Things To Do
in Kyŏngju
Kyŏngju, in South Korea, is known for its rich history as the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. The city is filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites, including ancient temples, royal tombs, and archaeological ruins. Visitors can explore the bustling markets, traditional hanok villages, and beautiful natural surroundings like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.
Kyŏngju offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient burial mounds at Daereungwon. Stroll around the area to soak in the historical ambiance.
Explore the stunning Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take your time to admire the intricate architectural details.
Wrap up your day at the Anapji Pond for a magical sunset view. The reflections of the pagodas on the water create a serene atmosphere.
Visit the Gyeongju National Museum to learn about the rich history of the Silla Dynasty. The various artifacts will give you a deeper appreciation of Korean culture.
Head to the Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia. The architecture is fascinating and perfect for photos.
Enjoy a traditional Korean dinner at a local restaurant. Sample dishes like Bibimbap while experiencing the warm hospitality of Gyeongju.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical and cultural heritage, including ancient tombs and temples.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites that attract tourists and history enthusiasts.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and coastal areas.
- Culinary delights featuring traditional Korean cuisine.
- Vibrant local festivals celebrating culture and tradition.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities like Seoul and Busan.
- Potential language barrier for non-Korean speakers as English may not be widely spoken.
- Public transportation may be less frequent than in larger urban areas.
- Some attractions can be crowded during peak tourist seasons.
- Economic opportunities may be limited compared to more industrialized cities.
Best Activities in Kyŏngju
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historic Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
Visit Anapji Pond, a picturesque park with a serene pond surrounded by historic ruins and scenic walking paths.
Enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, nature walks, and picnics in the beautiful Gyeongju National Park.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kyŏngju with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kyŏngju
Visit one of these nice places.
Offering stunning architecture and beautiful landscapes for photography.
Astronomical observatory with picturesque surroundings for panoramic views and photo opportunities.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional scenic beauty and historic significance.
A picturesque site with beautifully landscaped gardens, creating ideal photography opportunities.
Food in Kyŏngju
Kyŏngju Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Korean pastry filled with sweet red bean paste, best found at the original Hwangnam Bakery in the historic district.
Must-Try!
A dish composed of rice and an assortment of greens used for wrapping, typically accompanied by grilled fish or meat. You can savor this dish at local restaurants or traditional eateries.
A specialty rice dish mixed with assorted vegetables, mushrooms, and meat, providing a unique and delightful blend of flavors. Look for this dish at traditional Korean restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kyŏngju better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest markets in the city, offering a wide variety of local street foods such as hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).
A bustling area near the historic observatory, where you can sample a plethora of street foods, including twigim (Korean tempura), odeng (fish cake skewers), and sundae (Korean blood sausage).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional Korean establishments.
When giving or receiving items, it is respectful to use both hands as a sign of courtesy.
In Korean culture, showing respect to elders is highly important, and it is customary to use honorific titles and gestures when interacting with them.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kyŏngju with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kyŏngju
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Kyŏngju, South Korea. In fact, tipping is generally not expected and can even be considered inappropriate in some contexts. Most services include the necessary fees and gratuities, so there is no need to tip at restaurants, hotels, or other establishments.
In Kyŏngju, South Korea, cash is widely used for day-to-day transactions, although credit and debit cards are becoming more common, especially in larger establishments. It's important to carry enough cash, as some smaller businesses may not accept cards. Mobile payment methods such as Samsung Pay and Apple Pay are also popular in South Korea.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kyŏngju.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cherry blossoms, mild weather, and the annual cherry blossom festival.
Expect hot and humid weather, but also vibrant greenery and the Hwangridan Cherry Village.
Ideal for fall foliage, pleasant temperatures, and the Kyŏngju World Culture Expo.
Experience a quiet and serene atmosphere, with possible snowfall and various indoor cultural activities.
Kyŏngju at Night
Hiking in Kyŏngju
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Tohamsan Mountain is located near the historical site of Bulguksa Temple and offers various trails with stunning views of the surrounding area and the ancient Silla capital.
Namsan Mountain is known for its rich historical significance and numerous Buddhist relics. The hiking trails vary in difficulty and provide beautiful scenery with stone carvings and temples along the way.
Gyeongju National Park encompasses several trails suitable for hiking, showcasing the area's biodiversity and historical landmarks, including the Seokguram Grotto.
Located a bit outside Kyŏngju, Geumosan Mountain features beautiful forested trails and panoramic views from the summit, offering a peaceful hiking experience.
This trail leads to the picturesque Seorimsa Temple and is surrounded by nature, providing a serene hike with opportunities to explore cultural heritage.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kyŏngju through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kyŏngju by plane.
Located in Busan, approximately 85 km from Kyŏngju, Gimhae International Airport is the main international airport serving the region, offering flights to various destinations in Asia and beyond.
Situated about 80 km from Kyŏngju, Daegu International Airport provides domestic flights and limited international services, serving the city of Daegu and the surrounding areas.
Located about 350 km from Kyŏngju, Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea, providing extensive international flight options and connections to major cities worldwide.
Approximately 190 km from Kyŏngju, Gwangju Airport serves both domestic and a few international flights, catering primarily to passengers traveling to and from the southwestern part of Korea.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Kyŏngju, South Korea, comprising the majority of the population.
A smaller demographic group present in Kyŏngju, a traditional community with distinct cultural practices.
Includes expatriates and immigrant communities from various countries, contributing to the multicultural landscape of the city.
The Soul of Kyŏngju
Discover the essence of Kyŏngju through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Kyŏngju, with many local clubs and a passionate fan base.
Taekwondo, a martial art that originated in Korea, is widely practiced in Kyŏngju, with numerous dojos offering training.
Basketball is also popular in Kyŏngju, with many schools and local teams participating in competitions.
Baseball enjoys a strong following in Kyŏngju, where games are commonly played at local parks and fields.
Volleyball is a favored sport, particularly among women, with various clubs and school teams in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kyŏngju.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Korean cuisine often features meat, many restaurants in Kyŏngju offer vegetarian bibimbap, vegetable jeon (Korean pancake), and tofu-based dishes. Look for Buddhist temples or specialized vegetarian restaurants for more options.
Many Korean dishes are rice-based and naturally gluten-free. Be sure to communicate your dietary needs clearly at local eateries, and consider dishes like japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) or samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly without sauce).