11 Best Things to Do in Gyeongju (+ Tips to Make it Worth it)

Gyeongju has become one of my favorite cities in South Korea.

I’ve visited twice and enjoyed it just as much each time.

Many travelers only visit Gyeongju as a day trip. But I strongly recommend staying overnight or even taking a late bus to experience its historic sites at night.

This guide covers the best things to do in Gyeongju, where to stay, sample itineraries, and my top recommendations for making the most of your visit.

➡️ New to South Korea? Check out my South Korea travel guide for first-time visitors.

What is Gyeongju Famous for?

Visit Gyeongju, South Korea: A collage of nine images showcasing various scenic and historical landmarks in Gyeongju, South Korea, including ancient tombs, vibrant flower fields, traditional architecture, and illuminated night scenes, all under the title "Gyeongju, South Korea."

Gyeongju is located in southeastern Korea, just an hour north of Busan and is famously known as the “Museum without Walls.”

Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, which ruled over much of the Korean Peninsula from the 7th to 9th centuries.

It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous archaeological sites, royal tombs, ancient temples, and observatories.

Many of the shops, convenience stores, and even gas stations are hanok-style, or traditional Korean homes.

Here’s what to do in Gyeongju for your first visit:

1. Hwangnidan Street

Colorful and lit up Hwangnidan Street stores at night in Gyeongju

Hwangnidan Street is the main popular street downtown.

The cafes, restaurants, and shops are all in renovated or newly-built traditional hanok-style buildings.

A traditional hanok-style restaurant illuminated at night on Hwangnidan Street, Gyeongju, Korea, showcasing warm lighting and wooden architecture. Pedestrians walk along the bustling street lined with shops and eateries under the dark evening sky.

The views here at night are especially worth seeing. Evening time is also when it’s most lively with locals and tourists, though most shops close around 9pm.

There are lots of uniquely-designed stationary, souvenir shops, and photo booths.

I usually end the night just taking a stroll down the colorfully-lit up streets before heading back.

2. Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Royal Tombs)

Large green mound - Royal Tombs lit up at night, main things to do in Gyeongju

One of the main things to do in Gyeongju is see the big green mounds you’ll see everywhere.

They are ancient royal tombs and burial sites of kings, queens & nobles from the ancient Silla Kingdom.

There’s 23 royal tombs just in the city center and the whole historic area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Entrance to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex is free, but if you want to visit the museum, it is 3,000 won ($2 USD).

They were at its greenest when I visited in the spring. During autumn, they become yellow.

3. Cheomseongdae Observatory

Cheomseongdae Observatory in early evening_Gyeongju South Korea

Next door is Cheomseongdae, an astronomical observatory from the 7th century.

The observatory lights up at night in a reddish-pink hue. There is no entrance fee.

For any fellow kdrama fans, you’ll see the observatory as a popular fieldtrip site.

Field of red and yellow flowers and grass Cheomseongdae Observatory Flower Park in Summer in Gyeongju Korea

In the same area is a large flower park and the flowers you’ll see will depend on the season.

The first time I went was in early summer and it was filled with poppies and coreopsis flowers.

When I went back in late November, the night views were still very colorful:

A serene night view of a flower park in the Wolseong Gyeongju Historic Area, Korea, featuring softly illuminated trees, grasses, and pathways. A metal arch structure adds a whimsical touch to the dark, peaceful landscape under the night sky.

The next two Gyeongju attractions need to be seen at night. They’re nice during the day but 100% better at night.

That’s why I recommend staying at least one night or taking the late night bus back.

Visiting these were some of my favorite things to do in Gyeongju.

4. Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Wolji Pond bridge at night in Gyeongju. Traditional Korean building lit up at night surrounded by artificial pond and trees

Donggung Palace is walkable from the Cheomseongdae Observatory.

The palace, built during the Silla Dynasty, once served as a secondary palace complex for the crown prince.

In the same area is the Wolji Pond, an artificial pond surrounded by pavilions and gardens.

Wolji pond was built in 679 and has 3 small islands.

It can get quite packed—try to visit on a weekday or in late evening.

