Things to do in Gyeongju

Activities, attractions and tours

Gyeongju showing a park and heritage elements
Gyeongju showing a park and heritage elements
Gyeongju
Gyeongju featuring night scenes
Gyeongju
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Top places to visit

1. Bomun Lake

Bomun Lake has the forested Toham Mountain as its backdrop and attracts Korean families and elderly people from the city who are looking for some time away in nature. While you can visit the lake on a day trip, most stay in the Bomun Lake Resort, a tourism complex with several hotels, shops and restaurants by the artificial lake.
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Bomun Lake featuring landscape views and rides

2. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

While in Gyeongju, you won’t want to miss seeing the Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond after dark, when the illuminated pagodas and trees are reflected in the water. The small complex is part of Gyeongju National Park and it’s a local favorite for scenic evening walks.
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Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond showing a lake or waterhole and night scenes

3. Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

Visit the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village to get a glimpse of the life of the Choi Clan of Korea, take part in artisan workshops, have a traditional Korean meal and taste the heritage-listed sake known as Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju liquor.
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Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village which includes heritage elements

4. Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa is the main temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Even if you are not into Buddhist architecture, it’s worth visiting Bulguk-sa because of its beautiful gardens with arched stone bridges, lotus ponds and drooping willow trees.
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Bulguksa Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and heritage elements as well as a small group of people

5. Gyeongju National Museum

Take the whole family to the Gyeongju National Museum, where everyone can learn all about the era of the Silla kingdom. The on-site children’s museum will keep the kids happy while the adults browse the exhibitions in the main hall, the comprehensive Silla History Gallery.
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Gyeongju National Museum showing heritage elements and interior views

6. Cheomseongdae

Cheomseongdae, which literally means “reverently regarding the stars platform” in Korean, takes us back to the early days of science in South Korea’s former Silla capital. Learn how astronomy was used in agriculture, religion and urban planning in South Korea, or simply come here to enjoy the vistas. The tower is surrounded by the green burial mounds that are known as “tumuli,” which are iconic for Gyeongju.
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Cheomseongdae showing heritage elements

What to do in Gyeongju

Popular places to visit

Bomun Lake showing rides

Bomun Lake

4/5(2 reviews)

Walk over an idyllic bridge, cruise around in a ferry that is shaped like a giant duck or swan and admire the giant water mill when staying in this lake resort.

Bomun Lake
Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond showing a lake or waterhole and night scenes

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

4.5/5(5 reviews)

This 7th-century royal residence with reflecting pond from the Silla Dynasty looks especially photogenic at night.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village featuring night scenes

Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

3.5/5(3 reviews)

A tour of this folkloric settlement in a rural setting gives you an insight into how people used to live in the ancient city of Gyeongju.

Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village
Bulguksa Temple showing heritage elements as well as a couple

Bulguksa Temple

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Venture to the forested slopes of Mount Toham to enjoy its picturesque gardens and learn about this highly significant complex dating back to the ancient Silla Kingdom.

Bulguksa Temple
Gyeongju National Museum featuring interior views

Gyeongju National Museum

5/5(3 reviews)

Admire a treasure trove of precious relics from the Silla dynasty in the former capital of the ancient Korean millennial kingdom.

Gyeongju National Museum
Cheomseongdae showing heritage elements

Cheomseongdae

4/5(6 reviews)

A National Treasure of Korea, this ancient astronomical observatory, in the shape of a big bottle, is the oldest one of its kind in East Asia.

Cheomseongdae
Autumn colors surround Seokguram Grotto containing a Buddha image, Gyeongju, South Korea; Shutterstock ID 775662406; purchase_order: SF 06557000; job: ; client: ; other:

Seokguram Grotto

5/5(1 review)

You can learn about the history of Gyeongju when you stop by Seokguram Grotto. Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

Seokguram Grotto
St Maarten and St Martin which includes cycling and heritage elements as well as an individual male

Daereungwon Royal Tomb

5/5(1 review)

You can learn about the history of Gyeongju with a trip to Daereungwon Royal Tomb. Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

Daereungwon Royal Tomb
Bulguksa, a Buddhist temple in Gyeongju, Korea.

Gyeongju National Park

5/5(2 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Gyeongju National Park, a lovely green space in Gyeongju. Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

Gyeongju National Park
Fall Sea

Pohang

A colourful sunset over the city of Ulsan

Ulsan

Frequently asked questions

Is Gyeongju worth visiting?
Gyeongju offers a unique mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or regional cuisine, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Gyeongju?
Start your day with a visit to Gyeongju World Resort and Cheomseongdae. Then, explore different areas of Gyeongju for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Gyeongju?
The top tourist attraction in Gyeongju is Gyeongju World Resort, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Gyeongju?
You can easily tour popular sights like Gyeongju World Resort, Cheomseongdae and Blue One Water Park with a three-day trip to Gyeongju. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and venture to Ulsan.
What are some activities to do in Gyeongju with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Gyeongju with kids.

What to do in Gyeongju for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Gyeongju, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Hwangnidan-gil Road or Gyeongsangbuk-do Forest Environment Research Institute.
Are there free things to do in Gyeongju?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Gyeongju is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Gyeongju World Resort is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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