Things to Do in Gyeongju

Things to Do in Gyeongju, South Korea - Gyeongju Attractions

Things to Do in Gyeongju


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Gyeongju.


Top Attractions in Gyeongju

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.






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What travelers are saying

  • fire-tower
    1,930 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were holidaying in Busan and we decided to travel out for some sightseeing, which lead us to Gyeongju. Bulguksa Temple is an important and popular temple in Gyeongju. There are quite a few halls and you can see colourful lanterns at various parts of the temple. These lanterns can be rented to make wishes. Rental of lotus lanterns used to be KRW1,000,000, but now cost less. There are also many structures on the grounds that are considered national treasures (stupa that was taken away during the Japanese occupation but was returned, the stone pagoda called Dabotap, etc). There are stories behind various structures and halls, and reading them or joining a guided tour might give better insights.

    As we visited in a cold December 2023 where temperatures dipped to minus 6 degrees Celcius, the ponds and mini-waterfall were all frozen.
    Written January 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • fire-tower
    1,930 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were on a day trip in Gyeongju and had visited Donggung Palace as our last stop in the evening. Donggung Palace and Wolji were the secondary palace. After Silla unified the Three Kingdoms, a large pond was dug where the 3 islands were constructed at the centre. The location was destroyed during the Japanese occupation and some of the structures were re-constructed. As it was winter when we visited, the sun had already set when we reached and the place was nicely litted and a beautiful sight. Do walk around to see the structures albeit these are reconstructed. Worth a visit when you are in Gyeongju.
    Written January 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bye:myself
    Hamburg, Germany63 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum shows wonderful pieces and archeological founds and grants great background info regarding Gyeongju's history.
    Written September 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BLT1991
    Toano, VA791 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gyeongju is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s worth a stop. The burial grounds are throughout the town, but the park and gardens are beautiful and worth a visit. There is a newly renovated museum on site that gives you a look inside what they would look like and how they were constructed. It’s worth the wait to go inside.
    Written May 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • fire-tower
    1,930 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were in Gyeongju on a day trip and visited Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, which are one of the most well-known sights in Gyeongju. This is a park home to 23 small and large ancient tombs. We paid to visited Cheonmachong Tomb (ask the pricing as there is concession for the young), its name comes from Cheonmado, a mudguard saddle flap with a painting of a heavenly horse. Cheonmachong Tomb is the only tomb in the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs to be opened to the public and is thought to have been constructed between the late 5th century and early 6th century. Well worth a visited if you are in Gyeongju.
    Written January 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 639abbie
    Canberra, Australia1,109 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s a hard walk up so I was told so take a bus up and do your research. Not a hard walk once up and do take advantage to ringing the gong for $1000 won or USD$1 . It’s a peaceful place otherwise so please be respectful.
    Written June 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kpiddy
    Brisbane, Australia12,256 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a delight to be able to freely explore the Gyeongju Historic Site and take time out for a picnic lunch. There were many interesting sites to view like the remnants of an ancient fortress and palace, Seokbinggo (Stone Ice storage chamber), Wolseong Moat, see a woodpecker in the Gyerim Forest and an old water well. But the main attraction was to get close up to Cheomseongdae (7th century stone Astronomical obersatory).
    Written July 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BLT1991
    Toano, VA791 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The observatory has an interesting history and it’s an iconic landmark in Gyeongju. It’s set in a very nice garden…although, the garden is unshaded. You can also see it pretty well from the road.
    Written May 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • moot
    Tenbury Wells, UK1,373 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We hiked both up and down to Seokguram (from Bulguk-Sa) and on to the peak of Mt Tohamsan, both of which were well marked. The forest trails with maple trees were stunning and the weather was fantastic. So far we’ve had sunshine and highs of 18° every day for 2 weeks travelling around South Korea! Plenty of toilet facilities available too!
    Written November 12, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MrsGNZ
    South Island, New Zealand404 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth your visit with this rather historical village being still lived in and with it's ways adopting to the modern technology as seen with their satellite antennae and BMWs parked outside. Very picturesque...
    Written July 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • moot
    Tenbury Wells, UK1,373 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an artificial lake with, I imagine, lots to appeal in season if you like amusements, shopping and views. We were there off season mid-November and it was fairly busy even with not everything open. We rented bikes (only 5000 won for 2 hours) and rode around the whole lake with plenty of time to spare, though this might be more difficult in season as some of the paths stated no bikes -we had no problem as it wasn’t too busy.
    We had fabulous weather and there were a few cafés open.
    Written November 12, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter M
    Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Buddhist Temple in Golgulsa is 12 miles east of Gyeongiu.
    In the Golgulsa temple area can be found the oldest historical Buddhist ruins on Mt. Hamwol and the only cave I stayed there in a Temple stay and put on their clothes and went to the activities there. They said no waste of food but unfortunately, I wasted most of it as all vegetarian and I could not stomach it. At least for breakfast I had many rounds of toast. I went all over the grounds and steep climb and very large. The accommodation was rather spartan just on the floor! It was an experience that was part of G Adventurers tour and not something I would go again!
    Written January 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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