Gyeongju, South Korea, is a place I never thought I would go, but I’m so glad I got to spend a couple of days there! Whether you have one day, two days, or longer to spend in the city, you’ll want to follow my ultimate Gyeongju itinerary to make sure you have a great time during your visit!
In this guide, you’ll find a breakdown of what to do in Gyeongju whether you have 1 or 2 days, what to eat, and where to stay. There are also some tours you can take!
Keep reading for the ultimate Gyeongju travel itinerary which covers both 1 day and 2 days in the city and maximizes your time to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food.
Published: March 26, 2025
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One Day in Gyeongju Itinerary
If you only have one day in Gyeongju, here is the ultimate itinerary to follow to make the most of your time in the city.
Morning
Good morning and welcome to Gyeongju! Start your day at Hwangridan-gil Road, a trendy area blending old and new. This street is lined with beautifully restored hanoks (traditional Korean houses) that are now cafes, boutiques, and snack shops.
As you shop, you can find local crafts, handmade jewelry, and vintage-style souvenirs. Make sure to stop by one of the photo booths, which are my favorite thing in Gyeongju. You can use the props at each one for unique pictures with your travel buddies!
If you want a snack as you explore, grab a smoothie, matcha latte, or a traditional Korean tea from one of the many cafes on the street. You can also find some Korean desserts like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and bingsu (shaved ice with toppings).
Lunch
For lunch, stay on Hwangridan-gil where there are tons of great restaurants with Korean food.
Here are some dishes I recommend you try for lunch:
- Tteokgalbi – grilled short rib patties served with rice and side dishes
- Ssambap—a dish where you wrap rice and various side dishes in fresh greens
- Kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) – a warm and hearty soup
No matter where you eat in Gyeongju, you will have a delicious Korean lunch.
Afternoon
After lunch, head to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, a park filled with over 20 large grassy mounds that are ancient royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty. Spend some time walking along the peaceful tree-lined paths and visiting the Cheonmachong Tomb, the only tomb open to the public, where you can see artifacts excavated from the site.
Just a short walk away is the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. Built in the 7th century, it was used to observe the stars and predict the seasons.
Evening
For dinner, you can choose a traditional Korean set meal (hanjeongsik), which includes multiple small dishes like soups, stews, vegetables, and grilled fish, or go for something more casual like dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken). Some places even offer fusion options if you want a modern twist on Korean classics.
After dinner head to Woljeonggyo Bridge, which you can walk across and is beautifully illuminated at night. This restored wooden bridge reflects traditional Silla architecture and offers great views of Woljeonggyo Park.
The last stop of this busy day in Gyeongju is Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (formerly known as Anapji Pond). The palace ruins light up after dark, creating a stunning reflection on the water. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in Gyeongju, making it the perfect place to end your day in the city.
Two Days in Gyeongju Itinerary
If you have two days in Gyeongju, follow the itinerary above for the first day, then continue on with this one for day two:
Morning
Start your second day by visiting Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 30 minutes from downtown Gyeongju. Bulguksa was one of my favorite places I went during my trip to South Korea, so I highly recommend the second day on this Gyeongju travel itinerary so you can see it!
Like a lot of Gyeongju, the temple dates back to the Silla dynasty and is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Korea. At the tmeple, you can explore stone bridges, pagodas, and beautiful temple halls surrounded by mountains.
If you have time, make your way up to Seokguram Grotto, a short drive or hike from Bulguksa. Inside the grotto, you’ll find a stunning stone Buddha overlooking the East Sea. The Grotto is one of the most important sites in Korea.
Lunch
After your temple visit, head back to Gyochon Village for lunch. This traditional hanok village is a great place to experience both history and authentic Korean food. Try bibimbap, a colorful dish of rice topped with vegetables, meat, and an egg, or makguksu (buckwheat noodles) if you want something lighter.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon walking through the village after lunch. You’ll see preserved hanok homes and can learn about the Choi family, a prominent clan in the region during the Silla period.
If you have more time, you can revisit favorite spots from Day 1 or stay in Gyochon Village and check out a traditional teahouse. This is also a good time to stop by the Gyeongju National Museum if you want to dive deeper into the history of the Silla Kingdom.
Evening
For your final meal in Gyeongju, don’t skip out on a classic Korean BBQ experience. Order samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) or galbi (marinated beef short ribs) and grill it at your table. Pair your meat with fresh lettuce wraps, dipping sauces, and side dishes like kimchi, garlic, and pickled vegetables.
Tours to Book in Gyeongju
Booking a tour in Gyeongju is a great way to maximize your time there and see the top sites. Plus, there are a huge variety of tours, so everyone can find something that interests them!
Here are the top tours in Gyeongju:
Tips for One Day in Gyeongju
- Plan Your Visit Around the Seasons: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. In spring, cherry blossoms fill the parks and streets, while autumn offers vibrant foliage around historic sites.
- Rent a Bike: Gyeongju is a bike-friendly city, and renting a bike is a great way to explore. You can easily ride between many key attractions like the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Gyochon Village.
- Visit Key Sites at Night: Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, as well as Woljeonggyo Bridge, are especially beautiful after dark when they’re lit up. Plan to visit these spots in the evening for a completely different experience.
- Dress Comfortably: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially at places like Bulguksa Temple and Daereungwon Tomb Complex. Comfortable shoes are a must.
- Try Local Specialties: Don’t miss local foods like ssambap (rice and side dishes wrapped in fresh greens), tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties), and Hwangnam bread, a sweet red bean-filled pastry unique to Gyeongju.
- Use Public Transport or Taxis: Public buses can get you to most major attractions, but taxis are affordable and convenient, especially if you’re short on time. Consider renting a car if you plan to visit more remote areas like Seokguram Grotto.
Where to Stay in Gyeongju
For your overnight stay in Gyeongju, check out these great hotels and home rentals at the best prices: