What to do in Gyeongju

Activities, attractions and tours
Gyeongju

Places to Visit in Gyeongju

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Gyeongju attractions from NZ$64, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Gyeongju tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 34 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Gyeongju. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. 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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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.

2. 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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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.

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

4. 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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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.

5. 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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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.

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

Discover the most popular places to visit in Gyeongju

Image for Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple

5/5(1 review)

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
Image for Bomun Lake

Bomun Lake

4/5(1 review)

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
Image for Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

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

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
Image for Cheomseongdae

Cheomseongdae

4/5(1 review)

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
Image for Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village

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
Image for Gyeongju National Museum

Gyeongju National Museum

4/5(1 review)

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

Gyeongju National Museum
Image for Seokguram Grotto

Seokguram Grotto

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

Seokguram Grotto
Image for Tumuli Park

Tumuli Park

Dotted with ancient burial mounds and surrounded by abundant nature, this walled-off city park is a major attraction in Gyeongju.

Tumuli Park
Image for Yangdong Folk Village

Yangdong Folk Village

Walk the small laneways to admire the architecture and the scenic vistas, or stay a night to really experience this beautiful and historic little village.

Yangdong Folk Village

Day trip destinations from Gyeongju

Dongpirang Village showing a bay or harbour, a house and general coastal views

Pohang

Ulsan

Ulsan

Cheongdo

Cheongdo