Gyeongju

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The Bulguksa temple, classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government

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Overview

Known as ‘the museum without walls’, Gyeongju (경주) has more tombs, temples, rock carvings, pagodas, Buddhist statuary and palace ruins than any other place in South Korea. It's a lovely city, stuffed to the gills with history.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Tumuli-gongwon

Gyeongju

The huge, walled park has 23 tombs of Silla monarchs and family members. From the outside, they resemble substantial grassy hillocks that echo the…

Noseo-dong Tombs

Gyeongju

Near the main shopping area is the Noseo-dong district, where you'll find Silla tombs. Seobongchong and Geumgwanchong are adjacent tombs built between the…

Bonghwangdae

Gyeongju

Sprouting huge trees of vast girth, this is the largest extant Silla tomb – 22m high, with a 250m circumference. It's quite a picture at any time put…

Bulguk-sa

Gyeongju

On a series of stone terraces about 16km southeast of Gyeongju, set among gnarled pines and iris gardens, this historic temple is the crowning glory of…

Bokdu-am Hermitage

Gyeongju

Close to the summit of the thickly forested Obong-san (640m), Bokdu-am features a huge rock face out of which 19 niches have been carved. The three…

Seokguram

Gyeongju

In the mountains above Bulguk-sa is this world-famous Unesco-listed Buddhist grotto, a magical place when rain and mists envelop the mountaintops and…

Gyeongju National Museum

Gyeongju

Arguably the best history museum in Korea, the Gyeongju National Museum is where you can appreciate the significance of this ancient city in one fell…

Anapji Pond

Gyeongju

This is a very popular spot for couples to take pre-wedding photos, especially from June to early August when magnificent lotus blossoms seem to fill the…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Gyeongju is hailed as a living museum, thanks to its full hand of tombs, temples and tumuli. Here's our guide to the best things to do in Gyeongju.

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Transportation

Before you discover nature and rich Silla history, start with these tips for how to get around Gyeongju by walking, cycling, driving and on public transport.

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Plan with a local