Gyeongju: A Timeless Walk Through Korea’s Golden Era

Hello there! I’m Min, your local guide living in the heart of Korea. While Seoul is undoubtedly a glittering metropolis full of energy, my heart often wanders to a city that feels like a giant, open-air museum. If you want to see the “real” soul of Korean history, you must hop on a train to Gyeongju.

Once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for nearly 1,000 years, Gyeongju is a place where golden crowns, mysterious burial mounds, and UNESCO World Heritage sites are part of the daily scenery. For us Koreans, Gyeongju is the ultimate nostalgic destination—almost every student here visits it on a school field trip! But don’t let that fool you; it’s evolved into one of the trendiest spots for young locals, blending ancient majesty with “Instagrammable” cafe culture.

Ready for a magical day trip? Let’s dive into a perfectly curated 1-day itinerary!

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1. Daereungwon: Strolling Among Royal Giants

Our journey starts at Daereungwon Ancient Tombs. Imagine 23 massive, green, hill-like mounds rising from the earth. These aren’t just hills—they are the resting places of Silla kings and nobles!

• The Vibe: Walking here feels incredibly peaceful. The soft curves of the mounds against the blue sky create a sense of comfort rather than gloom.
• Must-See Spots:
  • Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb): The only tomb you can actually step inside! You’ll see the famous “Cheonmado” (a painting of a flying horse) and glittering gold artifacts.
  • Hwangnamdaechong: The largest twin-peak tomb, where over 57,000 relics were discovered.
• 📸 Pro-Tip: Look for the solitary magnolia tree standing between two tombs. It’s the most famous photo spot in Gyeongju! (Be prepared for a short line, but it’s worth it for the aesthetic!)
• Even if this isn’t a photo zone, there are plenty of places to take pictures, so be sure to capture precious memories with your friends in photos!!

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2. Hwangnam-ppang: A Sweet Bite of Tradition

You can’t visit Gyeongju without tasting Hwangnam-ppang. As someone who holds a professional baker’s certificate, I’m quite picky about my bread, but this is the real deal!

Since 1939, this shop has used 100% Korean red beans. The crust is paper-thin, and the inside is packed with a dense, naturally sweet red bean paste. Plus, red beans are rich in saponin and potassium—so it’s practically a health food, right? 😉 Buying them fresh and warm is a heavenly experience.

• Address: 783 Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuk
• Naver Map: https://naver.me/F2ZuxEyJ

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3. Hwangridan-gil: Where Tradition Meets Hipster Vibes

Next, walk over to Hwangridan-gil. The name combines “Hwangnam-dong” and “Gyeongridan-gil” (a famous hip street in Seoul). It’s a neighborhood of traditional Hanok houses transformed into quirky boutiques, souvenir shops, and modern eateries.

🍴 Lunch Recommendation: So-ok (소옥)

For a refined Korean meal, head to So-ok. Their Braised Beef Short Ribs (So-galbi-jjim) are incredibly tender. I highly recommend pairing them with the Gamtae Rice Balls (sea silk) and Cabbage Pancakes. It’s tucked inside a cozy Hanok, making your lunch feel like a royal feast.

• Address: 29 Poseok-ro 1050beon-gil, Gyeongju-si
• Naver Map: https://naver.me/F9N46UlM

🍻 Afternoon Break: Hwangnam Jutack (황남주택)

Need a chill moment? This Hanok pub is famous for its outdoor yard and vintage vibes. They even project old movies onto the stone walls! Order a cold craft beer and some Dried Squid or Pollack (a classic Korean beer snack).

• Address: 45-8 Poseok-ro 1050beon-gil, Gyeongju-si
• Naver Map: https://naver.me/57VZ90WQ

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4. Cheomseongdae: The Science of the Stars

Just a short walk away is Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Built during the reign of Queen Seondeok, it’s a masterpiece of symbolic math:

• It uses about 365 stones (representing the days in a year).
• It has 27 layers (Queen Seondeok was the 27th ruler).
• The windows and structure represent the 12 months and 24 solar terms.It’s a beautiful testament to how advanced the Silla people were in science and agriculture!
• Location: 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si
• Naver Map: https://naver.me/GJTiv7JT

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5. Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond: The Ultimate Night View

We saved the best for last. As the sun sets, head to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. This was the secondary palace for the crown prince.

When the lights turn on, the golden pavilions reflect perfectly in the still water of the pond. It is, without a doubt, the most romantic and stunning night view in all of Korea. It was once called “Anapji,” but it recently reclaimed its original, more beautiful name, “Wolji,” which means “a pond that reflects the moon.” 🌙

• Location: 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si
• Naver Map: https://naver.me/5FmSoI8P

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🚀 How to Get to Gyeongju from Seoul

Whether you’re a fan of high-speed efficiency or budget-friendly scenic routes, there’s a perfect option for you.

1. The High-Speed Choice: KTX (Korea Train Express)

This is my top recommendation! It’s fast, clean, and you can enjoy the beautiful Korean countryside zooming by at $300\text{km/h}$.

• Departure: Seoul Station (Lines 1 & 4)
• Arrival: Gyeongju Station (Note: This was formerly called Singyeongju Station)
• Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes
• Cost: Around 49,300 KRW for an Economy seat.
• Pro-Tip: Gyeongju Station is a bit outside the main tourist hub. Once you arrive, just hop on Bus No. 50, 51, or 70 (approx. 20–30 mins) or take a quick taxi (about 15 mins) to reach Daereungwon or Hwangridan-gil.

2. The Modern Alternative: SRT (Super Rapid Train)

If you are staying in Southern Seoul (near Gangnam or Jamsil), the SRT is even more convenient than going to Seoul Station.

• Departure: Suseo Station (Line 3 & Suin-Bundang Line)
• Arrival: Gyeongju Station
• Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours
• Cost: Slightly cheaper than KTX, around 42,000 KRW.

3. The Budget-Friendly Route: Express Bus

If you want to save some “snack money” for more Hwangnam-ppang, the bus is a great choice. It actually drops you off closer to the city center!

• Departure: Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu Line) or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal.
• Arrival: Gyeongju Express/Intercity Bus Terminal.
• Travel Time: Approx. 3.5 to 4 hours (depending on traffic).
• Cost: 22,000 – 35,000 KRW (Premium buses are super comfortable with reclining seats!).
• Benefit: The bus terminal is within walking distance (about 10–15 mins) to Hwangridan-gil, so no extra transfers are needed!

If you’re traveling during the weekend or public holidays, book your KTX tickets early! They sell out fast because everyone wants to visit this beautiful city. You can use the ‘Korail Talk’ app or the official website to book in English.

💡 Min’s Travel Note

Gyeongju is so rich in culture that a single day might feel too short! If you have more time, I highly recommend visiting Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both iconic UNESCO sites.