Gyeongju, South Korea – 28 Things To Do Guide + Photos

Gyeongju is one of South Korea’s best preserved ancient cities with the most temples, pagodas and former palaces anywhere in the country.

Very different from the big cities of Busan and Seoul, Gyeongju is a marvelous mix of old and new South Korea and once the capital of the Korean Silla Dynasty – for every cool coffee shop, there is a historic hanok house or centuries old site.

From hanbok hire to tranquil temples, night markets to craft beer breweries, these are the very best things to do in Gyeongju, South Korea with photos. We last visited Gyeongju in April 2026.

This article was originally published on cktravels.com on 21 August 2024

Alternatively you can reach Gyeongju from Seoul by taking the high-speed KTX train from either Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Gyeongju Station. Please note Gyeongju Station is located quite far from the city center so we recommend taking the bus. The journey takes around 2.5 hours. Book your Seoul to Gyeongju KTX train ticket on Klook >

Alternatively you can take the high-speed KTX train from Busan station to Gyeongju Station. The journey takes around 27 minutes. Please note Gyeongju Station is located quite far from the city center so we recommend taking the bus. You can book your train tickets on trip.com or in person at the train station.

Check out our guide to using a T-Money card which can be used on public transportation in South Korea, plus our guide to recommended phone travel apps.

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Things to do in Gyeongju, South Korea

1. Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

Take a step back in time at Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village, a historic hanok chock full of live demonstrations, cute cafes and courtyards plus one of the best places to pose in hanbok dress.

Originally established in the 7th century and recreated over the years, this small but sublime slice of South Korea life from yesteryear is one of the most popular things to do in Gyeongju – better yet, it is free admission.

Even if you don’t fancy doing any of the hands-on activities or sit down restaurants, Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village is a pleasant place to walk around and combine with nearby Woljeong Bridge and the Namcheon Stream stepping stones.

From kimchee to noodle making, live performances to food and drink, here is our ultimate guide to Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village >

South Korea checklist

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All set for South Korea? Do one final check with our Seoul first timers guide and our South Korea packing list

2. Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple is one of Gyeongju’s most popular and beautiful temples, with thousands of tourists and local worshippers visiting every day.

Built in the 8th century with an idyllic hillside and forest setting, Bulguksa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit when in Gyeongju – it is also only a short bus ride out of town from the main bus terminals.

From what to see at the temple to which buses to get to it, check out our guide to Bulguksa Temple >

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You might like – Our first timer’s guide to Seoul including our Korean SIM card and eSIM guide

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3. Woljeonggyo Bridge

We were lucky enough to visit Gyeongju during the autumn / fall and one of the most spectacular spots is Woljeonggyo Bridge (although this is true any time of the year).

Spanning the Nakdonggang River, the original Woljeonggyo Bridge was built over a thousand years ago in the 8th century but sadly burnt down – this new version was built in 2018 and is the largest wooden bridge in Korea.

Free to visit, you can walk across the bridge and see all the intricate woodwork and painting, but it is best viewed from afar – for the best spot, head past the Woljeonggyo Stepping stones down river and enjoy the panoramic views.

The bridge also lights up at night and is easily combined with the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village next door.

4. Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil / Poseok-Ro

The best place in Gyeongju for restaurants, Korean snacks, cute coffee shops and souvenir shopping, Hwangnidan Street is a curious mix of historic hanok style buildings and modern shops and restaurants.

Popular for tourist hanbok rentals and golf buggy rentals, this is a lovely place to stroll around, trying tasty Korean tidbits or fun desserts like the 10 Won cheese coins – many of the more popular places have big queues at night.

Several of the coffee shops along Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil have second stories and terraces looking out over the Gyeongju and street below so it is a great place for a sunset sip or dalgona at dusk.

5. Jungang Night Market

So far we’ve only talked about historical parts of Gyeongju, but much fun and fine food is to be had at Jungang Market, the main market place for Gyeongju locals. This is one of the best local places to try the best Korean street food.

