Around Korea: Gyeongju
If Seoul shows off Korea’s modern skyline, Gyeongju reveals its ancient soul. Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC–935 AD), this small city in the country’s southeast is often called “the museum without walls” — and for good reason. Nearly every corner holds a trace of Korea’s golden age, from royal tombs and temples to centuries-old stone pagodas.
Why Visit Gyeongju
Loved this view of Gyeongju early one morning. The city was weeks away from hosting APEC 2025.
For almost a thousand years, Gyeongju was the political, cultural, and artistic center of the Silla dynasty, which unified most of the Korean Peninsula. Many of its relics are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a window into one of Asia’s most sophisticated ancient civilizations. Fun fact: During Silla’s peak, Gyeongju was one of the four largest cities in the world, rivaling Chang’an (Xi’an), Rome, and Baghdad in culture and sophistication.
APEC 2025 in Gyeongju
In 2025, Gyeongju stepped into the global spotlight as the official host city for the APEC 2025 Korea summit, welcoming leaders and delegations from the 21 Asia-Pacific economies in a spectacular blend of tradition and modern diplomacy.
Gyeongju’s selection as venue was more than symbolic: it linked the city’s thousand-year heritage as the capital of the Silla Kingdom with the dynamic agenda of the Asia-Pacific region — “Connect, Innovate, Prosper” being the summit’s theme.
Hosting the summit has also triggered infrastructure and tourism enhancements across the city and its surroundings, making now an especially exciting time to visit. We started the 2025 Korea Dulle Trail Expedition in Gyeongju and I had the chance to see the city preparing for APEC 2025, as well as visit some of the popular attractions.
Top Things to Do in Gyeongju
Hwangnyongsa Temple
Bulguksa Temple (불국사)
A crown jewel of Korean Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bulguksa Temple dates back to the 8th century. Its twin pagodas — Dabotap and Seokgatap — symbolize balance, harmony, and enlightenment.
Seokguram Grotto (석굴암)
Perched high above Bulguksa, the Seokguram Grotto houses a serene granite Buddha gazing out toward the East Sea — one of Korea’s greatest artistic achievements and an unforgettable spiritual site.
Daereungwon Tomb Complex (대릉원)
At Tumuli Park, you’ll walk among grassy royal burial mounds of Silla kings and queens. Step inside Cheonmachong (“Heavenly Horse Tomb”) to see the gold crowns and treasures discovered inside.
Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond)
Originally built for royal banquets, Wolji Pond (often called Anapji) is stunning after sunset, when lanterns and pavilions reflect across the still water.
Cheomseongdae Observatory (경주 첨성대)
Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest astronomical tower in Asia.
Built during Queen Seondeok’s reign, Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Its 362 stones are said to symbolize the days of the lunar year.
Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge
Woljeonggyo Bridge view from the river
End your day at Gyochon Hanok Village, home to traditional Korean houses, tea shops, and local specialties like Hwangnam-ppang (Gyeongju bread). Nearby, the Woljeonggyo Bridge glows beautifully at night — perfect for evening photos.
Travel Tips for Visiting Gyeongju
Restaurant in Gyeongju at the Gyochon Hanok Village
Getting There: Take the KTX train from Seoul to Gyeongju Station, then a short taxi or bus ride into town. If you have a vehicle, driving and parking is super easy as well.
Location: 330km from Seoul (4 hours driving, 2.5 hours via KTX) or 91km from Busan (1 hour driving, 30 minutes via KTX)
Getting Around: The city is flat, compact, and easy to explore, so you can easily rent a bike or scooter to get around.
Best Time to Visit: April for cherry blossoms or late October for vibrant autumn leaves.
How Long to Stay: 1–2 days covers the highlights, but history fans could easily spend longer.
Girls in hanbok walking through Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Gyeongju
Gyeongju is less than an hour from Busan by KTX train or express bus. This makes it an easy day trip or weekend getaway from Korea’s southern port city. Read through some of my Busan blogs for things to do nearby here and here.
Have you been to Gyeongju before? What’s your favorite thing to do in the city - let me know in the comments!
