9 Cool Things to Do in Gyeongju, South Korea
This list of 9 cool things to do in Gyeongju gives a short review of each of the things to do in Gyeongju, links to more detailed reviews (where applicable), and advise on accommodation in Gyeongju as well as information on getting to Gyeongju.
After spending the weekend in Seoul I went to Gyeongju for the week (mon-fri) before meeting up with Ayase back in Seoul. It was good to get out of the big city and I had plenty to keep me busy in Gyeongju. It was a good place.
9 Cool Things to do in Gyeongju
1. Anapji Pond
I arrived in Gyeongju around 5:30pm and after a little rest I went to grab some dinner. The lady at my accommodation suggested I check out Anapji Pond, so I did. There are a few things to look at in that area so it turned out to be much more than just a pond. I didn’t end up eating until about 9pm.
2. Bulguksa Temple
On my first full day in Gyeongju I headed out to see Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto. I never made it to the grotto but managed to get halfway up Tohamsan Peak instead.
It was a nice walk around the temple and an even nicer hike up through the woods.
A pond in Bulguska Temple.
3. Seongdong and Jungang Markets
Across the road from the train station bus stop there is the Seongdong market. A great place to get some fresh fruit and vegetables. Also has other stuff inside like fish, meat, and non-food products. Perhaps get yourself a souvenir. Also some small eateries.
Almost directly across the road from the train station bus stop is a shop selling freshly made Korean Bao. Im not sure the real name, but they are extremely similar to Chinese bao zi, only way more delicious – and that’s saying something because Chinese bao zi are already pretty delicious! 1,000 KRW each.
Jungang Market (which is more in the center of town) is much the same but seems to have a bit more in the ready-to-eat food department. I think the “snack stalls” open around 7pm. Before then it is fresh fruit and vegetables.
Inside Seongdong Market.
4. Yangdong Folk Village
Yangdong Folk Village is a traditional village which you can walk around and look at the architecture of that period. People still live there and there are lots of private residence. You can also go for a little hike up the mountain.
Looking over Yangdong from the top of the peak.
5. Tumuli Park
A mid-sized park full of burial mounds (which I originally thought were natural). I didn’t actually go in but took this picture from the gate. Seems like a nice place for a walk-about, but I had done a lot of walking when I went past it so opted to get food instead.
Looking into Tumuli Park from the street.
6. River Walk
In the late afternoon / early evening, cross the busy road and go down next to the river. There is a big walking/cycle path. I’m not sure how long it goes for.
The river coming into dusk.
7. Boman Lake
About halfway to Bulguksa Temple is Boman Lake which is nice to walk around. Along the way are a few other attractions you detour to if you want including a casino and a theme park, although the 6km walk was enough for me.
Boman lake.
8. Gyeongju Heritage Museum
Within walking distance from town is the Gyeongju Heritage Museum. There are a few different exhibits including history and art of the local area. Best of all, free entry, although they still insist you collect a ticket from the booth and then tear the stub off. Seems like a waste of paper and ink but I guess it’s how they keep count of how many people visit each day.
In between two exhibit buildings.
9. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
I originally thought I did this on my first night in Gyeongju. I was wrong about that. This is actually quite a big area on its own and, although I didn’t actually do it, I got this aerial shot of a model in the Gyeongju museum. If I had an extra day I would have gone inside.
Model of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
Getting to Gyeongju
From Seoul catch the metro to the Express Bus Terminal station. Follow the signs to go to the Bus Terminal.
A bus to Gyeongju costs 30,300 KRW and takes about 4 hours. There’s one stop about halfway for toilet/snacks. The bus is very comfortable. Scan your ticket going onto the bus. It’s assigned seating.
You could also catch the train (I think it is more expensive and takes longer) or the rapid KLM train (even more expensive but faster). The KLM station in Gyeongju is a bit further out of town.
I think the KLM costs about 50,000 and takes about 2 1/2 hours, but I’m not certain since I didn’t actually take it.
For value for money and convenience the bus is your best option (IMO).
You could also go to Gyeongju straight from ICN airport. Probably takes about 5hours and maybe costs around 40,000, but this is just guessing.
Accommodation in Gyeongju
Whilst doing all these cool things to do in Gyeongju I stayed at the Nomad House.
Cost: 26,000 KRW/night for a private single room. Shared bathroom. Other rooms and dorms also available.
Address: 166 Sajeong-Dong, 780-938 Gyeongju, South Korea.
Nomad House has much more of a guesthouse feel than where I stayed in Seoul… because it is (a guesthouse). I got a single private room. Toilets and showers are outside. The room is just big enough to do superburpees and my morning yoga. No TV but excellent wifi and communal kitchen.
Pretty good location. About 1km out of the city centre. Clean (as is everywhere in South Korea) and comfortable bed. Has a small selection of books you can borrow for your stay and free simple breakfast (toast, jam, tea/coffee).
Book your stay at the Nomad House or some other accommodation in Gyeongju.
Getting to Nomad House
The owner emails you excellent directions to get there. Just follow them. It’s walkable from the express bus station or the train station, but not from the fast train station.
Here’s a video slideshow of all the photos from Gyeongju.
Got anything to add to this list of cool things to do in Gyeongju? Let us know them (or anything else you want to say) in the comments 
