Gyeongju Day Tour: The Ultimate Guide to Gyeongju Attractions in Korea’s Ancient Capital

If you have already 'been there, done that' with the most popular tourist spots in Seoul, I strongly recommend a full day of history and cultural immersion in Gyeongju. Gyeongju was the 2025 APEC summit host-city.

When you visit Gyeongju, you’re in for one of the most rewarding cultural experiences in Korea. Often called “the museum without walls,” Gyeongju is packed with UNESCO World Heritage sites, royal tombs, ancient temples, and charming cafes, all within a surprisingly compact area.

Whether you’re traveling from Seoul or Busan, this guide covers how to get there, the top Gyeongju attractions, and where to eat and relax to make your day seamless and memorable.

First, you have to get there, so

From Seoul to Gyeongju

KTX Train (Fastest)

• Seoul Station → Singyeongju Station
• Travel time: ~2 hours
• From Singyeongju Station, take a bus or taxi (20–25 min) to the city center.

👉 Tip: Book KTX tickets early for better seat availability.

Express Bus

• Seoul Express Bus Terminal → Gyeongju
• Travel time: ~4 hours
• Book your bus ticket here

👉 Tip: If you take the express bus, the bus driver will definitely stop by the rest area on the way. Make sure to check out my top foods to try. 

From Busan to Gyeongju

Train 

• Busan Station → Gyeongju Station
• Travel time: ~1.5 hours

👉 Tip: Book KTX tickets early for better seat availability.

Intercity Bus

• Busan Central Bus Terminal → Gyeongju
• Travel time: ~1 hour
• Book your bus ticket here

Now, if you have arrived in Gyeongju, let's get started!

If you prefer a guided tour, we recommend this tour.

1. Bulguksa Temple (불국사)

Bulguksa Temple is the most iconic of all Gyeongju attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the spiritual heart of the Silla Dynasty. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Toham, the temple is famous for its stone pagodas, refined symmetry, and peaceful mountain atmosphere. It’s a must-visit stop on any Gyeongju day tour, especially for first-time visitors.

Why Visit Here

• One of Korea’s most important UNESCO World Heritage sites

• Home to the famous Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas

• Offers a calm, scenic introduction to Gyeongju’s Buddhist history

What to Expect Here

• Wide stone stairways, temple halls, and historic pagodas

• Easy walking paths suitable for all ages

• Beautiful seasonal scenery (especially spring blossoms and fall foliage)

Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours

2. Yangdong Folk Village (양동마을)

Yangdong Folk Village is a UNESCO-listed traditional village that preserves the lifestyle of Korea’s Confucian aristocracy during the Joseon Dynasty. Unlike reconstructed folk villages, this is a living village with original hanok homes, academies, and centuries-old family lineages. It’s an excellent cultural stop for travelers looking to go beyond the main tourist circuit.

Why Visit Here

• One of Korea’s best-preserved traditional villages

• Authentic hanok homes set in a rural landscape

• Less crowded than major tourist villages

What to Expect Here

• Gentle uphill walking paths through historic homes

• Scenic viewpoints overlooking tiled rooftops

• A quiet, immersive atmosphere

Time Needed: ~1 hour

3. Daereungwon Tomb Complex (대릉원)

The Daereungwon Tomb Complex is a vast park filled with large grass-covered royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty. These distinctive mounds define Gyeongju’s skyline and offer a rare chance to walk among ancient royal burial sites in the middle of the city. The highlight is Cheonmachong, one of the few tombs visitors can enter. Just a quick tip, if you are traveling with kids, make sure they don't climb the tombs (since they look like hills, it's tempting for them)

Why Visit Here

• An iconic symbol of ancient Gyeongju

• Central location near many major attractions

• Offers insight into the Silla royal burial culture

What to Expect Here

• Wide walking paths through grassy tomb fields

• Interior exhibits inside Cheonmachong

• Great photo spots, especially on clear days

Time Needed: 40–50 minutes

4. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (안압지)

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, often called Anapji, is one of the most beautiful Gyeongju attractions—especially at night. Once a secondary palace for Silla royalty, the site is famous for its illuminated pavilions reflecting over the pond. This is a must-see evening stop on any Gyeongju day tour.

Why Visit Here

• One of the best night views in Korea

• Historically significant royal palace site

• Highly photogenic after sunset

What to Expect Here

• Calm, flat walking paths around the pond

• Nighttime lighting and reflections

• Romantic and relaxed atmosphere

Time Needed: 40–50 minutes

5. Cafes in Hwangnidan-gil (황리단길)

Hwangnidan-gil is Gyeongju’s trendiest neighborhood, blending traditional hanok architecture with modern cafés and boutiques. It’s the perfect place to rest between attractions, grab coffee, or enjoy dessert during your Gyeongju day tour.

Why Visit Here

• Stylish hanok-style cafés and shops

• Central location near Daereungwon and Cheomseongdae

• Great food and coffee options

What to Expect Here

• Short walking distances between cafés

• A mix of traditional and modern interiors

• Busy atmosphere on weekends

Time Needed: 45–60 minutes

(Optional Overnight Experience) Gyeongju Hanok Stay 

A Gyeongju hanok stay lets you experience traditional Korean architecture while staying close to major attractions. Many hanok accommodations are located near Hwangnidan-gil, making them ideal if you extend your trip beyond a single day.

Why Visit Here

• Unique cultural lodging experience

• Quiet evenings after the day tourists leave

• Beautiful traditional interiors

What to Expect Here

• Ondol floor heating and futon bedding

• Modern bathrooms in a renovated hanok

• Peaceful nighttime atmosphere

Time Needed: Overnight

Here are a few hanok stay recommendations

• Soi Hanok Stay - 5 minutes from Hwangnidan-gil. Highly rated on many travel sites.

• Wiyeonjae Hanok Stay - 5-minute walk from Daereungwon Royal Tomb. Also, one of those highly rated Hanok hotels.

A Gyeongju day tour offers something rare in Korea - deep history, walkable attractions, great food, and beautiful scenery, all without the crowds of Seoul. Whenever I visit this city, I also find it very peaceful, and it is one of my favorite 'quiet and beautiful' places in Korea.

If you have extra time, staying overnight in a Gyeongju hanok stay elevates the trip even further, so you can focus on enjoying Korea’s ancient capital at your own pace.