How to spend 2 wonderful days in Gyeongju – A Perfect Gyeongju Itinerary!
Often referred to as South Korea’s best open-air museum, Gyeongju is the perfect destination for a lovely 2-day getaway in-between visiting the more modern and bustling cities of Seoul and Busan.
In this itinerary, we will tell you exactly how to ideally spend 2 wonderful days in Gyeongju and what highlights not to miss out on while there. So, let’s get started!
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The Very Best Things to See and Do in Gyeongju in 2 days!
If you are into Korean history, Gyeongju is going to be heaven for you. The former capital of the Silla dynasty (57 BC to 935 AD) still holds numerous remnants of that time. Over the last few decades, many of them have been rediscovered all over the city and excavations are an ongoing process.
But, Gyeongju has more to offer than ruins and archaeological sites. Gyeongju’s historical city centre is home to beautiful Hanok houses (where you can also stay), stunning street art, lovely cafés and unique boutiques. Plus, due to the city being a rather rural one, you will find stunning flower fields, lotus ponds and lush rice fields all in walking distance one from the other.
We very much enjoyed our time in Gyeongju and in this itinerary, we will now show you how you can do the same. So, let’s find how to spend 2 amazing days in Gyeongju!
How to get to Gyeongju
Gyeongju is located in the province of North Gyeongsang, 1-2 hours north of Busan. Getting there is actually fairly easy since Gyeongju is quite well connected.
Essentially, you have two options to get to Gyeongju. Either you take an Express/Intercity Bus or you travel to Gyeongju by train. The latter is especially convenient, since Gyeongju is located on the most popular KTX route, which travels between Seoul and Busan multiple times per day.
For an overview of direct public transportation connections to Gyeongju from Seoul, Busan as well as a few other cities (with their respective travel times and prices), head to our dedicated Gyeongju Travel Guide!
Not sure yet what’s the best public transport option to get to Gyeongju? Read next:
48 hours in Gyeongju – The Perfect Itinerary
Now, without further ado, let’s find out what the best things to see and do in Gyeongju are. And, more importantly, how you can fit all of them into your 2 days in Gyeongju!
Day 1: The one with the stamp booklet
On your first day in Gyeongju, you’ll be doing most of the sightseeing in and around Gyeongju’s historical city centre. There are quite a number of attractions spread throughout the city. Depending on your degree of interest and love for museums and history, you can of course do as many or as few as you like😉.
In this particular itinerary, we will mostly focus on the main attractions. Should you wish to explore even more, we will leave some additional suggestions as we make our way through the itinerary. Now, let’s start!
🚅 Arrival in Gyeongju
Make your way to Gyeongju first thing in the morning. Especially if you are travelling from Seoul, make sure to plan enough time as getting here may take 2-3 hours. Getting to Gyeongju from Busan, is going to be way quicker.
In our dedicated Gyeongju travel guide, we tell you about the various options you have for getting to Gyeongju as well as how to reach Gyeongju’s historical city centre from Gyeongju Train Station and/or Express Bus Station!
After your arrival, check in to your hotel or drop off your luggage before making your way into the streets of Gyeongju to start exploring!
You essentially have two options when deciding on where to stay in Gyeongju. But more on that here:
🌿 Explore the Geumgwanchong and Daereungwon Tomb Complex
What better way to start sightseeing in Gyeongju than by visiting one of Gyeongju’s most iconic feature: the tombs. Gyeongju is quite famous for its “grass hill” tombs, which are literally scattered all over the city. The tombs are believed to hold the remains of kings, queens and nobles from the Silla period, which lasted from 57 B.C. to 935 A.D.
Geumgwanchong is the smaller of the two complexes. However, here you’ll find a small museum (entrance free of charge) where you can gain a little insight into how these tombs were typically constructed.
Daereungwon Tomb Complex on the other hand is a decently sized park that encompasses quite a number of tombs, 23 to be exact. So it is no wonder that the Daereungwon Tomb Complex has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Entrance to the park itself is free. If you wish to enter Cheonmachong tomb (the only one you can enter), then you’ll have to buy a separate entrance ticket for 3.000KRW.
🍁 About the Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Stamp Booklet
Right now should be the perfect time to introduce you to Gyeongju’s Cultural Heritage Stamp Tour. Why? Because, technically the Daerungwon Tomb Complex is already part of it.
So what is this Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Stamp thing? Well, essentially it is a stamp booklet that allows you to collect stamps at various sightseeing spots throughout Gyeongju and its surrounding area. You can acquire the booklet at any location where there are stamps to collect.
In your case you can grab the booklet at the Daereungwon Tomb Complex and collect your very first stamp there as well😉. Getting the booklet and the stamps is of course by no means a must. However, we found it to be quite a fun thing to do while visiting the sights in Gyeongju. Also, the booklet and the stamps are free.
🫓 Try Hwangnam-ppang or Gyeongju Bread
While it is called Gyeongju Bread, this snack actually has little in common with typical bread. In fact, Hwangnam-ppang is moreover a pastry, filled with red bean curd, that can be eaten as a snack at all times of the day!
