Location: Gyeongju
Top Things to do in Gyeongju
What to do and see in Gyeongju, South Korea: The Best Places and Tips
Gyeongju (Korean: 경주, pronounced [kjʌŋ.dʑu]), historically known as "Seorabeol" (Korean: 서라벌, pronounced [sʌ.ɾa.bʌl]), is a coastal city in the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang Province in South Korea. It is the second largest city by area in the province after Andong, covering 1,324 km (511 sq mi) with a population of 264,091 people (as of December 2012.) Gyeongju is 370 km (230 mi) southeast of Seoul, and 55 km (34 mi) east of Daegu. The city borders Cheongdo and Yeongcheon to the west, Ulsan to the south and Pohang to the north, while to the east lies the coast of the East Sea. Numerous low mountains—outliers of the Taebaek range—are scattered around the city.
Restaurants in Gyeongju
1. Gyeongju National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By fiamma11 - Vienna, Virginia
If interested in Korean history or culture, or the Silla Kingdom, this is a fabulous museum. It is a small gem but it has a lot to offer. Not to be missed.
2. Bulguksa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
An impressive complex of stone pagodas and wooden shrines.
Reviewed By werner867 - Niedernhausen, Germany
Bulguksa, Haeinsa and Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul are the top three temples in South Korea. Nice Location and special atmosphere..Watch the stone construction of the main wall which makes the temple more stable against earthquakes. Women in traditional dresses spent Lotus tee for free and even gave us the two white Lotus shaped bowls for free. Touch the bronze pig and you will get rich
3. Anapji Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 632 reviews
Reviewed By Bawono Budi W
I went here on the nighttime at first, but soon gave up due to the LONG line. Ended up coming back the next morning, and I have to say the pond is very breathtaking even in the daylight. A bit warm, but you can see everything clear as day. It's considerably less crowded in the daytime also, so pick your battle.
4. Yangdong Folk Village
Overall Ratings
4 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By LazyRose - Red Deer, Canada
Our original plan was to do an over night stay here, but we ended up doing it as a day trip from Busan instead, which worked a little better. We came here with a friend from Korea who showed us around the area and he had a pretty decent knowledge of some of the history. The houses are all very well kept and in good condition, it's a nice place to walk around for a couple hours. There are also places nearby where you can rent Hanbok (traditional clothing) and take photos in the village - lots of people were doing this.
5. Daereungwon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By TheHappyWandering1 - Elwood, Australia
Interesting place, with several burial mounds. There is only one that you can go inside, and all artifacts are replicas with the originals being in the Gyeongju museum. There is plenty of burial mounds right outside this complex, that you can walk around and see for free.
6. Cheonmachong Tomb
Overall Ratings
4 based on 309 reviews
Reviewed By fiamma11 - Vienna, Virginia
It is hard to differentiate this tomb from all the others from the Silla Kingdom in Gyeongju so I was torn between four or five stars. Ultimately I decided this entire area is so worthy, I gave it five. Lovely historical area, lovely park, not to be missed when visiting Korea to learn more about its history.
7. Gyeongju Historic Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By BuccaneerDave - Nanaimo, Canada
On a 12 day trip to South Korea we tried to get a sample of rural, historical and urban experiences. Decided on a couple of days in Gyeongju for the historical, rural aspect. We misjudged this part of our trip. We spent 2 nights here and should have stayed longer.
Did not take advantage of riding bikes as we enjoy just wandering around on foot. And this area truly is a Museum without Walls! There are so many fantastic things to see and do. Burial tombs through out the community. Museums. Ponds. Great daytrip opporutnities. Festivals.
We seemed to have outstanding luck on our visit here as we went out for an evening walked and stumbled upon a 2 day festival. Not the Shilla Cultural Festival as it was a week prior, but another full-on festival featuring traditional music, dance, lantern displays and then at night hundreds of lit candles in the air for good luck.
All in all we had a great time in this area. Lots of history. Easily walkable (long distances but interesting). Great hotel (Mini Hotel 141). Night festival with traditional music and dance. Gorgeous lanterns. Really was a great spot to visit and learn about Korea's history.
You should make this part of your trip as well!
8. Gyeongju National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By HappyFamily0f3 - London, United Kingdom
The free map available from the tourist information office in Gyeongju includes a map of the Namsan region to give an overview, and the area is well signed (see photo). We took bus 500 to Samneug and set off from there. Not only is the scenery amazing, but the mountain is also peppered with relics, pagodas and stone Buddhas, making this a fascinating mountain to visit. The walking is sometimes steep, but as long as you have suitable footwear, plenty of water and are moderately fit, then it is fine. We came back down the mountain to Yongjan-ri village and caught the same bus back to town. A very enjoyable day.
9. Bomun Lake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By fleur_inoue - Singapore, Singapore
We chanced upon the area by accident while walking from the amusement park, and it was a very pleasant surprise to find beautiful views. Four of us immediately rented a duck boat, and off we paddled around the lake. Took many good photos, and we had a great time steering a little too near to the coast. Definitely one of the most chill areas in Korea that we've been to, and I wish we had time to stay at the cafe nearby.
Relaxing music, beautiful flowers/trees, and the stunning lake. Will be back if I have the chance.
10. Cheomseongdae Observatory
Overall Ratings
4 based on 449 reviews
Reviewed By ianx17489 - Deal, United Kingdom
We went to see this as part of a wider tour, so the guide was able to explain all about its history which made it more interesting.
It's a really well built structure and has stood he test of time... we visited it shortly after a local earthquake and there was someone here already taking photos to check for any movement... non detected I believe. (So efficient).
Without a guide explaining it is just another stone tower but... if possible get and guide and learn more about it.
