Why You Should Visit Gyeongju, South Korea (Especially From Busan)

Hi all! Today I’m introducing my friend Hannah — a fellow digital nomad in Alicante — as a guest author for The Girl Who Goes! Just like me, Hannah was an English teacher abroad for a few years, but she taught in South Korea, so I was asking her all kinds of questions about it before we visited Seoul and Busan this past September. One place she recommended (though we did not go) was Gyeongju, which is about 30 minutes from Busan.

Despite that, I’m excited to say that Hannah has taken the time to share her love for Gyeongju and why it really is a must-visit for any traveler to South Korea, especially those who will be in the Busan area. (Sounds like we really messed up by not making it there, lol.) I hope you all enjoy, and let us know what you think! — Cathy

I lived in South Korea for two years, so I can confidently say that the country is the most underrated travel destination for Westerners planning trips to the Asia-Pacific region. Though biased, it is my favorite country that I visited in Asia, and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.

Within the country, Gyeongju is a must-visit city. Nicknamed “the museum without walls,” the charming village boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bonus: if you’re not a history nerd like me, there are traditional hanok-style cafes, shops, street food stalls, and an amusement park to keep you occupied as well.

To get there, the KTX train route is only about 30 minutes from Busan, offering a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city in exchange for Gyeongju’s tranquil atmosphere. If you enjoy nature, you’ll welcome the city’s greenery and parks.

A Bit of Gyeongju History

Gyeongju was the capital of Korea during the Silla Dynasty, the golden age of Korea, for more than 1,000 years. At its peak in the eighth century, the city had close to 900,000 residents, on par with other great cities of the time, such as Constantinople.

Due to its rich past, the city has several UNESCO World Heritage sites that are impressively maintained and give a sacred feel to the atmosphere.

The Mounds

You can’t discuss Gyeongju without first mentioning that the city is peppered with large mounds, which are ancient royal tombs. They make the city unique from anywhere else I have visited.

While it is forbidden to climb or walk on the mounds, people often sit amongst their shadows in the burial mound park, also called the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, where most are located. Walking through the park feels dreamlike, with picnics and kite flyers against a backdrop of the cemetery’s serenity.

Historic Sites in Gyeongju

The mounds seem an impossible feat until you visit the Cheonmachong tomb, where the structures are quickly demystified. Here, visitors view the tombs’ structure from within and gain insight into the excavation and construction processes. There are also interactive displays that show a bit about daily life, important rituals, and replicas of artifacts found within. The original artifacts are on display at the Gyeongju National Museum.

Gyeongju National Museum

While Gyeongju is known as an open-air museum, the Gyeongju National Museum holds the majority of the original items excavated from the iconic tombs. This is a must-stop for students on school trips, who might be the only people not to recommend this fantastic museum!

It gets crowded, so while the museum is free, I recommend reserving tickets online ahead of your trip, especially if you are visiting during peak tourist seasons. With four buildings to explore, I would allot at least two hours for a thorough walk-through.

Bulguksa Temple

After the mounds, the Bulguksa Temple is the most famous historical site in the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showing a glimpse into Buddhism and religious life from the Silla Dynasty.

At the temple, there is a gift shop with paintings, prayer beads, and other tokens created by the Buddhist monks living there, where I walked away with an incense burner and a bird painting. There are also Bulguksa temple stays offered where tourists can experience life in the Buddhist temple for themselves. Spots fill up quickly, so stays need to be planned well in advance.

Cheomseongdae Observatory

The Cheomseongdae Observatory is the oldest astronomical observatory in the Asia-Pacific, and you can see it plastered across postcards and stickers in the city shops. It is located among the mounds and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There is typically a long line of tourists taking photos with the observatory, a hollow brick tower without much more than a simple plaque. Stop by while you’re walking through the Daereungwon Tomb Complex!

Shopping at Hwangnidan-gil

I found my favorite South Korean souvenirs in Gyeongju, and most of them came from Hwangnidan-gil, a trendy shopping street lined with hanok buildings. There is even a Starbucks and a Burger King in the traditional architectural style!

I’d carve out an entire afternoon to walk Hwangnidan-gil and its neighboring streets, the perfect place to experience Korea’s cafe culture.

The Best Street Food in Gyeongju

While you’re cafe hopping, be sure to check out Hwangnidan-gil’s street food scene. 10 Won bread is a popular snack, and it is in my top three favorite Korean street foods, which is saying a lot! They are mini, savory pancakes filled with cheese:

I’d also recommend grabbing a cup of cheesy corn or anything that has a long line; trust me, and trust the Koreans. They know their street food. To wash it all down, grab a disposable glass of wine from a nearby shop, and take it along for your munching. Since most cities in Korea don’t have open container laws, it is common to drink on the street or in parks.

Finally, if you’re someone like me who likes to end on a sweet note, try ice cream-stuffed marshmallows roasted by a blow torch. They often have images of the Cheomseongdae Observatory stamped on the outside.

Gyeongju World Amusement Park

South Koreans love amusement parks, and Gyeongju World is a favorite of those living in the southern part of the country. The park’s theme is a generic storybook, and the facilities are extremely clean and well-kept.

While I am not a huge amusement park person, I, too, was convinced to stop by. Tickets prices can vary, but they generally cost less than $40 USD per person, and the park has several large rollercoasters, like Korea’s first 90-degree coaster, Draken, as well as classic carnival rides.

Note: The theme park doesn’t have many interactive attractions for people who are afraid of rollercoasters, and the performance shows are only offered in Korean.

The Best Time of Year To Visit Gyeongju

I’ve visited Gyeongju in every season, and it is truly beautiful all year round; however, I would recommend going in spring or summer to see the mounds in their lush green glory. With that said, I would skip going while the cherry blossoms are blooming.

The cherry blossoms in Gyeongju are beautiful, and the blooming season usually lasts about two weeks in early spring. However, the city simply doesn’t have the infrastructure or public transport to support so many people, making it a particularly crowded affair with barely any room on sidewalks or buses. Unless you can carve out time on a weekday, it is simply not worth it.

How To Get Around in Gyeongju & Getting to Gyeongju from Busan

To get around in Gyeongju, there is a great bus route that loops around the main road, taking you to all the major sites I mentioned above. The 10 and 11 buses drive this loop, and there is another line to take you back to the main bus station.

To get to the city, there are public bus routes from nearby Ulsan and Busan. There is also a direct KTX train from Busan that only takes about 30 minutes. Book your train ticket here.

Plan Your Gyeongju Trip

Final Thoughts on Gyeongju

I genuinely hope this post convinces you to add Gyeongju to your South Korea itinerary!

Thank you, Cathy, for allowing me to share my love for the city. It is one of the first places I traveled to on my own, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. My wish is that more people can experience its beauty and walk amongst its hallowed tombs.

-Hannah

This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. — Cathy