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Guide to Gyeongju (UNESCO World Heritage) & its Famous Attractions from Seoul/Busan
▶How to get from Seoul/Busan to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station), Gyeongju
▶Travel Itinerary to Most Popular Attractions in Gyeongju
Guides & How to get to:
▶Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street
▶Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge
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From Gyeongju Station 경주역 (KTX/SRT, formerly Singyeongju Station), take bus to Gyeongju city center and attractions. more details
Gyeongju was the ancient capital city of the Silla Dynasty that ruled the Korean Peninsula for 992 years (57 BCE – 935 CE). It is home to many historical heritage sites, Buddhist art masterpieces, relics, palaces, royal tombs, temples and fortress from the culture of Silla Kingdom.
Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto and Gyeongju Historic Areas (UNESCO World Heritage)
Both Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 1995.
Separately, 5 distinct areas in the centre of Gyeongju and its suburbs, collectively named as 'Gyeongju Historic Areas' were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site on November 2000. Gyeongju Historic Areas have a total of 52 designated cultural assets registered as World Cultural Heritages.
How to Get to Gyeongju from Seoul/Busan:
Gyeongju Station 경주역 (formerly Singyeongju Station 신경주역, KTX/SRT)
Gyeongju Station (KTX / SRT), Gyeongju
Gyeongju Station 경주역 (formerly Singyeongju Station 신경주역) is the nearest train station on Gyeongbu Line (KTX / SRT) to Gyeongju. Travelling by KTX or SRT train is the easiest and fastest way to Gyeongju.
💡Gyeongju is nearer to Busan than Seoul. Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station) is only 2 stops away to Busan Station.
💡If you have visited Gyeongju in the past via KTX connection to Gyeongju Station 경주역 located in Gyeongju city center, the station has closed on 28 December 2021, after 103 years of operation. It was reborn as 'Gyeongju Cultural Center 1918' on 2 December 2022.
💡On 28 Dec 2023, Singyeongju Station was renamed to Gyeongju Station, 13 years after opening. Visitors visiting Gyeongju using high-speed trains (KTX and SRT) must reserve tickets for Gyeongju Station instead of Singyeongju Station.
a) Tourist Information Center & Lockers @Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station)
Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station) is a fairly large but easy to get around station, it has all the facilities that travellers may need. e.g. luggage delivery/storage, Tourist Information Center, cafes and restaurants.
If you are stopping over Gyeongju on a day trip between 2 cities (e.g. Seoul & Busan), lockers for your luggage are conveniently located near the station's entrance. Touchscreen instructions are available in English.
b) Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall @Gyeongju Station
Interestingly, there is a Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall inside Gyeongju Station where historical artifacts excavated during the construction of the Gyeongbu High-Speed Railway are displayed. Free admission for visitors.
c) Souvenir Shops, Convenience Store, Cafes & Restaurants @Gyeongju Station
There are also convenience store, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, local speciality products and snacks at Gyeongju Station.
d) Exit 1 to Bus Stop & Taxi Stand @Gyeongju Station
To get to the bus stop (/taxi stand), take Exit 1 and the bus stop is towards the right.
💡From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station), you can take Bus# 50, 60, 61, 70, 302, 332, 700, 710 & 711 to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. 20 mins ride and about 10 mins walk to the nearest attraction, i.e. Hwangnidan-gil Street.
From Seoul to Gyeongju
KTX Train from Seoul Station to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, Gyeongju): 2hrs 13mins (₩49,300)
SRT Train from Suseo Station (Seoul) to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, Gyeongju): 2hrs 5mins (₩42,600)
Intercity bus from Seoul to Gyeongju: 4hrs (₩49,300)
💡KTX train is covered under KORAIL Pass (rail travel pass exclusive for foreign visitors).
💡You can transfer from Suseo Station (Seoul Subway Line 3 / Bungdang Line) to Suseo Station (SRT) via the underground transfer passageway. 7-10 mins walk.
💡Seoul Subway to Suseo Station from Myeongdong Station (45mins, 1-2 lines transfer) / from Seoul Station (50mins, 1-2 lines transfer) / Gangnam Station (26 mins, 1 line transfer).
