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

Gyeongju South Korea

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.

Start planning your trip

Best Things to Do

Transportation

Top Sights

Unmissable sights for your itinerary

Discover more Sights

Bulguk-sa
in Gyeongju

Discover more sights

Articles

Latest stories from Gyeongju

Bulguksa Temple is the most beautiful and historical Buddhist temple in Korea. It is also number one tourist destination outside of the capital city, Seoul. 1500 years old Bulguksa temple shows glorious architectural sprits and skills of Silla Dynasty. Even though wooden structures of the temple had gone through numerous renovations, stonemasonry works are original, and also highlights of Bulguksa temple. Bulguksa temple is not a ruin, inhabited monks of the temple has kept all the Buddhist religious services last 1,500 years. Therefore Bulguksa temple is one of the most popular tourist’s destination as well as sacred place among Korean Buddhists. To go to Historical Gyeongju city where Bulguksa temple is located, it takes 4 hours by driving, and 2 hours by high speed train from the capital city of Seoul, but it is more than worth to make 2~3days trip to Historical Gyeongju. The city of Gyeongju itself is like an enormous outdoor museum in which vast parts of the city were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bulguksa Temple was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995.

Cycling

How to explore Gyeongju by foot, bicycle, car and bus

Jan 21, 2022 • 8 Min read

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.

Activities
16 top things to do in Gyeongju, from tombs to tasty treats
Jan 19, 2022 • 10 Min read
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.
Best in Travel
The endangered royal dogs of Gyeongju
Jan 11, 2022 • 9 Min read
The Donggyeongi breed of dogs is the pride and joy of Gyeongju. Why, then, are the dogs so hard to find?
Best in Travel
How Gyeongju has become South Korea's city of cool
Jan 10, 2022 • 6 Min read
South Korea's Gyeongju blends old traditions with a thriving culture of new and next, making this a must-visit hip city.
Architecture
Gyeongju City: a window to the past and the future
Dec 14, 2021 • 6 Min read
Gyeongju has remained its distinct historical and cultural significance for centuries. Find out how and why.
Hiking
Time travel in Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital
Nov 20, 2014 • 5 Min read
Often called Korea’s "museum without walls," Gyeongju is an archeological and architectural wonderland.