Gyeongju
The ancient Silla capital: royal tombs, Bulguksa temple and a UNESCO old town you can cycle in a day.
Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla kingdom for almost a thousand years. Today it is a low-rise city of grassy royal tombs, temples and museums — an easy stop between Seoul and Busan.
Getting there
KTX to Singyeongju Station (about 2 hours from Seoul, 30 minutes from Busan), then a bus or taxi 15–20 minutes into town.
Must-do
- Daereungwon tomb park and the Cheomseongdae observatory, lit up at night.
- Bulguksa temple and Seokguram grotto on Tohamsan — half a day by bus or taxi.
- Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond at dusk — the reflection photo everyone takes.
- Hwangnidan-gil for cafés in renovated hanok.
- The National Museum (free) for the Silla gold crowns.
See tickets & tours on KlookSearch Klook for Gyeongju
Klook →Tips
- Rent a bike near the tomb park; the historic centre is flat.
- One night lets you see the pond after dark and the tombs in the morning before groups arrive.
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