Things to Do in Gyeongju — Ancient Capital Attractions (2026)

Plan your visit

• Hotels in Gyeongju
• Gyeongju Restaurants
• Hwangnidan-gil

1. Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple [UNESCO World Heritage] (경주 불국사 [유네스코 세계유산]) Ticket Required

📍 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-746-9913

A UNESCO-listed Silla dynasty Buddhist temple featuring iconic stone pagodas and bridges — one of Korea's most magnificent ancient monuments.

2. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (경주 동궁과 월지) Ticket Required

📍 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-750-8655

A stunning Silla royal garden with a reflective pond; especially magical at night when the ancient pavilions glow in the water.

3. Cheomseongdae Observatory (경주 첨성대) Ticket Required

📍 140-25 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Asia's oldest surviving astronomical observatory, built in the 7th century Silla dynasty — an iconic symbol of Korea's ancient scientific achievement.

4. Bomun Tourist Complex (경주 보문관광단지) Check at Venue

📍 Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-745-7601

A sprawling lakeside resort complex offering hotels, golf, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring ancient Gyeongju.

5. Gyeongju Bomunjeong Pavilion (보문정 (경주)) Check at Venue

📍 Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-745-7601

A traditional Korean pavilion perched beside Bomunho Lake, offering picturesque views especially during spring cherry blossom season.

6. Gyeongju Hwangnidan Street (경주 황리단길) Free Entry

📍 1080 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A charming hip street blending traditional hanok architecture with modern cafes and boutiques, rivaling Seoul's Ikseon-dong in character.

7. Bomunho Lake (보문호) Free Entry

📍 424-33 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A scenic artificial lake perfect for leisurely walks and cycling, surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage.

8. Gyeongju Yangdong Village [UNESCO World Heritage] (경주 양동마을 [유네스코 세계유산]) Free Entry

📍 134 Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A UNESCO-listed traditional Joseon village with over 500 years of history, featuring beautifully preserved clan houses and folk culture.

9. Bunhwangsa Temple (분황사) Ticket Required

📍 94-11 Bunhwang-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A 7th-century Silla Buddhist temple housing Korea's oldest surviving stone pagoda, a must-see for history lovers in Gyeongju.

10. Cheonmachong Tomb (Daereungwon Ancient Tombs) (천마총(대릉원)) Check at Venue

📍 9 Gyerim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-743-1925

A walkable royal burial mound park containing 23 grass-covered Silla-era tombs, with one tomb open to explore its golden treasures inside.

11. Gyeongju Tomb of Kim Yu-sin (경주 김유신묘) Check at Venue

📍 44-7, Chunghyo 2-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-749-6713

The hilltop tomb of Silla's greatest general Kim Yu-sin, offering panoramic city views and a window into Korea's unification history.

12. Gyeongju-si Special Tourist Zone (경주시 관광특구) Check at Venue

📍 614 Gyeonggam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-779-6084

The city-wide designated tourist zone encompassing Gyeongju's major heritage sites, offering visitor-friendly services throughout the ancient capital.

13. Hwang Nyong Won (황룡원) Check at Venue

📍 40 Expo-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-760-0500

A reconstructed cultural park inspired by the ancient Hwangnyongsa Temple complex, featuring a striking nine-story replica pagoda.

14. Sono Belle Gyeongju (소노벨 경주(구 대명리조트 경주)) Check at Venue

📍 402-12, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +83-1588-4888

A large resort complex near Bomunho Lake with extensive amenities including pools and sports facilities, ideal for family getaways.

15. Tomb of Queen Seondeok (경주 선덕여왕릉) Check at Venue

📍 Baeban-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-779-6100

The hilltop burial mound of Queen Seondeok, one of East Asia's first female monarchs, offering sweeping views over ancient Gyeongju.

16. Girimsa Temple (기림사) Ticket Required

📍 437-17, Girim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-744-2292

A serene 7th-century Buddhist temple nestled deep in Hamwol Mountain, housing rare national treasures and a peaceful forest setting.

17. Gyeongju Wolseong Palace Site (Banwolseong Fortress) (경주 월성(반월성)) Ticket Required

📍 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-10-3226-6390

The crescent-shaped earthen fortress that served as the Silla royal palace for nearly a thousand years, currently undergoing fascinating excavations.

18. Hanwha Resort - Gyeongju (한화리조트 경주) Ticket Required

📍 182-27, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 📞 +82-54-777-8400

A full-service resort near Bomunho Lake providing comfortable accommodation with easy access to Gyeongju's historic attractions.

19. Daldongnae of Olden Times (추억의 달동네) Check at Venue

📍 216-8 Bobul-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A nostalgic hillside village recreating 1960s–70s Korean urban life, offering an immersive glimpse into everyday history.

20. Dokrakdang House (경주 독락당) Check at Venue

📍 300-3 Oksanseowon-gil, Angang-eup, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A beautifully preserved 16th-century Joseon-era private villa showcasing traditional Korean architectural harmony with nature.

21. Flashback Gyerim (플래시백 계림) Check at Venue

📍 14 Cheonbungnam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

An immersive digital art experience set within the historic Gyerim forest, blending ancient myth with modern light installations.

22. Gyeongju Five Royal Tombs (경주 오릉) Check at Venue

📍 38-9 Geumseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Five grass-mounded burial tombs of early Silla royalty set in a tranquil park, said to include the tomb of the kingdom's founder.

23. Gyeongju Hanbokpan (경주한복판) Check at Venue

📍 1077-2 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A hanbok rental and cultural experience venue allowing visitors to dress in traditional Korean attire and explore ancient Gyeongju in style.

24. Gyeongju Tomb of King Muyeol, Stele of King Taejong Muyeol (경주 무열왕릉, 태종무열왕릉비) Check at Venue

📍 10-4 Neungnam-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The royal tomb and rare intact stone stele of King Muyeol, who unified the Three Kingdoms — one of Korea's most historically significant burial sites.

25. Hwarang Hill (화랑의언덕) Check at Venue

📍 601 Suui-gil, Sannae-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A scenic hilltop dedicated to the Hwarang warrior youth of the Silla dynasty, offering panoramic views and insight into Korea's martial heritage.

26. MCY PARK Check at Venue

📍 196 Cheonbungnam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A leisure and entertainment park in Gyeongju offering outdoor activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

27. Rasunjae (라선재) Check at Venue

📍 443-51 Yongdam-ro, Hyeongok-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A traditional Korean guesthouse and cultural space offering an authentic hanok stay experience in the heart of historic Gyeongju.

28. Gyeongju Historic Area [UNESCO World Heritage] (경주역사유적지구 [유네스코 세계문화유산]) Ticket Required

📍 757 Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A UNESCO World Heritage zone spanning the entire ancient Silla capital, often called the 'museum without walls' for its density of monuments.

29. Gyeongju World (경주월드 어뮤즈먼트) Ticket Required

📍 544 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A popular amusement park combining thrilling rides with a seasonal outdoor water park, great for families visiting the Gyeongju area.

30. Wooyang Museum of Contemporary Art (우양미술관) Ticket Required

📍 484-7 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A private contemporary art museum set in a serene garden, showcasing Korean and international modern art in a beautiful natural setting.

31. Bullidan Street (불리단길) Free Entry

📍 11 Bulguksintaekji 5-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A trendy alley lined with indie cafes, vintage shops, and local eateries offering a hip contrast to Gyeongju's ancient heritage.

32. Dori Village Ginkgo Tree Forest (도리마을은행나무숲) Free Entry

📍 35-102 Do-ri, Seo-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A golden ginkgo tree forest ablaze with yellow in autumn, creating one of Korea's most photogenic seasonal landscapes.

33. Gwanseong Solbat Beach (관성솔밭해변) Free Entry

📍 68-24, Yangnam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A quiet pine-shaded beach offering a peaceful retreat away from busier coastal crowds, ideal for relaxed seaside strolls.

34. Gyeongbuk Millennium Forest Garden (경북천년숲정원) Free Entry

📍 366-4 Tongil-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A sweeping millennium garden celebrating North Gyeongsang Province's natural heritage with themed botanical trails and scenic landscapes.

35. Gyeongju Bird Park (경주 버드파크) Free Entry

📍 74-14 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

An interactive bird park featuring exotic species from around the world, popular with families seeking hands-on wildlife encounters.

36. Gyeongju National Park (경주국립공원) Free Entry

📍 12 Cheonbungnam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A national park unique for protecting both natural mountain scenery and invaluable Silla Buddhist heritage sites including rock-carved Buddhas.

37. Gyeongju Ssambap Street (경주 쌈밥거리) Free Entry

📍 9 Gyerim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A famous food street specializing in ssambap — rice wrapped in fresh greens — a beloved local culinary tradition worth tasting.

38. Najeong Beach (나정고운모래해변) Free Entry

📍 1915, Donghaean-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A fine-sand beach known for its clean, soft white sand and clear waters, popular with locals seeking a quieter coastal escape.

39. Oryu Goarahaebyeon Beach (오류고아라해변) Free Entry

📍 277-8 Oryu-ri, Gampo-eup, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A peaceful coastal beach near Gyeongju offering calm waters and pine groves, ideal for a relaxing day by the East Sea.

40. Bonggil Daewangam Beach (봉길대왕암해변) Free Entry

📍 Bonggilhaean-gil, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A scenic East Sea beach adjacent to Daewangam Rock, the legendary underwater tomb of Silla King Munmu, blending nature and ancient myth.