From Busan to Gyeongju
KTX Train from Busan to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, Gyeongju): 35 mins (₩11,000)
SRT Train from Busan to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, Gyeongju): 35 mins (₩10,000)
Intercity Bus from Busan to Gyeongju Intercity/Express Bus Terminal: 50 mins (₩7,700)
💡The intercity bus departs every every 20-30 mins and express bus departs every 1.5hrs. Both with the same travel time and bus fare.
💡To get to the bus terminal, take the Busan Subway to Nopo Station (line 1). Follow the sign, 'Busan Central Bus Terminal (Express•Intercity)'. 3 mins walk. The bus for Gyeongju departs from platform 27. From Gyeongju Intercity/Express Bus Terminal, it is about 10 mins walk to the nearest attraction, Hwangnidan-gil Street.
💡Busan Subway to Nopo Station from Busan Station (39mins, same line) / Seomyeon Station (29 mins, same line) / Haeundae Station (52 mins, 2 lines transfer).
Train & bus fares subject to change. Train travel time & fares vary according to departure time.
Gyeongju Day Trip Travel Course/Itinerary
Gyeongju ancient city is best visited on a 2-day relax trip with overnight stay in Gyeongju. However, with proper planning (& comfortable walking shoes), you can also visit most popular and famous attractions in Gyeongju on a worthy 1-day trip from Seoul or on your way to Busan.
These recommended Gyeongju attractions, often included on day tours are divided into 2 main regions:
a) Bulguksa Temple Region: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto
b) Gyeongju Downtown Area (also known as Gyeongju Dareungwon Ancient Tomb Complex): Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Royal Tomb, Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street, Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, Gyeongju National Museum (optional)
a) Bulguksa Temple Region
This region comprises of the well-known UNESCO World Cultural Heritages of:
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Bulguksa Temple
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Seokguram Grotto
Notes on Travelling in Bulguksa Temple region:
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Transport is limited and infrequent. It takes about 1 hr from Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT) or 45 mins from Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal in Gyeongju city center. So, planning around the bus schedule is recommended.
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There is only 1 bus service that operates hourly between Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. If you miss the bus, you may consider taking a taxi (20mins, ₩12,000) up the winding road to Seokguram Grotto instead.
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Plan to arrive Gyeongju very early so that you can complete this region by lunch time on your day trip to Gyeongju. Alternatively, if you wish for a more relax trip, skip this region or visit over a 2-day trip.
(image source: Cultural Heritage Administration)
b) Gyeongju Downtown Area (also known as Gyeongju Dareungwon Ancient Tomb Complex)
The most popular and well-visited attractions in Gyeongju are concentrated around Gyeongju Downtown Area, namely:
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Cheomseongdae Observatory (night viewing available)
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Daereungwon Royal Tomb (night viewing available)
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Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street
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Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge (night viewing recommended)
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Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond (night viewing recommended)
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Gyeongju National Museum (recommended on 1-day course on downtown area only or 2-day course)
Notes on Travelling at Gyeongju Downtown Area:
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All attractions are located within 30 mins walk from one end to the other end. Even so, it is still a fair amount of walking from one attraction to another. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
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There is no 'perfect loop' walking course to cover all the attractions as Hwangnidan-gil Street and Daereungwon Royal Tomb run parallel to each other and cover a big area. Woljeonggyo Bridge and Wolji Pond are on different ends too. You can basically pick and choose your preferred attractions to visit in the downtown area.
c) Recommended 1-Day Trip Itinerary to Gyeongju
Morning:
🚅Arrived at Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT)
🚌Take bus to Bulguksa Temple
📸Bulguksa Temple
🚌Take bus to Seokguram Grotto
📸Seokguram Grotto
🚌Take bus to Gyeongju Downtown Area
💡If you are hungry, you can have lunch at the restaurants near Bulguksa Temple Bus Stop.
Afternoon:
🚶♀️Alight at Wolseong-dong Community Center bus stop (as most buses stop here), by-passing Cheomseongdae on the way to lunch.
