Nicknamed the “Museum without walls”, Gyeongju is a city in South Korea with a rich history. The city was once the Capital of the Silla Kingdom and boasts more than 2,300 tombs, temples, and palace sites – all scattered throughout the city.
Gyeongju is worth visiting throughout the four seasons and is a great spot for a day trip out of Busan, or even a day trip from Seoul! However, we really recommend taking some time out of your schedule to visit Gyeongju in Spring when the city is drenched in a sea of delicate pink blossoms.
Let this guide be your compass as you navigate the endless things to do in Gyeongju, exploring various Gyeongju attractions and taking amazing photos that will last a lifetime!
Things To Do In Gyeongju
Hwangnyongwon
Hwangnyongwon (황룡원) might look like a temple from far away, but it’s a corporate training center that offers accommodation in Gyeongju as well! They offer meditation programs to help anyone seeking to practice mindfulness and have lots of facilities on-site for education and meditation.
While we didn’t manage to participate in any of the meditation programmes, the sight of Hwangnyongwon in Spring was truly a sight to behold. The street right outside Hwangnyongwon is lined with cherry blossoms, and visitors from everywhere come here to get a gorgeous shot of the flowers and tower.
This area is also known as the Bomun Tourist Complex, which houses many other attractions such as Gyeongju Land and Gyeongju Tower.
경북 경주시 엑스포로 40
40 Expo-ro, Gyeongju-si
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Bomunjeong Pavilion
A walkable distance from Hwangnyongwon is Bomunjeong Pavilion (보문정), a spot listed within CNN’s List of Beautiful Places in Korea. The large weeping cherry blossom trees here differ from the ones usually found along the streets of Korea, and make for amazing photo ops.
경북 경주시 신평동 150-1
150-1 Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si
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Gyeongju Bomun Starbucks
If you’re within the Bomun Tourist Complex and in need of a coffee break, perhaps a short journey to Gyeongju Bomun Starbucks is what you need. This particular Starbucks outlet has a view of Gyeongju Land, an amusement park in Gyeongju, along with cherry blossoms. Make sure to get the seats on the 2nd floor for the best view.
경북 경주시 보문로 537
537 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si
Mon-Thurs, 9am-7pm, Fri-Sun, 9am-8pm
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Geumridan-gil
Located near the Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal is probably one of the most happening areas of Gyeongju. Known as Geumridan-gil, the streets here are filled with hip cafes, workshops, and restaurants. Thanks to this area, you’ll also be able to see a nice blend of modern and traditional elements reflected in the shops’ architecture and interior.
We opted for lunch at Oncheon-jip
This is also a nice place to have lunch or dinner, but the crowd does get quite crazy during weekends.
Daereungwon Tomb Complex
A trip to Gyeongju is never complete without a visit to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. Perhaps one of the most iconic Gyeongju attractions in the area, the site is home to ancient tombs that look like small hills to the unknowing eye.
In Spring, there’s also a spot known as the Daereungwon Magnolia Photo Area, which features a lone magnolia tree in between the curves of the tombs. Do note that magnolias usually fully bloom a few weeks before the peak of cherry blossoms, which is why you can see that the tree here is already somewhat wilted.
Inside the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, you’ll also find lots of cherry blossom trees, which makes the spot even more popular in spring.
The entrance fee to Daereungwon is free, however, there is a small fee of 3,000won for adults and 1,000won for kids to enter Cheonmachong Tomb.
경북 경주시 황남동 31-1
31-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si
Mon-Sun, 9am-10pm
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Daereungwon Stone Wall Road
The stone wall served as the outer boundary of Daereungwon, and is a popular spot for cherry blossoms. If you’re rushing for time, head towards the stone wall while you’re inside the tomb complex, it makes a perfect photo op! However, we recommend exiting the tomb complex just to witness the cherry blossoms lining the streets. Magical!
경북 경주시 황남동 493-26
493-26 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si
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Cheomseongdae
Believed to be the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae is a must-see landmark in Gyeongju. During autumn, there are also fields of pink muhly which flutter elegantly. In summer, there’s also a sunflower field nearby, making this spot worth visiting all year round.
경북 경주시 인왕동 839-1
839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si
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Woljeonggyo Bridge
The original bridge was burned down back in the Joseon dynasty and was rebuilt back in 2018. It is said to be the largest wooden bridge in Korea and is one of the most popular attractions in Gyeongju. During Spring, the cherry blossoms along the bank of the river add a romantic atmosphere to the area, so make sure to include them in your photos!
경북 경주시 교동 274
274 Gyo-dong, Gyeongju-si
Mon-Sun, 9am-10pm
Eyst 1779 Cafe
From far, Eyst 1779 (이스트 1779) attracts attention with its red brick exterior. The cafe is part of the House of Choi, a foundation by the wealthy Choi family in Gyeongju. The family was established in Gyo-dong, Gyeongju since 1779, hence the name and location. It’s located right beside the Gyochon Hanok Village.
You can find drinks like coffee and even beer here, alongside desserts such as their signature Salt Monaka Ice Cream.
경북 경주시 교촌안길 21
21 Gyochonan-gil, Gyeongju-si
Wed-Mon, 11am-9pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
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Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
If you’re spending a whole day in Gyeongju, we highly recommend adding this spot towards the end of the day as the area is lit up after sundown. The calm waters from the pond create a magical reflection and is truly a sight to behold.
There is a small entrance fee of 3,000won for adults and 1,000won for kids aged 7-12.
경북 경주시 원화로 102
102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si
Mon-Sun, 9am-10pm, Ticket Counter closes at 9:30pm
How To Get To Gyeongju From Seoul/Busan
From Seoul
The most straightforward way to head to Gyeongju from Seoul is to take the KTX train from Seoul station. The journey is roughly around 2 hours and costs around 48,900won.
There’s also the option of taking a direct bus from the Express Bus Terminal, but the journey takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. The prices vary from 22,700won to 52,300won depending on the class of bus you opt for.
From Busan
Gyeongju is nearer to Busan and the KTX train from Busan station takes only 30 minutes and sets you back 11,000won. The bus journey takes around 50 minutes to an hour. Price-wise, it varies from 6,000won to 9,200won depending on the class of bus.
One Day Gyeongju Itinerary
It is quite possible to cover everything we mentioned above, however, you do have to start the day quite early. We started by reaching Gyeongju Station around 9 am.
Recommended Gyeongju Itinerary:
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Hwangnyongwon > Bomunjeong Pavilion > Geumridan-gil for Lunch > Daereungwon Tomb Complex > Daereungwon Stone Wall Road > Cheomseongdae > Woljeonggyo Bridge > Eyst 1779 Cafe > Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
We highly recommend visiting Gyeongju if you’re planning to visit Busan as it’s a perfect day trip spot. During Spring, the city transforms into a magical cherry blossom wonderland and we wish everyone could experience it for themselves!
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