Lit up trees and traditional Korean buildings surrounding Wolji Pond at night in Gyeongju

It cost 3,000 won to enter, or around $2 USD.

Make sure to walk around the pond where you’ll see the lit-up trees. Incredible views.

5. Woljeonggyo Bridge

Lit up red and green Woljeonggyo Bridge at night_Gyeongju South Korea

Woljeonggyo Bridge is another Gyeongju attraction that needs to be seen at night.

It is the largest wooden bridge in Korea. The name itself means Shadow of the Moon.

"Woljeonggyo Bridge illuminated at night in Gyeongju, South Korea, showcasing its traditional architecture with vibrant colors and intricate designs. The bridge is lit with soft, warm lights, creating a serene and majestic ambiance against the dark sky."

It is around a 20-minute walk from the Gyeongju bus terminal area and is free to roam.

Woljeonggyo Bridge served as a crossing over the Hyeongsan River during the Silla Dynasty.

You can sit by the water and walk through the bridge.

Another site shown in kdramas like The King: Eternal Monarch.

6. Gyochon Traditional Village

A light brown hanok traditional Korean building lit up in the evening - Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

Located right next to Woljeonggyo Bridge is the Gyochon Traditional Village.

Gyochon Traditional Village is a village and living museum showcasing traditional Korean architecture, culture, and customs during the Joseon Dynasty.

All of the shops, restaurants, and homes are traditional hanok-style.

There’s lots of craft shops, teahouses, restaurants, cultural exhibits and workshops, and museums, though most are not open late evening.

7. Hwangseong Park

A vibrant autumn scene at Hwangseong Park in Gyeongju, Korea, showcasing a mix of colorful foliage in shades of red, orange, and green. The park is set against a backdrop of city buildings and forested hills under a clear evening sky.

Located more northwestern Gyeongju and where you’ll need to take a short bus ride is Hwangseong Park.

I went specifically to see some autumn foliage but there should be other seasonal flowers as well.

You can do a small hike to the top for views.

8. Bitnuri Garden

A scenic pathway surrounded by vibrant light installations shaped like flowers, with a large glowing lotus centerpiece in the background, located at Hwangseong Park's Bitnuri Garden during the night in Gyeongju, Korea.

A few blocks walkable from Hwangseong Park is Bitnuri Garden.

This is worth visiting mostly during the evening.

A colorful light display featuring an array of illuminated floral shapes in various hues, set against a dark night sky in Hwangseong Park's Bitnuri Garden, Gyeongju, Korea.

I did originally visited because it was one of the many Gyeongju filming locations for the kdrama Family by Choice.

It was nice basically having it all to myself to roam.

These next things to do in Gyeongju are if you’re staying more than one night. These are located in the northeastern part of the city.

9. Bulguksa Temple

Traditional Korean temple with colorful lantern lined on a string in the air - Bulguksa Temple_Gyeongju

Bulguksa Temple is another UNESCO Heritage site in Gyeongju.

The temple is located on Mount Toham in Gyeongju. Bulguksa means “Temple of the Buddha Land,” and was built during the Silla Dynasty.

The temple complex consists of traditional halls, pagodas, bridges, and stone staircases.

It takes one hour to get to Bulguksa Temple by bus from downtown Gyeongju.

You can also book a Gyeongju tour like this one that provides transportation.

Entrance to the temple is free.

If you have more time, you can also go to Seokguram Grotto nearby by bus to see the large Buddha statue.

I was either short on time or was getting hungry, so sadly skipped out on this.

10. Bomun Tourist Complex

View of Gyeongju World theme park in Gyeongju with pebble crossing on water

A 20-minute bus ride north of the Bulguksa Temple takes you to a more commercial area called the Bomun Tourist Complex with a large lake and nearby resorts and businesses.

Large temple replica building called Hwangnyongwon Joongdo Tower_Gyeongju

Here’s what to do in the area:

Gyeongju Tower is located inside the Gyeongju Culture Expo. Entrance cost will vary by the exhibit.

Right across is the Hwangnyongwon / Joongdo Tower, which is a actually corporate event hall (photo above).

