Travelers looking for a quiet and refreshing seaside getaway will want to give the city of Gyeongju-si some serious consideration. The coastal community is located just north of the metropolis and popular tourist spot of Busan and holds a charm that is unique to southern South Korea. The most popular Gyeongju-si attractions focus on the city’s history and culture, yet guests can enjoy modern resorts in peaceful surroundings.
Often referred to as “the museum without walls,” Gyeongju-si is one of South Korea’s most historically rich destinations. It was once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, which ruled for nearly a thousand years. Today, the city is filled with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, centuries-old temples, royal tombs, and other archaeological treasures that bring the past to life. Visitors are transported back in time as they walk through ancient palace grounds and explore beautifully preserved Buddhist relics.
But Gyeongju-si isn’t all history—nature lovers can soak in the tranquil atmosphere of surrounding mountains, serene lakes, and scenic coastal spots. Whether you’re watching the sunrise at Bomun Lake or biking through peaceful countryside trails, the area offers plenty of ways to unwind.
Modern amenities like cafes, resorts, and cultural centers blend smoothly with the historic ambiance, making Gyeongju-si an ideal place for travelers who enjoy a balance of learning and relaxation. This guide highlights five can’t-miss places and landmarks in the city, perfect for anyone wanting to experience South Korea’s heritage in a calm, beautiful setting.
Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park is commonly known as the site of Gyeongju Tower, but the grounds offer much more than a place to enjoy bird’s-eye views. The site was host to the 1998 Gyeongju World Culture Expo, and today it features year-round activities with a variety of museums and theme parks. Gyeongju Tower is undoubtedly the park’s main attraction, however, and visitors can enjoy a view of their exquisite surroundings from atop its 269-feet-tall (82 meters) frame, which features a cut-out of a nine-story pagoda. Other tourist attractions inside the park include Gyeongju Solgeo Art Museum, a 3-D animation exhibit, Jurassic Fossil Museum and Tobot Junk Art Museum. The grounds of Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park also feature several garden areas, a promenade and a sculpture park. Families looking for thrills will enjoy the outdoor adventures of Gyeongju World, a nearby amusement park.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Exhibition hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission fees:12,000 KRW (8.84 USD) for adults and 10,000 KRW (7.37 USD) for children
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Tohamsan is a scenic mountain peak and hiking area that offers several outdoor attractions, including Bulguksa Temple. The original Buddhist temple dates to 528 BC, but due to fire, war and natural deterioration, the structure has undergone several facelifts. Since 1920, however, Bulguksa Temple has been the focus of continual restoration work and was designated in 1995 by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. The temple is home to seven national treasures, and visitors are invited to tour the grounds and even book a temple stay to learn more about Buddhism, the cultural assets protected on the site and Silla culture.
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Nestled between Myeonghwal and Toham mountains, Bomun Lake Resort (also called Bomun Tourist Complex) is an all-inclusive resort providing guests everything they could need or want for a weekend getaway in Gyeongju-si. The resort complex sits on the banks of Bomun Lake, and aside from fantastic scenery and accommodations, guests can enjoy numerous recreational facilities and outdoor activities. Biking and hiking are two of the most popular things to do at Bomun Lake Resort, and visitors also are treated to dance and musical performances from April to October at Bomun Outdoor Performance Theatre.
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Once used as a secondary palace by the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond is a magical spot that is particularly beautiful at sunset. Wolji is the term that describes a pond that reflects the moon, and visitors will be awestruck to find that this pond reflects more than objects in the night sky. While the historical grounds are beautiful to tour in the daylight, guests will experience a kaleidoscope of colors that shimmer on the pond as the palace grounds are lit up in the evening hours. The mystical complex features three small islands and is surrounded by 12 small hills in the northeast.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Admission fees: 3,000 KRW (2.70 USD) for adults, 2,000 KRW (1.80 USD) for teenagers and 1,000 KRW (.90 USD) for children
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Woljeonggyo Bridge is one of Gyeongju-si’s newest attractions, but while some facilities were completed as recently as 2013 and 2018, the site is steeped in fascinating history. The original bridge which spanned over Muncheon Stream is said to be a prominent backdrop of a love affair between a Buddhist monk and a legendary princess during the era of the Silla Kingdom. Archaeologists spent more than 10 years verifying the location of the original structure, and today, tourists can enjoy a walk across this legendary landmark, which is illuminated at night.
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