The original bakery that invented this treat back in 1939 can still be found just north of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. In other words, the perfect next stop. The bakery is called ‘Hwangnamppang Original Store’ (Address: 783 Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea).
Whether you decide to eat your newly acquired Gyeongju bread right away as a snack in between sightseeing or prefer to catch lunch first and then try it as dessert is up to you. In case you prefer the latter option, there are quite a few restaurants located in the streets surrounding the bakery.
🌷 Stroll around Cheomseongdae and the surrounding flower fields
Now, for your next stop, make your way south-east of the historical city centre, towards Cheomseongdae. This 9-metres-tall stone tower might not look like much at first glance. However, Cheomseongdae used to be an astronomical observatory that was built before 600 A.D., which makes it the oldest surviving observatory in all of Asia!
Entrance to the area is free and the observatory is surrounded by a beautiful park filled with numerous flowers. A great place to relax for a while! And, there is a stamp to collect here.
🪷 Marvel at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
Next up is another World Heritage Site: Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond! Donggung Palace was constructed during the later years of the Silla-era and its most popular key feature is the surrounding artificial pond.
There is actually not much left from the original palace apart from a few pavilions that have been reconstructed and the outline of where the palace once stood. In other words, even today the key feature remains Wolji Pond😉.
Entrance to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond costs 3.000 KRW per person. From Cheomseongdae you’ll reach Wolji Pond in a leisurely 10 min walk through the park surrounding the observatory. Collect the Wolji Pond stamp while here!
As a tip: Last entry to Wolji Pond is at 9:30 p.m.! Why so late? Well, visiting Wolji Pond after dark is actually quite a popular thing to do since it is a bit more impressive when lit up at night! So, while Wolji Pond fits quite nicely into your itinerary here since it is literally on the way, you could also opt to skip it here and come back later at the end of your first day in Gyeongju.
Tip Nr. 2: Next to Wolji Pond there is a beautiful lotus field. Make sure to check it out when visiting Gyeongju during the warmer months of the year!
🏛️ Learn more about Gyeongju’s history at the Gyeongju National Museum
If you wish to gain a bit more background information about Gyeongju and the Silla era, then a visit to the Gyeongju National Museum is a must. The latter holds a large quantity of artefacts unearthed not only in Gyeongju, but across all of North Gyeongsang Province.
And the best thing, entrance to the museum is free of charge! The Gyeongju National Museum is located only ~700 metres away from Wolji Pond – an easy 10min walk.
💮 Optional: Visit Hwangnyongsa Culture Hall & Bunhwangsa Temple
The sights you have visited so far are some of Gyeongju’s more popular sights and in our opinion must-see places when there. Gyeongju however is filled with archaeological sites and we understand that not everyone will have the same enthusiasm for exploring them, which is why these sights are optional😉.
So, for those of you that feel like they have not yet quenched their thirst for exploring Gyeongju’s historical marvels: make your way to Hwangnyongsa History & Culture Hall next. Hwangnyongsa is the site of a former Buddhist temple that used to have a 68-metres tall wooden pagoda. Today only the outline of the buildings are left and a small museum. Entrance fee: 3.000 KRW.
Our Tip: On your way from Gyeongju National Museum, you will pass beautiful rice fields. Especially during the warmer months when everything is green and lush, they are quite a sight to behold!
After your visit to Hwangnyongsa Culture Hall, it is only a short walk across the street to reach Bunhwangsa Temple. The latter is most well known for its Stone Brick Pagoda. Also, here you can collect one more stamp!
Day 2: The one where you explore Gyeongju’s highlights
Admittedly, while we made you do most of the sightseeing in Gyeongju the day before, we saved our personal highlights for your second day in the city. Get ready for an awesome day!
🏮Explore Bulguksa Temple
Today’s sightseeing will take you a bit more outside of Gyeongju’s historical centre. First up: Bulguksa Temple! If you ask the internet, Bulguksa Temple is usually listed among the top 3 things to do in Gyeongju. And, they are not wrong. It would be an absolute shame to visit Gyeongju and not go to Bulguksa Temple.
Bulguksa Temple was established in the 8th century during the Silla dynasty and thus holds quite a great significance. The temple’s structures built from stone are still in their original form while the wooden structures naturally had to be repaired over time.
How to get to Bulguksa Temple from Gyeongju?
Getting there on public transport is a little more troublesome since the temple is located 16 kilometres outside of Gyeongju and the bus connection irregular. However, given that it is such a popular tourist attraction, it is doable.
There are a few bus lines commuting between Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju. The main ones to look out for are probably bus line Nr. 10, 11, 700 and 711. The bus ride itself will take roughly 30-40 minutes depending on the line.
To find the closest bus station from your accommodation, it is best to check on Naver Map. If you stay at a hotel near Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, bus Nr. 10, 11 and 700 leave from the local bus station called ‘Gyeongju Express Terminal’ (150 metres from the actual Express Terminal) as well as ‘서라벌사거리’ and ‘Jungang Market’ station. Bus Nr. 711 also stops at ‘Seorabeol Cultural Centre’ station and in front of Daereungwon Tomb Complex, which may be a bit more convenient if you stay in a Hanok in the historical city centre.
