A First Timer’s Guide to Gyeongju: Where to Go, What to See
If you’re planning a couple of days in Seoul, you’ll find endless itineraries for how best to spend your time. But what if you’re planning on venturing further afield? If you’ve got 2 days in Gyeongju and you’re visiting for the first time, you might not know where to start planning an itinerary for your trip. Known as one of the historic hubs of Korea, Gyeongju is a fascinating place to explore. It’s filled with incredible architecuture, stunning landscapes, and is home to delicious local cuisines and plenty of activities to keep you occupied.
We’ve put together a handy guide for first-timers visiting Gyeongju – so you can make the most of your time!
Where is Gyeongju?
Sitting to the southeast of Korea, Gyeongju is a coastal city renowned for the sheer volume of incredible historic and cultural sites that lie within it. From stunning temples to palace ruins, beautiful ponds to ancient tombs – Gyeongju is a veritable treasure trove for any traveller looking to gain insight into Korea’s past.
It’s well-connected, too, as the KTX can get you into the city from Seoul in under 4 hours – meaning it’s the perfect place to add onto any trip to Korea’s capital city.
What’s the weather like in Gyeongju?
Aside from a hot couple of months across the summer, Gyeongju is fairly temperate as far as the weather is concerned. Between December and March, you can expect it to be fairly cold, but you’ll be rewarded with a lovely spring in April/May and autumn in September/October. In summer, make sure to bring plenty of water – as average temperatures can reach 29 or 30 degrees celcius.
What to see in Gyeongju:
As it’s not as well-known as some of Korea’s larger cities like Seoul or Busan, you might find it difficult to know what to do in Gyeongju. But this city is perfect for a 2-day itinerary, as you’re able to pack in all manner of historic sites, while also getting to explore the area and its delicacies to their fullest. If you’re asking whether Gyeongju is worth visiting, the answer is a resounding yes.
- Cheonmachong Ancient Tomb, Daereungwon Tumuli Park: Dating back to the Silla Kingdom of 5-6 CE, this ancient tomb was excavated in the 1970s, and revealed to contain over 140 treasures. While researchers have been unable to confirm who the occupant was, they found a crown – suggesting that it was the final resting place of an ancient king.
- Cheomseongdae Observatory: Constructed in the 7th century, Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia – and is now a landmark of Gyeongju. Designed to allow people to observe the night sky, it’s a fascinating window into the development of astronomy.
- Golgulsa Temple: For a truly immersive window in Korean traditions and heritage, the Golgulsa Temple provides an incredible experience. With opportunities for overnight stays in the traditional Buddhist style (complete with meals), sunmudo training classes and meditation sessions – as well as a beautiful temple and grounds – Golgulsa is an incredible place to spend time exploring.
- Woljeonggyo Bridge: Though the bridge that currently stands on this site is a recent build, it’s the historic location of many bridges throughout history. It’s the largest wooden bridge in Korea, and was built using historical research to emulate traditional structures and provide a window into Korean architectural history.
- Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond): Another Silla site within the city, this man-made pond was built as part of a vast complex dating back to the 7th century. During an excavation of the area in the 1970s, researchers found almost 33,000 artifacts in and around the pond! Though it’s stunning at any time of day, this is a site worth viewing at night for the beautiful lights that make the ponds and pavilions glow.
What to eat in Gyeongju:
Gyeongju’s well-known to provide a feast for all the senses – taste included. When you visit, be sure to try all the national and regional food staples! One thing’s for sure – if you’re a soup lover, you’re not going hungry in Gyeongju.
- Hwangnam-ppang: Also called Gyeongju bread, this delicious sweet pastry is filled red bean curd. Though it’s not exclusively for breakfast, it’ll make for a delighful way to start the day.
- Chueo-tang: A delicious loach soup from the Gyeongsang province, it’s a rich broth that also includes chilli paste, mung beans and boiled greens. If you’re fish lover in need of a hearty meal, this one’s for you.
- Sundubu-jjigae: For the foodies who like a little spice in their life, this tofu stew is a winner. Made with soft tofu and served in a rich broth made of chilli and stock, it’s given a distinct reddish colour and a kick by gochugaru (chilli powder).
- Haejangguk: Known as ‘hangover soup’ for its purported healing powers after a night on the town, this comforting broth is filled with cabbage, bean paste, meat and lots more tasty goodness.
- Garlic chicken: If there’s one thing Korea at large does well, it’s chicken. Regionally, though, Gyeongju is top of the list for garlic chicken, a delicious street food often served with ginger – and sometimes a healthy kick of chilli.
What to do in Gyeongju:
Aside from the sights and the food, there’s plenty more that you can pack into a 2-day itinerary in Gyeongju.
- Cycle tour: With a city this size, you might need to do a bit more than walk. However, there’s so much beauty to be found that it seems a shame to hop on board public transport – so take a bike tour instead! As you make your way around the city, you’ll see all the beautiful historic sites, with enough time to spare to stop at a street food market to refuel.
- Shopping: Head into the center of the city and you’ll find all manner of cute stores selling everything from souvenirs to books – take some time to explore the streets (like the well-known Hwangnidan Street) and you’ll be sure to stumble across a gem or two.
- Meditation class: If you pay a visit to the Golgulsa Temple, you can seize the opportunity for a traditional experience in the form of a Buddhist meditation session. Led by an instructor in the temple, it’s an amazing way to grab an insight into Buddhist customs.