It becomes Jungang Night Market in the evenings (from Thursday to Sunday), and has around 60 or so food stalls, selling everything from cheesy lobster to flame grilled beef.

This was one of our favourite places in Gyeongju at night as there was lots of food choice, it was under cover (great if raining) and prices were reasonable.

If you only have limited time in Gyeongju, we’d recommend going here at night as opposed to the daytime so you can try all the local foods.

South Korea Hallyu Tip – Jungang Night Market also offers a 12,000 Won 4 food sampler. You buy a tray and can try tasters from four different stalls.

It sounds good but be prepared to queue a long time for some of the more popular stalls – plus your food gets cold if you are waiting in line several times and wanting to eat all your food together.

7. 월성분식 / ‘Monthly Meal’

By far and away the best and most authentic meal we had in Gyeongju, this Jeyuk Bokkeum / Bulgogi restaurant is run by a lovely old couple (she cooks, he washes up and serves!) and only has a handful of tables. You wouldn’t even know it existed if you were just walking past. 

Costing around 10,000 Won per person, you can order the biggest bulgogi platter ever and it comes with several sides, including one of the best kimchi plates we ever tried.

We visited late one lunch and it was just us and a table of local workmen but we have read online that some days there are queues.

One of our favourite ever South Korean food experiences, the restaurant is called ‘월성분식’ on Google Maps (which seems to translate as ‘Monthly Meal’ and can be found here on Google Maps >

PS We’ve mentioned Monthly Meal on our South Korea Travel Tips and Planning Facebook group (and at least two other travellers who went after our recommendation have said it was one of the foodie highlights of their trips. So don’t just take our word for it…

8. Dongbu Historic Area

This is the stretch of Gyeongju that encompasses Cheomseongdae Observatory, the Tomb of King Nameul, Wolji Pond, Gyerim Forest plus lots of natural beauty spots. It is a designated area of historic conservation, to help preserve all of Gyeongju’s historic Silla Kingdom sites.

This was one of the busiest places we encountered in Gyeongju but it is so worth it – there are lots of paths and parks you can visit and the area is free to explore.

We’d recommend climbing up the hills in this area to escape the crowds and get incredible area views (including of Cheomseongdae Observatory).

Korean souvenir ink stamp collectors can also collect a special Cheomseongdae stamp at the visitor center right next to the chimney).

On one of our previous visits in October, the sunflower fields at Dongbu (between Gyeongju National Museum and Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond) bloomed into life and were a very popular selfie spot.

9. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji)

Originally built in the 7th century, South Korea’s second palace has been rebuilt several times over the last few centuries, centred around the huge Wolji Pond (the reflections of the buildings lit up at night look amazing). The lake blossoms into life with lotus flowers in the summer months.

Established in 679AD, Donggung was the main banquet and ceremonial site for important South Korea events and important visitors.

Many other building remains have also been found in this area over the years – the latest incarnation of Donggung Palace was restored in the 1980s.

10. Whasoo Brewery

Looking for some craft beer in Gyeongju? Head to Whasoo Brewery 화수브루어리 경주점 (map), a short bus ride from the historic core of Gyeongju and one of our favourite breweries in South Korea.

Or head to their new downtown Whasoo Brewery craft beer bar 경주맥주 직판매장 (map) located just off Hwangnidan-gil.

We discovered the delights of Whasoo Beer at the annual Busan Beer Festival (yes, it is as good as it sounds – we include it on our best things to do in Busan) so we knew we had to make the beery pilgrimage here when we visited Gyeongju. Handily it is close to the Gyeongju Expo Grand Park so the two can be combined.

Whasoo Brewery taproom (the larger one out of town) is ultra-sleek and modern, located on the ground floor of a shopping mall with a huge outdoor terrace and ample indoor seating.

