make a balance between outdoor sightseeing and relaxation. While Seoul boasts...

15 days
Seoul → Jeonju → Busan → Gyeongju → Jeju Island
cultural heritage nature cuisine beach history
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The authentic & unique experiences in Gyeongju you can expect

Gyeongju
South Korea

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

Located near Gyeongju, Bulguksa Temple showcases stunning Silla Dynasty typical architecture with its intricate stone terraces and centuries-old pagodas. A short hike away, Seokguram Grotto houses a...

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Gyeongju
South Korea

Challenge yourself with 3-hour hiking at Namsan Mountain

The Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju, unlike eponymous one in bustling Seoul, combines serene nature and history, offering a unique experience through forested trails dotted with ancient...

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Gyeongju
South Korea

Learn Sunmudo - a unique experience at Golgulsa Temple

Sunmudo, meaning "the way of martial arts and meditation," is a Zen Buddhist practice that blends dynamic physical movements with mindfulness and breathing techniques. At Golgulsa Temple, located in...

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Gyeongju
South Korea

Take a fascinating glimpse of Silla Dynasty in Daereungwon Tomb Complex

Daereungwon Tomb Complex is one of Gyeongju's most iconic historical sites. Well-known for its impressive collection of 23 large and small burial mounds, this ancient tomb complex offers a...

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Gyeongju
South Korea

Pay a historic visit to Gyeongju National Museum

Gyeongju National Museum, located in historic city of Gyeongju, is a treasure trove of artifacts from the Silla Kingdom, which ruled Korea for nearly a thousand years. The museum houses a vast...

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Gyeongju
South Korea

Explore Gyeongju's Ancient Astronomical Observatory Tower

Gyeongju's Ancient Astronomical Observatory Tower, commonly known as Cheomseongdae, is the oldest still exsisting astronomical observatory in East Asia. Built during the 7th century in the Silla...

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Gyeongju travel guide information

Gyeongju Quick Facts

Gyeongju is the second largest city by area in North Gyeongsang Province after Andong

Location: southeastern corner of the province, 370 km (230 mi) southeast of Seoul

Area: 511 square miles (1,324 square km)

Population: 249,845 (2022)

Gyeongju experiences a cooler version of a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters and a monsoon season from late June to early August.

World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in and nearby Gyeongju include Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju Historic Areas, and Yangdong Folk Village.

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Best time to visit Gyeongju, south korea

Like the other parts of South Korea, Gyeongju experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures varying between the city and the inland area. The best time to visit this coastal city is considered in spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), when the weather is pleasant and dry and you can view cherry blossoms in bloom or vivid autumnal foliage.

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Gyeongju
Best time
Great time
Off season

Top South Korea Food in Gyeongju, south korea
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"Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)"

Sundubu-jjigae is a popular capsicum dish in Gyeongju. It ranks with kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and doenjang jjigae (bean curd stew) as one of the most popular Korean stews. Its key ingredient is sundubu, or uncurdled tofu, soft and silky. Sundubu-jjigae is often based on meat (usually beef) or a variety of seafood, followed by spicy gochugaru (chilli powder), veggies, and raw chilis.

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"Hwangnam-ppang (Gyeongju Bread)"

Hwangnam-ppang is a must-try for sweet-toothed foodies in Gyeongju. Also called Gyeongju bread or Hwangnam bread, it's a small pastry made with egg-flour dough and filled with sugary red bean curd. Tourists can find these bite-sized delights with their original version at the Hwangnam Bread Original Store (783 Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si).

4

"Chueo-tang (Loach Soup)"

Though chueo-tang is a signature dish of Namwon rustic city, the chefs of Gyeongju have been cooking it for decades. The soup uses boiled and deboned pond loaches, a tiny freshwater fish living in rice paddies after harvest. The mixture is thickened with soybean and chili paste, as well as ginger and mung beans, mustard seeds, and pepper. It is then served with cooked greens and mint.

4

"Haejang-guk (Hangover Soup)"

Haejang-guk is a delight if you've had a party night with soju (Korean vodka). It's a tailor-made broth for curing a hangover. There are several variations, but the main idea is a big, comforting, meaty broth from pork spine. On top of that goes Napa cabbage, sea cucumber, and bean paste.

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