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Gyeongju

South Korea · City · KRW · 35.856200, 129.224700
Family friendly 5.8/10 · Rank 1740 of 2 709
Best season: September-November (autumn)

Best for

Gyeongju is an ideal place for history, Buddhist architecture and cultural heritage lovers. It is recommended for cultural travellers, photographers and those who want to see the 'museum without walls'. Suitable for couples and families. Least suitable for beach and nightlife lovers.

Best season

September-November (autumn)

Daily budget
$88.00 (≈ 7 385 ₽ · ≈ 117 040 KRW)
For 7 days
$616.00 (≈ 51 695 ₽ · ≈ 819 280 KRW)
Gyeongju is the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, often called an "open-air museum". It is home to the world-famous Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is a must-visit for all history and culture lovers.
Summer
30.0°C
Winter
-2.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Gyeongju residents are proud keepers of historical heritage, known for their hospitality. The atmosphere in the city is authentic and calm.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • UNESCO sites: Bulguksa, Seokguram, Yangdong
  • Ancient tombs and observatory
  • National Museum with treasures
  • Fewer tourists than in Seoul
  • Affordable prices
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Proximity to Busan

Cons

  • No beach
  • Limited nightlife
  • Cold winter
  • Infrastructure is poorly developed
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
30.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
30.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
0.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
5.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-2.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
July-August
Attractions

Bulguksa Temple

A UNESCO site — an 8th-century Buddhist temple, one of Korea's main Buddhist monuments. Famous for its stone pagodas.

Seokguram Grotto

A UNESCO site — an artificial grotto with a giant seated Buddha statue. Located on a mountain.

Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Cheonmachong)

Ancient tombs of Silla rulers. Inside one of them (Cheonmachong), you can see 6th-century artefacts.

Cheomseongdae Observatory

The oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia, built in the 7th century.

Gyeongju National Museum

A museum with a rich collection of Silla-era artefacts, including gold crowns and jewellery.

Yangdong Folk Village

A UNESCO site — a traditional Korean village preserving Joseon dynasty architecture.

Best areas

Gyeongju Centre

The heart of the city with museums, tombs and restaurants. The best area for tourists.

Bomun Area

A resort area with hotels and a lake. Popular with tourists.

Must-try food

Gyeongju Hwangnam bread

Famous Gyeongju biscuit with red bean and nut filling.

Kimchi

Fermented vegetables.

Hoe (Korean sashimi)

Fresh raw fish sliced into thin pieces.

Galbi

Marinated pork or beef ribs grilled.

Where to go next

Busan

A large city with beaches and nightlife. 30-40 minutes by train.

Andong

A city with traditional culture and UNESCO sites. 1 hour by train.

Gyeongju National Park

A mountain park with hiking trails. 30 minutes away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Кимхэ (PUS).
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Visa
Visa requirements
visa-free (K-ETA up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
September-November (autumn)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 26 600 KRW
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 73 150 KRW
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 119 700 KRW
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$140.00
≈ 11 749 ₽ · ≈ 186 200 KRW
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$110.00
≈ 9 231 ₽ · ≈ 146 300 KRW
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 93 100 KRW
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 10 640 KRW
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 26 600 KRW
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 4 655 KRW
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽ · ≈ 5 985 KRW
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.80
≈ 67 ₽ · ≈ 1 064 KRW
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 13 300 KRW
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 9 310 KRW
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 6 650 KRW
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 9 310 KRW
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 53 200 KRW
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 2 660 KRW
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 10 640 KRW
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 66 500 KRW
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 15 960 KRW
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 26 600 KRW
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 59 850 KRW
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 73 150 KRW
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 15 960 KRW
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 19 950 KRW
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Frequently asked questions
Gyeongju: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is September-November (autumn). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Gyeongju: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +30.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Gyeongju: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-2.0°C, during the day — up to +5.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Gyeongju: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on July-August. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Gyeongju: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $88.00 (≈ 7 385 ₽ · ≈ 117 040 KRW) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Gyeongju: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $55.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $90.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $140.00 per night, an apartment — $70.00 per night, a villa — $110.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Gyeongju: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $8.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $4.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.80. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Gyeongju: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $40.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $8.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Gyeongju: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Bulguksa Temple — A UNESCO site — an 8th-century Buddhist temple, one of Korea's main Buddhist monuments. Famous for its stone pagodas.; Seokguram Grotto — A UNESCO site — an artificial grotto with a giant seated Buddha statue. Located on a mountain.; Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Cheonmachong) — Ancient tombs of Silla rulers. Inside one of them (Cheonmachong), you can see 6th-century artefacts.; Cheomseongdae Observatory — The oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia, built in the 7th century.; Gyeongju National Museum — A museum with a rich collection of Silla-era artefacts, including gold crowns and jewellery.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Gyeongju: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Gyeongju Hwangnam bread — Famous Gyeongju biscuit with red bean and nut filling.; Kimchi — Fermented vegetables.; Hoe (Korean sashimi) — Fresh raw fish sliced into thin pieces.; Galbi — Marinated pork or beef ribs grilled.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Gyeongju: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Gyeongju Centre — The heart of the city with museums, tombs and restaurants. The best area for tourists.; Bomun Area — A resort area with hotels and a lake. Popular with tourists.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Gyeongju: is a visa required?
Visa: visa-free (K-ETA up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Gyeongju: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Кимхэ (code PUS). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $40.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Gyeongju: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — KRW. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $88.00 (≈ 7 385 ₽ · ≈ 117 040 KRW). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Gyeongju: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Gyeongju: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Gyeongju: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Busan — A large city with beaches and nightlife. 30-40 minutes by train.; Andong — A city with traditional culture and UNESCO sites. 1 hour by train.; Gyeongju National Park — A mountain park with hiking trails. 30 minutes away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.8/10
Overall rank: 1740 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 689

Best season

September-November (autumn)

Useful information

Currency: KRW
Coordinates: 35.856200, 129.224700