As well as being some of the best South Korea craft beer we’ve tried, you can also pour your own pints.

As you enter Whasoo Brewery, you are given an electronic wristband and you just put this against the beer tap of your choice, pull your own pint and then pay for what you drank at the end. It is an excellent way to try lots of craft beers in a nice brewery environment – ganbei / cheers!

11. Gyeongju Tower & Gyeongju Expo Grand Park

A little out of the city in the Bomun Tourist Complex, Gyeongju Expo Grand Park is a theme park and museum complex comprising several exhibitions and halls (entrance is 12,000 Won – correct as of summer 2026).

Including several cinemas, a Natural History Museum and an ‘experiential hall’ (plus giant robots), this is a fun thing to do in Gyeongju for all the family.

Perhaps the best known attraction here is the iconic Gyeongju Tower, an 80 metre high viewing deck with a 9 storey wooden pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple cut out in the middle – it looks so cool!

12. Woljeonggyo Stepping Stones

Another picturesque activity in Gyeongju is the Woljeonggyo Stepping Stones, free to go across and a great place to look at the nearby Woljeonggyo Bridge from afar.

This (and the bridge) has been a popular spot for K-Drama filming including “The King: Eternal Monarch”.

A word of warning – the steps get very crowded and there are big gaps between the Woljeonggyo Stepping Stones.

You sometimes have to wait for people to pass and it can get busy so if you aren’t a fan of water, maybe just take pics from afar.

13. Gyeongju Hanbok Rental

Many visitors to Gyeongju wear hanboks and traditional Korean costumes whilst exploring historical areas such as the hanok, Donggung Palace and Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village – they can be easily hired at dozens of hanbok rental shops all around the village (such bright colours too).

Hanbok style clothing has been around for over 1,500 years. A popular family / tourist activity in Gyeongju is to dress up as a family and take pictures around town (often zipping around in the gold buggies you can hire – quite the sight)!

Some families even hire professional photographers (fancy).

Check out this Gyeongju Hanbok Rental Experience or a private professional photoshoot in Gyeongju.

14. Jinsu’s table

A new but OLD inclusion in our Gyeongju things to do guide – on our latest 2026 trip, we returned to Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village and dined in a hanok dining room at Jinsu’s Table Jinsu-seongchan 진수성찬 (map).

Specialising in bibimbap, it honestly felt like we were in our very own K-drama as we ate nice food, drank ice-cold Cass beer and looked out into the historic courtyard from our own hanok.

As you enter the hanok, you take off your shoes and are shown to your table – we opted for the traditional Gyeongju bulgogi bibimbap which cost 15,000 Won – whilst not the cheapest, we thought the price was pretty reasonable given the setting. Oh, and they serve several sides with it too – so you wont go hungry.

15. Gyeongju National Museum Area

If you’d like to delve deeper into Gyeongju’s past, there are several museums and exhibition halls all located together close to Donggung Palace.

As well as the Gyeongju National Museum, there is the Silla Art Exhibition Hall, Wolji Exhibition Hall plus several parks, pagodas and ceremonial bell towers.

Reminiscent of a university campus, the Gyeongju National Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and until 5pm on weekdays.

The permanent exhibitions, grounds and outdoor exhibitions are free to explore.

16. Bagel Bageler

As the sign says on this hanok style bagel bar and coffee shop – “In Bagel We Trust”. This was one of the most popular bakeries and coffee shops we encountered in Gyeongju, famous for their freshly baked / boiled bagels and gorgeous hanok style interiors.

Inside, there are views across Gyeongju’s Daereungwon and flower fields plus it has a lovely outdoor terrace popular with families (and their dogs)!

17. Geumgwanchong / Gold Crown Tombs

Dating back to the 5th century and one of the oldest parts of Gyeongju, this is an underground burial tomb which looks like giant grassy domes from the outside.