📸Cheomseongdae Observatory
🥢Lunch near Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon
📸Daereungwon Royal Tombs
🍪Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street
📸Gyochon Hanok Village
Nightfall:
📸Woljeonggyo Bridge
📸Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
🚌Take bus back to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station)
🥢Dinner at Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station)
d) Recommended App - KakaoMap
You are recommended to use KakaoMap to find the bus numbers available from your current location to your next destination and your whereabout on the bus journey. Also, KakaoMap app is useful on your walking direction around Gyeongju Downtown Area, particularly to Woljeonggyo Bridge and onwards to Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond.
1
Bulguksa Temple 불국사
9:00 - 18:30 (last admission 17:30)
Free (effective from 4 May 2023, in accordance with the revised Cultural Heritage Protection Act)
From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT) exit 1, walk to the bus stop on your right.
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Take Bus# 711 (47 mins) / 700 (55mins) OR
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Take Bus# 50 / 51 / 70 / 710 (18 mins), get off at Gyeongju Express•Intercity Bus Terminal 고속버스•시외버스터미널 stop. From the same bus stop, transfer to Bus# 11 (34 min) / 10 (42 mins) / 711 (29 mins).
Get off at Bulguksa Temple 불국사 stop. Cross the pedestrian crossing on the left of the road. On reaching the other side of the road, the Tourist Information Center is on your left. Walk towards the right side of the big public carpark (public toilets available) for the temple's main entrance. 12 mins walk.
💡Bus# 711 runs 10x a day from Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station). 7:07, 8:08, 10:21, 11:17, 13:17, 14:27, 16:16, 17:04, 19:20, 20:23. Latest timetable. This is the new bus route effective 27 February 2023.
💡Bus# 700 runs 4x a day from Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station). 7:50, 8:50, 13:50, 14:50. Latest timetable.
💡The above bus schedules are also displayed at the bus stop outside Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station).
💡If you miss Bus# 711 / 700 at Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station), you may take the more frequent buses and transfer at the bus terminal.
🎀When you arrived at Bulguksa Temple, it might be worthwhile to check if Bus# 12 to Seokguram Grotto is arriving. If so, you may like to visit Seokguram Grotto first as Bus#12 is pretty infrequent.
Transfer at Gyeongju Express•Intercity Bus Terminal Bus Stop (where necessary)
Tourist Information Center @Bulguksa Temple
Walk on the right of public carpark to Bulguksa Temple's main entrance
Follow the signs to Bulguksa Temple's main entrance
Bulguksa Temple and the nearby Seokguram Grotto (both UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) reside on Tohamsan Mountain which is regarded as the holy mountain of Silla. Surrounded by natural beauty, Bulguksa Temple is an architecture masterpiece of the Unified Silla era.
Famous Cultural Assets of Bulguksa Temple
Often seen on photographs taken of Bulguksa Temple are the 2 sets of stairways referred as:
(Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges)
(Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges)
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Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23) leading up to main Jahamun Gate and Daeungjeon Hall and
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Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 22) leading up to Anyangmun Gate and Amitabha Buddha (National Treasure No. 27).
However, all these bridges (/stairways) are closed to the public and you can get inside the temple via the side path. From there, you can see the famous pagodas and enjoy views from both Jahamun and Anyangmun Gates.
Besides the well-known gates and bridges, other famous cultural assets of Bulguksa Temple include:
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Dabotap Pagoda (Pagoda of Abundant Treasures, National Treasure No. 20)
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Seokgatap Pagoda (Three-story Stone Pagoda/Pagoda of Sakyamuri Buddha, National Treasure No. 21)
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Daeungjeon Hall (Great Enlightenment Hall, Treasure No.1744) and Sakyamuni Buddha.
💡Dabotap Pagoda is the image that appears on the Korean ₩10 brass coin.
Other Highlights & Sights of Bulguksa Temple
From the main entrance and before reaching Banya Pond, keep a look out for a pine tree, Guanyin Song that is over 194 years old.
