Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk Travel Tips: Hidden Gems to Hot Spots

Gyeongju is a city with a thousand years of history and was the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom. From world-class cultural heritage sites like Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Cheomseongdae Observatory to traditional villages like Yangdong Village, Gyeongju is a treasure trove of history and culture. Gyeongju also offers a unique charm where beautiful natural scenery harmonizes with modern cafes and restaurants.

Recommended Accommodation Locations in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Bomun Tourist Complex: This area is concentrated with hotels and resorts, boasting beautiful scenery as it's adjacent to Bomun Lake. The Bomun Tourist Complex is close to Gyeongju's main tourist attractions, offering good accessibility.

Gyeongju Downtown: A variety of guesthouses and traditional Korean houses (hanoks) are located here. It's close to Gyeongju's historical sites, making it suitable for walking tours.

Hwangnidan-gil Area: The Hwangnidan-gil area, full of trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, is popular among young travelers. There are various accommodation options, providing a wide range of choices.

Places to Visit in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto: These are UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites and represent the Buddhist art of the Silla era.

Cheomseongdae Observatory: The oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia, it provides a glimpse into the scientific technology of the Silla period.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji): This was a detached palace of the Silla royal family. Visiting at night allows you to enjoy a fantastic night view.

Yangdong Village: A village where traditional houses from the Joseon Dynasty are well preserved, offering a chance to experience Korean traditional culture.

Must-Do Activities in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Gyeongju Bicycle Tour: Gyeongju has well-equipped bicycle paths, making it a great idea to explore the historical sites by bike.

Silla Cultural Festival: Held every autumn, the Silla Cultural Festival offers traditional performances, events, and hands-on activities.

Trying Gyeongju Bread: Gyeongju is famous for "Gyeongju bread." You can taste a variety of breads made with red bean paste, a local specialty.

Local Restaurants Only Known to Locals in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Hwangnam Bread Specialty Store: This is a place that sells Hwangnam bread, a representative Gyeongju delicacy, and is loved by both locals and tourists.

Samguk Yusa Gukbap: A restaurant where you can taste traditional Gyeongju-style "gukbap" (rice soup), known for its deep flavor.

Gyeongju's Best Hanjeongsik: This is a high-end restaurant that serves traditional Gyeongju "hanjeongsik" (full course Korean meal), featuring menus that are modern interpretations of Silla-era royal cuisine.

Special Souvenirs Only Available in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

In Gyeongju, you can buy traditional crafts passed down from the Silla period, "cheonil-yeom" (sea salt), a Gyeongju specialty, and various souvenirs made with local products.

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk Transportation Guide: Rental Car and Public Transportation Tips

Public Transportation: Gyeongju's downtown area is well-connected by buses, and you can easily visit major tourist attractions using public transportation. Gyeongju Station and Singyeongju Station offer convenient travel to other parts of the city.

Rental Car: If you want to freely explore Gyeongju and its surrounding areas, it's a good idea to rent a car. Gyeongju's roads are in good condition, and there's ample parking at major tourist spots.