Gyeongju Unveiled: Korea’s Ancient Capital

Gyeongju Travel Guide 2025 | Best Things to Do, Hotels, Food & 2-Day Itinerary
UPDATED · Nov 2025

Gyeongju Travel Guide 2025 — South Korea’s Ancient Capital

Plan your Gyeongju trip with transport tips, hotel areas, local food, must-see sites, and a smooth 2-day plan. Maps and internal links included.

Gyeongju panorama with historic sites

🚅 How to Get to Gyeongju

From Seoul

  • KTX to Singyeongju: ~2h15–2h30
  • Fare: ~₩55,000–₩65,000 (varies by seat/time)
  • City transport: local bus or taxi to downtown (15–25 min)

From Busan / Daegu

  • Busan: ~1h by train or express bus
  • Daegu: ~50 min by bus
  • Car rental helps for temple day-trips

Tip: Temples (Bulguksa/Seokguram) are outside the center; taxis or a rental save time.

🏨 Where to Stay in Gyeongju

Bomun Lake Resort Area

Resort vibe with lakeside paths. Good for families and relaxing stays.

  • Hilton Gyeongju · Lahan Select
  • Mid-high budgets; easy parking

Downtown & Hwangnidan-gil

Close to cafés, hanok guesthouses, boutiques. Walkable to historic core.

  • Hanok stays · Boutique hotels
  • Budget guesthouses available
Luxury: ₩250k–₩500k+ Mid-range: ₩120k–₩220k Budget: ₩40k–₩80k

🍱 What to Eat in Gyeongju

Bomun Lake dining view
  • Hwangnam Bread — iconic red-bean pastry
  • Ssambap — rice with assorted greens & wraps
  • Jeon & Bulgogi — old-town eateries
  • Traditional Tea Houses — around Hwangnidan-gil

🏛️ Top Attractions in Gyeongju

Bulguksa Temple

UNESCO temple showcasing Silla artistry; pair with Seokguram.

Seokguram Grotto

Stone temple cave with a serene Buddha — sunrise is magical.

Cheomseongdae Observatory

One of Asia’s oldest observatories; great photo spot by sunset.

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Mirror-like night reflections; bring a tripod if you have one.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex

Royal mounds in parkland; gentle walking paths.

Hwangnidan-gil

Trendy cafés and hanok façades; perfect for a slow afternoon.

🗓️ Polished 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — City & Heritage

  • Cheomseongdae → Daereungwon
  • Lunch at Ssambap Alley
  • Cafés in Hwangnidan-gil
  • Night: Donggung & Wolji Pond

Day 2 — Temples & Lake

  • Bulguksa → Seokguram
  • Lunch: Bomun Lake area
  • Walk/Bike around Bomun
  • Optional: Yangdong Folk Village
Map Quick Links: Naver Map (Gyeongju) · Google Maps

❓ FAQ

How many days do you need in Gyeongju?

Two days covers core heritage and temple excursions. Add a day for Yangdong or hiking.

Best time to visit?

Spring (blossoms) and fall (foliage) offer mild weather and beautiful colors.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes. Bomun Lake paths, wide parks, and short transfers make it easy with kids.

Related Guides

Continue planning your Korea trip: Busan Travel Guide · Jeju Island Itinerary · Seoul Must-See Attractions

© 2025 Carpe diem · Updated Nov 3, 2025 · Written by annegulliverinjeju

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