Other interesting sights at Bulguksa Temple include temple halls (e.g. Geungnakjeon, Gwaneumjeon), lanterns display, large bell (@Bumjonggak Pavilion), art works (e.g. Sarira Pagoda, Golden Pig), prayer stone stacks, tall trees and persimmon fruit trees (autumn).
Exiting Bulguksa Temple via its Back Gate
To exit the temple, you can take path to the back gate (i.e. Burimun Gate) for a different view of the temple ground. The path leads to the large public carpark and Tourist Information Center as well. From there, you can take the bus/taxi to your next destination.
💡There are public toilets at the carpark. Across the road from the carpark are cafes and restaurants.
King Cherry Blossoms in Spring @Bulguksa Temple
Near to the Tourist Information Counter and public parking lot of Bulguksa Temple is a famous King Cherry blossoms viewing spot in Spring.
💡Compare to most other cherry blossoms in Korea, King Cherry blossoms have more petals (/denser), larger in size and the colour is more vibrant.
2
Seokguram Grotto 석굴암
9:00 - 18:30 (last admission 17:30)
Free (effective from 4 May 2023, in accordance with the revised Cultural Heritage Protection Act)
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From the bus stop alight for Bulguksa Temple, walk about 30m in the direction where the bus came from for the bus stop for Bus# 12. Take Bus#12 and alight at Seokguram Parking Lot 석굴암주차장 stop. 14 mins ride. 12 mins walk to Seokguram Grotto.
💡Bus Departs from Bulguksa Temple Stop:
Summer (1 Mar - 5 Oct) 8:40, 9:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:50, 13:40, 14:40, 15:40, 16:40, 17:20
Winter (6 Oct - 28 Feb) 8:40, 9:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:50, 13:40, 14:40, 15:40, 16:40 (6-31 Oct & 1-28 Feb) / 16:20 (1 Nov-31 Jan).
💡Bus Departs from Seokguram Parking Lot Stop:
Summer (1 Mar - 5 Oct) 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:05, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:20
Winter (6 Oct - 28 Feb) 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:05, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:40 (6-31 Oct & 1-28 Feb) / 17:20 (1 Nov-31 Jan)
💡The bus timetable can also be found at both bus stops. Latest timetable.
💡Recommend to sit on the right side of the bus on the way up to Seokguram Grotto for scenic views of the mountain range and mountainside villages.
💡To get back to Gyeongju Downtown Area, take Bus# 12 from Seokguram Grotto stop and alight at Bulguksa Temple 불국사 stop. Cross the road to the same bus stop alight for Bulguksa Temple earlier. Depending on your next stop, take bus:
a) Bus# 10 (27 mins): Stops along the way in the order of Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과월지, Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타 (near to Cheomseongdae) and Palwoojeong 팔우정 stops. OR
b) Bus #11 (27 mins): Get off at Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타 (near to Cheomeongdae). OR
c) Bus# 711 (32 mins, infrequent): Stops along the way in the order of Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과월지, Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센 타 (near to Cheomseongdae), Palwoojeong 팔우정 and Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stops. OR
d) Bus# 710 (35 mins, infrequent): Stops along the way in the order of Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과월지, Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타 (near to Cheomseongdae), Palwoojeong 팔우정 and Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stops.
🎀If you are visiting Bulguksa Temple after Seokguram Grotto, instead of Bulgaksa Temple stop, you may like to alight 1 stop earlier at Bulguksa Ticket Office 불국사매표소 stop. Only Bus #12 operates at this bus stop and it is a shorter walking route to Bulguksa Temple. Once you get off the bus, turn right and turn left into the road ahead leading to Bulgaksa Temple.
Bus stop at Bulguksa Temple for Bus# 12 to Seokguram Grotto
View from bus stop in the direction to Seokguram Grotto
Timetable (Bus# 12) at bus stop of Bulguksa Temple for Seokguram Grotto
Bus# 12 arriving at Seokguram Parking Lot bus stop
Seokguram Grotto was constructed by the then Prime Minister Kim Dae-Seong during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom. It was designated as National Treasure No. 24 on 20 December 1962 and on 6 December 1995, it was registered as UNESCO World Heritage.