A walk down the road is Gyeongju World Theme Park. I didn’t go in, but you can spend the day there.

Entrance is around $40 | Purchase tickets here.

Entrance to Gyeongju World Theme Park with roller coaster

11. Bomun Lake and Pavilion

Brown bridge with walking path - Bomun Lake and Pavilion Gyeongju Korea

Another walk down from the Gyeongju World Theme Park is Bomun Lake and Pavilion. There’s beautiful and peaceful walking paths around the area.

Visiting Bomun Lake is one of the most popular things to do in Gyeongju during cherry blossom season.

I took a bus to get back to downtown Gyeongju.

Day Trip to Gyeongju? Example Itineraries

Here’s what to do in Gyeongju depending on how long you stay.

"Shops along Hwangnidan Street in Gyeongju, South Korea, showcasing traditional Korean architecture. The storefronts include a restaurant with dishes displayed in the window, a photo studio, and a brightly lit shop with a modern, inviting interior."

One day trip to Gyeongju visit:

Hwangnidan Street
Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Royal Tombs)
Woljeonggyo Bridge
Gyochon Traditional Village
Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

2 days in Gyeongju:

Day 1: All of the above, but save the Wolji Pond and Woljeonggyo Bridge for nighttime views for either day 1 or day 2.

Day 2:

Bulguksa Temple
Bomun Tourist Complex
Bomun Lake and Pavilion
Optional: Gyeongju World Theme Park, Culture Expo

If you have more time, here’s more things to do in Gyeongju:

Hwangseong Park
Bitnuri Garden
Gyeongju National Museum
Jungang Market
East Palace Garden
World Car Museum

Gyeongju Tours

If you prefer guided or organized tours, here are a few popular choices:

1. Gyeongju one-day tour by City Tour Bus

2. Gyeongju one-day guided tour from Busan

3. Top Gyeongju UNESCO sites private tour

How to Get to Gyeongju

Outside Seoul Express Bus Terminal with white charter buses lined up

If you’re coming from Seoul, you can either take the high-speed train or express bus from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal.

From Seoul, it takes 2.5 hours by train, or 3.5 hours by bus.

I wrote a Gyeongju blog post detailing how to get from Seoul to Gyeongju and my recommended route (spoiler: bus).

📲 Book your express bus ticket to Gyeongju

Where to Stay in Gyeongju

White and brown Hanok-style 2-floor restaurant in Hwangnidan Street Gyeongju

The main area of Gyeongju is the city center or “downtown” where most of the historical sites and things to do in Gyeongju are located. It’s walkable from the bus terminals.

Here are hanoks and hotels in downtown Gyeongju to look at for your trip:

Traveler Type	Neighborhood
Best Night Views	Gyeongju Wadamjung Hanok Pension
Best Hanok Stay	Hwangnamkwan Hanok Guesthouse
Bomun Lake Area	Sono Belle Gyeongju Hotel
Downtown	Hotel Palace Gyeongju

🏨 Read my full post to find out where you should stay in Gyeongju

How to Get Around Gyeongju

There is no subway system in Gyeongju.

I mostly walked around since the main Gyeongju attractions are close to one another.

When I did take the bus, it was similar to the bus systems in Seoul and Busan.

The only times I took a longer bus ride was for an additional day trip to Pohang, and to go to the Bulguksa Temple and Bomun Tourist Complex.

If you choose to only stay in the downtown and city center, walking will suffice.

Is Gyeongju Worth Visiting?

Field of red and yellow flowers and grass with Cheomseongdae Observatory in background

Gyeongju lives up to its nickname as the “Museum without Walls.”

A trip to Gyeongju is like taking a trip back to the Joseon Dynasty with beautiful outdoor architectural, cultural, and nature sites.

There’s plenty of interesting things to do in Gyeongju that make it worth visiting.

While even a day trip to Gyeongju will be great, I 100% recommend either staying overnight or leaving in the evening to see the best of Gyeongju.

➡️ Read my guide next on where to stay in Gyeongju.

If you have more time, Busan & Pohang is an only hour bus ride away from Gyeongju.