Gyeongju Travel Guide: 2-Day Itinerary with 12 Must-Do Things in Korea’s Golden City

Planning a trip to Gyeongju, South Korea? Check out this complete 2-day guide featuring Hwangnidan-gil, Cheomseongdae, the stunning night views of Donggung Palace, and the historic Bulguksa Temple.

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1. Getting to Gyeongju & Accommodation

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If you are coming from Seoul, you can take either the KTX train or an express bus.

• Express Bus: Costs about 32,000 KRW ($24) and takes 3.5 hours. It drops you off directly in downtown Gyeongju, which is very convenient.
• KTX Train: Faster (2.5 hours) but arrives at Singyeongju Station, requiring an extra 15-minute bus or taxi ride to the city center.I recommend staying for at least one night to enjoy the night views. A guesthouse or Airbnb near the bus terminal is a great budget-friendly option.

2. Day 1: Downtown & Historic Night Views

Start your trip at Hwangnidan-gil, the main trendy street filled with cafes and shops housed in renovated traditional Hanok buildings. Even the Starbucks and gas stations here maintain the Hanok style!

Just a short walk away, visit the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site with 23 large royal mounds. Nearby is Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia, which looks beautiful both day and night.

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Must-See Night Spots:

• Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond: An artificial pond from 679 AD. The reflection of the illuminated pavilions on the water is breathtaking.
• Woljeonggyo Bridge: The largest wooden bridge in Korea. Its name means “Shadow of the Moon,” and it connects to the Gyochon Traditional Village.

3. Day 2: Temples & Tourist Complex

On your second day, head to the northeast part of the city.

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• Bulguksa Temple: A UNESCO site famous for its stone pagodas and intricate architecture from the 7th century.
• Bomun Tourist Complex: Here you can see the imposing Gyeongju Tower (at the Culture Expo) and the Hwangnyongwon (a golden corporate event hall that looks like a pagoda).
• Gyeongju World: A major theme park if you are into rides.
• Bomun Lake: A relaxing spot with walking paths, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

4. Food & Final Tips

Gyeongju has a very chill vibe compared to Seoul. For food, try the cute cafes on Hwangnidan-gil or look for vegan-friendly spots if needed. If you have more time, you can also visit the Gyeongju National Museum or take a short 1-hour trip to nearby cities like Busan or Pohang.

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