At the center of the grotto is a 3.5m high statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, surrounded by statues of various bodhisattvas, Buddha’s disciples and guardian kings.
(image source: Cultural Heritage Administration)
When you arrived at the public parking lot/bus stop of Seokguram Grotto, there is a beautiful pavilion with a large bell. You can ring the bell for ₩1,000 which will be donated to the needy.
From the entrance, it is about 10 mins walk on the dirt road uphill, followed by a short 2 mins walk on the stone stairway before you reach Seokguram Grotto.
Seokguram Grotto and the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha are viewed inside the small building, protected by a glass wall and visitors to refrain from touching it. You will enter from one side of the building and exit from the other side.
💡Photography is restricted in the grotto.
From Seokguram Grotto, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the temple below and mountain range afar.
As you come down from Seokguram Grotto, you will come across a temple and souvenir shop next to it.
💡At the bus stop for the return bus to your next destination, take a moment to enjoy the scenic lookout while waiting for your bus.
3
Cheomseongdae Observatory 첨성대
9:00 - 22:00 (/21:00 in winter)
Free
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From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT), take Bus# 60 / 61 and get off at Cheomseongdae 첨성대 stop. 28 mins ride. Cross the road to Cheomseongdae. 5 mins walk. OR
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From Bulguksa Temple, take Bus# 10 (27 mins) / 11 (36 mins) / 711 (32 mins, infrequent) / 710 (35 mins, infrequent) and alight at Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타. Cross the road and walk towards Cheomseongdae. 9 mins walk. OR
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From Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, 13 mins walk.
Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia built during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Dynasty. The 9.17m high observatory was designated as National Treasure No. 31 on 20 December 1962.
Cheomseongdae Observatory is also known for its beautiful seasonal flower fields nearby (e.g. pink muhly, sunflowers, poppies) and a popular hot spot for taking photographs in hanbok (i.e. Korean traditional clothing).
💡If you wish to get around various attractions at Gyeongju Downtown Area effortlessly, you may consider hopping on the cute-looking Jewel Beetle Electric Car at Cheomseongdae Observatory.
4
Daereungwon Royal Tombs 대릉원
9:00 - 22:00 (last admission 21:30)
Adult (age 19-64): ₩3,000, Youth (age 13-18): ₩2,000, Child (age 7-12): 1,000 won. Free for Adult above 64 and Child under 7.
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From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT), take Bus# 60 / 61 / 700 (infrequent) / 711 (infrequent) and get off at Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stop. 18 mins ride. After alighting the bus, turn right and the gate entry is on your left just ahead.
Daereungwon is the largest of the ancient tomb sites in Gyeongju.
It has 30 ancient tombs including:
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Hwangnamdaechong Tomb has two tombs connected like the back of a camel. It is the largest ancient tomb (80mx120m area) in Gyeongju. About 59,000 relics were excavated from the site.
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Tomb of King Michu, 13th King of Silla.
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Cheonmachong Tomb, the only tomb that is open to the public. The biggest and most luxurious gold crown, Cheonmachong Gold Crown was excavated from the tomb.
You can also enjoy different serene scenes of Daereungwon Royal Tombs across different seasons (e.g. magnolias in spring and autumn foliage) and the evergreen Pine Forest.
5
Hwangnidan-gil Cafe & Shopping Street 황리단길
Most shops open around 10:00/11:00 to 22:00
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From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT), take Bus# 60 / 61 / 700 (infrequent) / 711 (infrequent) and get off at Back Gate of Cheonmachong Tomb•Hwangnidan-gil Street 천마총후문•황리단길 stop. 18 mins ride. After alighting the bus, turn right and walk along the road. Turn left at the cross street ahead (i.e. Poseok-ro). 2 mins walk.
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Hwangnidan-gil is a popular area located along Poseok-ro Road with trendy cafes, shops, restaurants, photo studios and hanbok rental stores in hanok-style buildings.