We’d recommend visiting the Geumgwanchong / Gold Crown Tomb interiors as it is free to visit and the museum gives a really good background on the history and significance of the tombs, plus has cabinets full of items found inside the mounds.

It is often referred to as the Gold Crown Tomb as it was the first ever burial site that held a gold crown of the Silla Royal Family, which is still the biggest crown recovered so far.

However, we did find it a bit weird (possibly just us) that there is a huge line of people queuing up outside the tomb to take selfie snaps or jump in the air with the burial mound as the background.

As with Cheomseongdae and other heritage sites in Gyeongju, you can also collect free souvenir ink stamps here so do take a notepad or stampbook.

18. Olive Young Hanok Gyeonju

Of course Gyeongju has a hanok Olive Young, it even has a traditional Korean style garden complete with water features and statues – some would say it is K-beautiful!

Opened in October 2025 and located on one of the main intersections of Hwangnidan-gil, this is your one stop in Gyeongju for face masks, skincare products and a bounty of K-beauty products.

This is one of Olive Young’s new concept stores which are being rolled out in unusual locations or interesting buildings in areas such as Jeonju, Jeju Island and here in Gyeongju.

19. Korean Photo Booths in Gyeonju

Selfie studios and Korean photo booths are popping up everywhere in South Korea but the selfie booths in Gyeongju are a little different.

Most are located in historic looking hanok style buildings (some historic, some modern recreations) and visitors often arrive wearing traditional hanbok / Korean dress.

If you haven’t been to one before, Selfie kiosks are brightly coloured stores dotted around Gyeongju where you can borrow clothes and fun props (like vegetable hats, big sunglasses, animal paw gloves etc) and then pose for selfies or take photos in booths for a small fee. Printed out photograph sets start from around 4,000 Won.

A special shout out to the new(ish) Korean photo booth store Jjikgo which has several themed booths including a vintage elevator, a teddy bear pile and a Chinese restaurant.

Some of the most popular hanok style Korean selfie photo booths in Gyeongju include Angle, PhotoLab+ Photoism, Signature and Momo Mansion. One new trend we noticed in 2026 is fishtank cameras whereby the camera is placed behind an aquarium to make for a very fishy frame!

Read more in our guide to Korean photo booths >

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20. Gyeongju Snoopy Scooters

A ‘paw-some’ ride – on our latest 2026 trip to Gyeongju, Snoopy scooters seemed to be a popular way to get around in addition to the gold buggies (we also believe they are also popular in Jeonju).

You can rent Snoopy gas scooters in Gyeongju via Trazy for 25,000 Won for 1 hour, 35,000 Won for 2 hours or 45,000 Won for 3 hours – so cheap, it is almost peanuts (sorry not sorry).

Please note you must have a valid International Drivers Licence (IDP) to rent an electric or gas scooter.

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21. Miffy Store Gyeongju

Gyeongju’s newest attraction at the time of writing in June 2026, Miffy Store Gyeongju 미피스토어 경주점 opened a couple of weeks after we visited in April so annoyingly, we haven’t been ourselves (but we did make it to the Miffy Cafe in Busan which we feature in our Yeongdu guide).

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Located in a hanok style building, it is a Miffy themed souvenir shop located on Hwangridan-gil area – and yes, it has exclusive Gyeongju Miffy merch like Seokguram Miffy inspired by the famous Seokguram Grotto close to Bulgaksa Temple and ‘Pensive Bodhisattva Miffy’.

Next door, there is a small Gyeongu Miffy cafe with themed drinks and desserts – you can also buy Miffy bakery keyrings and plushes – so take plenty of ‘dough’ if you are a fan.

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22. Get a cartoon caricature

Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil and the surrounding environs are home to several quirky cartoon caricature studios (many in hanok style buildings), where street cartoonists have set up studios to do fun family portraits.

Particularly popular at the Jeonju cartoon caricature stalls seemed to be couples being drawn dressed in hanboks complete with their pet dogs – maybe the artist starts with a ‘woof outline?