📿Optional: Explore Seokguram Grotto
Further east into the mountains from Bulguksa Temple you will find Seokguram Grotto. Also built in the 8th century, this artificial grotto contains a stone Buddha statue as well as several stunning carvings surrounding the sculpture. The grotto is not big, but impressive nonetheless, especially given its age.
The reason why we put Seokguram Grotto as an optional activity is its remoteness. If you have a rental car, getting there is fairly easy. However when using public transport, you are going to be more limited.
Essentially, there is only one bus travelling between Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto: Bus Nr. 12. The latter runs 10 times per day on a loop going from Bulguksa to Seokguram Grotto and back – starting at 8:40 a.m. and doing its last loop at 4:40 p.m.
☕ Do café hopping in Gyeongju’s historical centre
Whether you decided to visit Seokguram Grotto or not, it is now time to make your way back from the mountains into Gyeongju city centre. Don’t worry, after travelling all that way this morning, your afternoon is going to be a bit more relaxed.
So far, you actually haven’t had that much time to simply stroll around Gyeongju’s historical centre, which is about to change. Because, your main focus this afternoon is to do just that! But, what is there to do in the streets of Gyeongju’s historical centre?
🛍️ Go shopping on Hwangnidan-gil. Hwangnidan-gil is somewhat the main shopping street in Gyeongju's historical centre, lined with all sorts of unique boutiques and shops.
🎨 Street Art. Many side streets in Gyeongju are decorated with murals and other beautiful street art. A great way to spend some time is to simply roam the streets on a hunt for stunning art!
🎎 Rent a Hanbok. You can even opt to rent a Silla-style Hanbok for your street art quest! Personally, we think that trying on traditional clothing is always a great experience. What's more, in Gyeongju you can rent Hanbok from the Silla era! These are different from the ones you usually see (from the Joseon era), but honestly, pretty awesome!
🥤 Check out Gyeongju's Starbucks. Whether you are a fan of Starbucks or not, the building holding Gyeonju's Starbucks is quite a stunning one. It is worth checking out even just in passing!
🏮 Sunghyejeon Shrine. To our knowledge, you cannot enter, however the outside of the building is worth checking out if your are in the area!
☕ Café Hopping. Last but not least, we suggest you take some time to try out some of Gyeongju's many cafés. Our recommendations are 'Bichkkuli', 'Sol Café' and 'Skunkworks Roastery'!
Now, before your time in Gyeongju slowly comes to an end, there is one more must-see sight that we have not shown you yet. And that is Woljeonggyo Bridge. However, before we get to that, first:
🌳 Make your way to Gyochon Traditional Village via Gyerim Forest
Gyochon Traditional Village is a lovely Hanok Village perched on the banks of Namcheon river. It is home to a few cafés and souvenir shops but also functions as the background for cultural events and performances in Gyeongju. It is rather small so you won’t spend hours here. Nonetheless it is definitely worth checking out.
In order to get to Gyochon Traditional Village from Gyeongju’s historical centre you can opt to take the bus. However, we would advise making your way there on foot. Why? Well, between the city centre and Gyochon lies Gyerim Forest. The latter is a serene park/forest, whose pathways are lined with beautiful winding pine trees – very relaxing to walk through!
Entrance to Gyochon Traditional Village as well as Gyerim Forest are free of charge.
🌉 Marvel at Woljeonggyo Bridge
From Gyochon Traditional Village, you probably already spotted the stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge. It is hard not to. Originally built in the 8th century, Woljeonggyo was lost after the fall of the Silla dynasty (like most of the structures in Gyeongju).
However, this time you won’t be making your way to yet another site where only foundation walls remain. Because, Woljeonggyo has been rebuilt! The reconstruction project started in 2008 and was completed in 2018 and the results are truly stunning! Entry to the bridge is free.
Our tip: If you head to Woljeonggyo Bridge after sunset, you can marvel at the bridge when illuminated, which is also quite a worthwhile sight!
Day 3: Head to your next destination!
And just like that, your time in Gyeongju has come to an end. On day 3, make your way to Gyeongju’s train or Express Bus station first thing in the morning and head to your next destination.
- Not yet sure where that is? Find our South Korea Itinerary suggestions here.
- Your next stop is Busan? Read next: How to spend 3-4 amazing days in Busan – The Perfect Busan Itinerary.
- Headed to Seoul? Make sure to check out these awesome 20 Free Things to do in Seoul!
Perfect 2-Day Gyeongju Itinerary: Final Thoughts
Gyeongju is a perfect getaway from South Korea’s busy cities with its awesome blend of archaeological sites, rural town flair and a lovely historical city centre filled with shops and cafés!
In this Gyeongju Itinerary, we showed you how you can easily spend 2 amazing days roaming around Gyeongju’s historical city centre and beyond, exploring all the highlights this city has to offer!
Save this post for later if your trip isn’t for another while! And, finally, we wish you safe and happy travels!🍀
