I have been told countless time about how Gyeongju is an open-air history museum.

There’s temples, hanok homes, royal tombs and observatory that makes it as a perfect day trip.

It was afterall the capital of the Silla Kingdom, which ruled much of the Korean Peninsula for nearly a thousand years specifically from 57 BC to 935 AD.

Often called the "museum without walls”, simply because there are just far too many historic sites, relics, and ruins.

After being in Busan, I spent two days in Gyeongju — to explore the history and wander among these palaces + enjoy a temple stay (which you’ve to do!)

Many travelers often choose Jeonju instead just because there are more popular hanok villages. I’ll be honest, though, Jeonju may feel a bit curated with all the Insta photos and K-drama filming sets.

I think Gyeongju is more lived-in and real.

Here’s how to get there, what to do in a day, and why you should stay a little longer if you can in Gyeonju.

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Firstly, How To Get To Gyeongju

here’s a list of things to do in gyeongju and my itinerary even if you’re on a day trip

If you’re coming from Seoul or Busan, here is how to get to Gyeongju

From Seoul: Take the KTX (high-speed train) to Singyeongju Station. The ride takes around 2–2.5 hours. From Singyeongju, it's a quick taxi or local bus ride to the main sights in central Gyeongju. You can book your tickets here!

From Busan: You can take a direct bus (approx. 1.5 hours) or train from Busan Station. It is quite easy! Book your tickets here.

🚕 If you're short on time, I highly recommend booking a guided day trip from Busan to Gyeongju. There’s just not enough time to visit all the sights and it makes it easier since transport is included and stops at major historical sites.

👉 I recommend booking a day trip here

Where To Stay in Gyeongju?

Aventa Hotel (comfy & luxurious)
Hotel Rein (clean & mid-budget)
Gyeongju Inhere Guesthouse (budget & solo-travel friendly)

My Recommended Things To Do in Gyeongju

Most of the sights are in the main area like Daereungwon Tomb Complex + Hwangnyongsa Temple Site and tons of cute cafes around here. But some of the other sites are a bit further away which require a bit more planning!

1. Daereungwon Tomb Complex / Tumuli Park

One of the most unique things about Gyeongju is that their tombs are everywhere — and I mean everywhere.

My favourite part was chilling on these giant grassy mounds scattered across the city like little green hills. Did you know that they’re actually ancient burial sites of Silla kings and queens?

They also remind me of Teletubbies funnily.

Some info about this place: the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, often called Tumuli Park, is the most iconic and walkable place to explore them.

Inside the park, you can visit Cheonmachong, one of the only tombs that’s been excavated and opened to the public.

The whole park feels serene and spacious, especially in the early morning or golden hour. In spring or autumn, the leaves are spectacular around the tombs (especially in Autumn the yellow ginkgo leaves!)

📝 Tip: It’s actually walkable from Hwangnidan-gil, so you can easily combine it with a cafe stop (more on that later!)

2. The Cafe Scene at Hwangnidan-gil

the cafe scene in hwangnidan-gil road. this was at zorba cafe!

One of the best places to sit and see the world go by was Zorba.

I love their blueberry muffin and baked goods but the best of all you had these large windows where you can people watch and stare out at these giant hills!

3. Bulguksa Temple

Everyone talks about this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is one of Korea’s most iconic Buddhist temples.

Built in the 8th century during the Silla dynasty, the temple is quite a nice place to visit. Two of its stone pagodas (Seokgatap and Dabotap) have even made their way onto Korea’s 10 won coin and postage stamps.

You’ll find the symmetry, the balance, the layout of the temple all kind off reflects Buddhist teachings about harmony and enlightenment.

4. Seokguram Grotto

A short 30 minute ride up the mountain from Bulguksa, this stone grotto houses a seated Buddha statue that’s been here since the 8th century.

It’s a bit out of the way but you should absolutely visit if you've time or if you’re part of the day trip tour.

The walk up is peaceful and lined with pine trees and I can only imagine how gorgeous this place will be during Autumn season.

5. Cheomseongdae Observatory

While it might just like a stone tower, this place is particularly gorgeous during the cherry blossom season and at sunset.

Cheomseongdae was built during the Silla dynasty in the 7th century, and this stone tower is actually the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia!

It is also made with 365 granite stones (symbolising the days of the year).

It’s located right in town, within easy walking distance of other major sites like Tumuli Park and Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond. So it’s perfect for a quick 10-15 minute stop during your walk.

6. Woljeonggyo Bridge

If you’re here at night time. The bridge is lit up in the evening, and the view from the riverside is so peaceful.

I am pretty sure there were some K-dramas shot here simply because of how spectacular it look at night.

It’s reconstruction of a bridge originally built during the Unified Silla period.

The original bridge was lost to time, but its reconstruction is a powerful reminder of how iconic structures like this once stood the test of centuries.