Prices vary but start at around 6,000 Won based on a teeny tiny drawing.

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23. Ichini sando Gyeongju

There are many fads and phases in South Korea which often lead to long lines – on our latest trip to Gyeongju, the BIGGEST line-up by far was for Ichini Sando (이치니산도) – seriously the queue went all around the front of the shop then around the corner.

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Ichini Sando 이치니산도 in Gyeongju is famous for its Japanese-style “sando” sandwiches, in particular their fruit sandwiches which are ‘sweet as’ and contain strawberries, kiwi, grapes, or citrus.

Sadly, there was no way we were going to queue up that long so we didn’t actually get to try the Ichini Sando (이치니산도) – but we aren’t sure anything could live up to hype based on that queue!

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24. Seokguram Grotto

If you head to Bulguksa Temple, make sure to also visit the sister Seokguram Grotto high in the hills above looking out over the sea and Gyeongju.

Built in 751 AD, this hermitage is a beautiful Buddhist temple and shrine with a giant concrete Buddha (although quite small compared to Bulgaksa Temple below).

The 2km hike is quite steep and remote so be sure to stock up on water before tackling the trail. To get here, take bus 12 from outside Bulguksa Temple.

25. K-Pop Museum

Gangnam style…sorry… Gyeongju style. Learn from our mistake – we wanted to visit the K Pop Museum in Gyeongju badly but we rocked up and didn’t realise it was closed on a Monday (and on Tuesdays too), so we went next door to the Wasoo Brewery instead (which was also fun).

Billed as Korea’s first dedicated K Pop Museum, the collection have over 70,000 items plus has a huge outdoor stage for special events.

The permanent exhibition looks back at over 100 years of K-Pop across four floors (note that the emphasis is on the early days of Korean Pop, so isn’t really about modern K-Pop).

26. Gyeongju World

We love Korean theme-parks and have been to adventure parks like E-World in Daegu and Lotte Adventure World Busan – so if you are visiting Gyeongju with kids, be sure to spend some time at Gyeongju World.

It has lots of themed zones like a California Beach or snow park in the winter plus an enchanting magical kingdom (shhh, don’t say Disney).

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If you have a busy Gyeongju itinerary you can arrive at the theme-park in the after afternoon and had a pleasant few hours jumping on rides and walking around the gorgeous grounds.

If you aren’t a rollercoaster fan, there are several more sedate options like a carousel or the Time Rider, Korea’s biggest Ferris Wheel which is brand new for 2025.

Book your discounted Gyeongju World Tickets with Klook >

27. Daytrip to Daegu

South Korea’s fourth biggest city, Daegu is worth delving into and a short drive ride away from Gyeonju (or a couple of buses).

From the cool cafes and superb shopping of Dongseongno shopping district to herbal medicine and a famous hanok Starbucks, there are many varied things to do in Daegu.

A South Korean university city, Daegu is fun to explore by day but comes alive at night as locals party along Rodeo Street or enjoy epic evening entertainment at Daegu’s theme-parks.

As the home of Suga and V, K-Pop fans will enjoy Daegu’s BTS murals whilst foodies will relish all the Daegu food specialities, particularly at Seomun Market.

We visited Daegu in May 2025 and really enjoyed our time here. From cable cars to peanut cake, here is our guide to the best things to do in Daegu >

28. Other things to do in Gyeongju

• Visit Terelj, Gyeongju’s pony caffe – don’t talk too much or it will leave you a little ‘horse’
• Go cafe hunting near Bomun lake – especially beautiful during cherry blossom
• Gyeongju Zoolung Zoolung Indoor Animal Theme Park >
• Gyeongju Yangdong Folk Village Traditional Drink Experience >
• From Busan: Gyeongju Autumn Foliage one day tour >
• Korean Traditional Sauce (Gochujang/ Doenjang) Making Experience at Gyochon Village >

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