💡The name 'Hwangnidan-gil' is a combination of its location in Hwangnam-dong (Gyeongju) and Gyeongnidan-gil, a trendy street in Itaewon (Seoul). It has the meaning of 'Gyeongnidan-gil in Hwangnam-dong', Gyeongju.
The freshly-baked 10 Won Bread is the most famous snack along Poseok-ro Road with many shops selling it. Made with mozzarella cheese filling, the 10 Won Bread has the image of Dabotap Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple on one side and the Korean ₩10 brass coin on the other side.
Famous 10 Won Bread @Hwangnidan-gil
Hanbok Rental, Fashion, Snack, Toy & Self-Photo Studio Shops @Hwangnidan-gil
Cafes & Restaurants @Hwangnidan-gil
6
Gyochon Hanok Village & Woljeonggyo Bridge 교촌마을 & 월정교
Gyochon Hanok Village: -
Woljeonggyo Bridge: 9:00 - 22:00
Gyochon Hanok Village: free
Woljeonggyo Bridge: free
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walk from nearby attractions
Located along the beautiful Namcheon Stream at the edge of Gyeongju Downdown Area is Gyochon Hanok Village and the magnificent Woljeonggyo Bridge built across the stream.
The village is the location of Gukhak, the first national university of Silla established in the 2nd year of King Sinmun of Silla (682).
Gyochon Hanok Village
You can view the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan, richest family in the village.
There are also several popular cafes and restaurants in Gyochon Hanok Village:
1. Jinsuseongchan Restaurant 진수성찬 - Korean restaurant.
2. Kyochon 300 Years Restaurant 교촌삼백년집 경주본점 - Korean restaurant.
3. Kyochon Garam - Injeolmi Ice Cream Cafe 교촌가람 - Rice cake ice cream and snacks.
4. Cafe EYST 1779 - A chic, bright-red bricks cafe along the stream near to Woljeonggyo Bridge.
1. Jinsuseongchan Restaurant 진수성찬
2. Kyochon 300 Years Restaurant 교촌삼백년집 경주본점
3. Kyochon Garam - Injeolmi Ice Cream Cafe 교촌가람
4. Jinsuseongchan Restaurant 진수성찬
Woljeonggyo Bridge
Located near Gyochon Hanok Village is Woljeonggyo Bridge. The bridge was built in 760 A.D during the 19th year of King Gyeongdeok of Unified Silla.
However, it was burnt down during the Joseon dynasty and through historical research, was rebuilt in April 2018. Woljeonggyo Bridge has become the largest wooden bridge in Korea (66m length, 9m width, 8m height).
With its brilliant architecture, Woljeonggyo Bridge presents a majestic grandeur on nightfall when it lights up. The views from the bridge and along the Namcheon Stream are equally mesmerising.
7
Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과 월지
9:00 - 22:00 (last admission 21:30)
Adult (age 19-64): ₩3,000, Youth (age 13-18): ₩2,000, Child (age 7-12): 1,000 won. Free for Adult above 64 and Child under 7.
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From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT), take Bus# 700 (infrequent) / 711 (infrequent) and get off at Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과 월지 stop. 30 mins ride. The entrance is directly across the road. OR
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From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT), take Bus# 60 / 61 and get off at Wolseong-dong Community Center 월성동주민센타 stop. 27 mins ride. The entrance is across the road towards the right. 12 mins walk. OR
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From Bulguksa Temple bus stop, take Bus# 10 (25 mins) / 711 (30 mins, infrequent) / 710 (33 mins, infrequent) & get off at Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과 월지 stop. Entrance is next to the bus stop.
💡Bus Departs from Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond Stop to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT):
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Direct bus (infrequent) - Bus# 710 / 711, 26 mins.
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Take bus# 10, 153, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 607or 609 (10 mins) & alight at Gyeongju Express • Intercity Bus Terminal 고속버스•시외버스터미널 stop. From the same bus stop, take bus# 50, 51, 70, 710 or 711 (15 mins) to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station).
💡Time to bus arrival is displayed on the LED screen at the bus stop.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (formerly known as Anapji Pond) was a secondary palace used by the crown prince of the Silla Kingdom. It was also a place where grand banquets were held to welcome important guests.
There are as many as 30,000 artifacts excavated from Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, most of which are daily necessities used by the royal family and nobles in daily life.
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Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관
10:00 - 18:00 / 19:00 (Saturdays & public holidays). Last admission 30 mins before closing.
Closed on 1 January, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day).
free
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From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT), take Bus# 711 (infrequent) and get off at Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관 stop. 31 mins ride. The museum is next to the bus stop. OR
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From Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju Station, KTX/SRT), take Bus# 700 (infrequent) and get off at Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond 동궁과 월지 stop. 30 mins ride. Walk on the right of road to the museum. 4 mins walk. OR
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From Bulguksa Temple bus stop, take Bus# 10 (24 mins) / 711 (30 mins, infrequent) & get off at Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관 stop. Museum is directly across the road.
Gyeongju National Museum is Korea's representative museum where numerous historical and cultural artifacts of the Silla Dynasty is housed.
There are 4 main exhibition halls:
1. Silla History Exhibition Hall - Silla Gold Crown (National Treasure No. 188)
2. Silla Art Exhibition Hall
3. Wolji Exhibition Hall - Artifacts excavated from Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are exhibited here.
4.Outdoor Exhibition Area - Features a collection of stone pagodas, Buddhist sculptures and lanterns collected at ancient temple and palace sites across Gyeongju. Highlights include the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok (National Treasure No. 29) and the Three-story Stone Pagoda from the Goseonsa Temple site (National Treasure No. 38).
Popular Food, Cafes & Restaurants
There are many cafes and restaurants located along the road, Poseok-ro (Hwangnidan-gil) all the way to Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon. This Starbucks store is centrally located between Cheomseongdae Observatory and Daereungwon Royal Tombs, making it a great place to take a break in between attractions.
Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon 스타벅스 경주대릉원점
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8:00 - 22:00 (Mon-Thu) / 23:00 (Fri-Sun)
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경북 경주시 첨성로 125 | 125 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon has a hanok-style exterior with a unique sit-down indoor seating section. The walls are decorated with artworks and representative patterns of Silla.
Gyodong Myeonok Gyeongju Daereungwon | 교동면옥 경주대릉원점
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9:00 - 20:30
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경북 경주시 첨성로 119 | 119, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
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Located next to Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon, Gyodong Myeonok Gyeongju Daereungwon serves a good variety of cold noodles, including bulgogi, braised ribs, pancakes and dumplings.
Baeknyeonsonnim 백년손님
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9:00 - 20:00. Breaktime 15:00 - 16:10 (Mon-Fri)/15:00-16:40 (Sat-Sun). Last Order 14:30, 19:30
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경북 경주시 포석로1050번길 32 | 32, Poseok-ro 1050beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
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Opened since 1993, Baeknyeonsonnim offers a simple menu of grilled pork bulgogi, grilled beef bulgogi and grilled fish, served with 7 side dishes, lettuce wraps and soybean paste stew. As the meat is grilled over charcoal, a minimum order for 2 persons is required. 2 mins walk from Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon.
Yeomion 여미온
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11:00 - 21:00. Breaktime 15:30 - 17:00. Last Order 20:30
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경북 경주시 첨성로81번길 22-12 1층 | 1st floor, 22-12, Cheomseong-ro 81beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Yeomion is a Korean Cuisine Restaurant set in a beautiful hanok with garden. Its menu includes bibimbap, noodles, pancakes and raw meat. 4 mins walk from Starbucks Gyeongju Daereungwon.
Map of Bus Route Between Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto
Map of Bulguksa Temple
Map of Key Attractions, Gyeongju Bus Terminals, Recommended Cafes & Restaurants at Gyeongju Downtown Area
Map of Recommended Walking Courses at Gyeongju Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex
Map of Hwangridan-gil Street
Map of Gyochon Hanok Village
KoreaToDo TOP PICKS - Tours (from Busan), Activities & Discount Tickets
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