9 Best Things to Do in Gyeongju on a Small Budget
Appreciate Rich Korean Artistry in Gyeongju
Gyeongju is the type of place where you go to just admire beautiful scenery created by the peaceful pine forests and the sea. Take slow nature walks between the trees and along the coastline and let your stress fade away as you breathe in the fresh air.
Aside from the purely natural wonders, Gyeongju has a host of cultural and historical sites as well. Explore temples, gardens, and museums. Experience traditional Korean life in folk villages. Walking through Gyeonju helps you discover the essence of South Korea in all its beauty.
1. Jusangjeolli Padosori-gil
Dramatic volcanic coastline
Good for: Couples, Budget, Group
Jusangjeolli Padosori-gil boasts a unique and wonderful landscape thanks to the spectacular shapes of columnar joints created by volcanic activity. The path was designed to harmonize with the environment and allow visitors to see a full view of the columnar joints at a glance.
There are even information panels where you can read all about the magic of columnar joints. As a bonus, admission to the nearby Jusangjeolli Observatory is free. It should make for a great opportunity to see in person what most see only in pictures.
Location: Eupcheon-ri, Yangnam-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Jusangjeolli Padosori-gil
2. Samneung Forest
Enchanting forest and home to royal tombs
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Budget
The forest surrounding the Three Royal Tombs of Shilla and the Royal Tomb of Gyeongae of Shilla is called Samneung Forest, where irregular pine trees grow in meandering shapes. This forest boasts a mystical landscape and occupies one side of Mt. Nam, which is said to be a sacred Shilla-era site.
It’s also a place where many photographers visit to take pictures of the fantastic pine forest. The ambiance especially mystical on foggy days when rays of sunlight peek through the canopy.
Location: Bae-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (Closed Monday)
Samneung Forest
3. Tomb of Munmu of Shilla
The world’s only underwater tomb
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Budget
The Tomb of Munmu of Shilla is an underwater tomb that was built according to the will of King Munmu, who commanded that he be buried in the East Sea, so he could transform into a water dragon to prevent Japanese invasions even after his death. His remains are within a pool in the center of the island, which was manufactured from natural rock.
As the only marine tomb in the world, this tomb was built using natural rocks, reflecting the ingenuity of the Shilla people. Shamans often perform various rituals near the tomb, which is also quite a unique attraction.
Location: 26 Bonggil-ri, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Tomb of Munmu of Shilla
4. Gyerim Forest
Beautiful forest full of myths and legends
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Budget
Gyerim Forest, situated between Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory and Wolseong Palace Site, is also known as Sirim. It is said to be the birthplace of King Gim Al-ji of Shilla. One of the many legends about the forest says that he was found as a baby in a golden box beneath one of the trees.
Because it’s an old forest, it is full of strangely shaped old trees. In spring, the rapeseed bursts into bloom, covering the landscape in cheerful yellow flowers/ The unique scenery created by rapeseed and bizarre old trees makes for some unique and atmospheric photo opportunities.
Location: Gyo-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Gyerim Forest
5. Yangdong Folk Village
Historical home of Korean aristocrats
Good for: Families, History, Budget, Group
Well-preserved ancient homes of Korean aristocrats can be found in Yangdong Folk Village, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site not only for its scale but also for its traditional value and architectural style.
This village, which reflects Confucianist and pungsu (feng shui) values, is a human settlement of great cultural heritage where the descendants of ancient nobles still reside. The narrow alleys and the pond by the entrance to the village are elegant and, because it’s not a bustling tourist attraction, this village is recommended for those who like taking slow, quiet walks.
Location: 93 Yangdongmaeuran-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Open: April–September: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm, October–March: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Yangdong Folk Village
6. Gyeongju East Palace Garden
Botanical gardens with traditional Korean architecture
Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure, Group
Located near the special tourist zone of Bomun Lake, Gyeongju East Palace Garden is a spectacular botanical garden. Reflecting the history of the ancient city of Gyeongju, all the buildings are architecturally designed in the form of traditional Korean homes (hanok).
Lots of glass is used in the structures to ensure that plants grow well under maximum light exposure. The garden is built on a large site, so an entire day might pass by as you walk from corner to corner to see everything. There’s plenty for kids to see, too, making this a great family day out.
Location: 74-14 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 7 pm
Gyeongju East Palace Garden
7. Eupcheon Mural Village
Fishing village with photogenic murals
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
Eupcheon Port is a designated national fishing port in Yangnam-myeon, Gyeongju. Recently, however, the area has become more famous for the murals found throughout the village than the fishing and it has established itself as the hottest attraction on Haeparang Trail.
The murals suit the village perfectly and provide great photo opportunities wherever you go. Also, some hidden treasures can be found when walking along Jusangjeolli Padosori-gil; some chairs are disguised as paintings, so keep your eyes peeled for a surprise.
Location: Eupcheon-ri, Yangnam-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Eupcheon Mural Village
8. Girimsa
Exquisite temple in picturesque surroundings
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Budget, Group
Situated at the foot of Mt. Hamwol and built by Gwang Yu, a Buddhist monk in the Shilla period, Girim Temple was the center of warrior-monk activities during the Japanese invasions of Korea in the 16th century. Many cultural assets have been left intact because battle damage was fortunately not severe.
A walk along the tranquil forest path here always elevates the spirit. Girim Temple boasts a picturesque landscape thanks to the crystal-clear Hoam Stream and lush green forest, offering visitors a glimpse into the Buddhist culture from the Shilla to Joseon eras.
Location: 437-17 Girim-ro, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Open: Winter: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm, Summer: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Girimsa
9. Gyeongju Namsan
A journey of discovery
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Budget, Group
Mt. Nam of Gyeongju is filled with splendid Buddhist ruins that reflect the rise and fall of Shilla, from Hyeokgeose, the central figure of Shilla’s founding story, to Kim Si-seup, author of the 15th-century collection of novellas Geumo Sinhwa.
Hidden through Mt. Nam are 7 Korean national treasures and cultural assets. Although the climb is difficult, you’ll be rewarded with sporadic encounters with Shilla-era treasures. Be sure to check in advance, however, because you might miss them if you’re not careful.
Location: Bae-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm, night hiking prohibited
Gyeongju Namsan
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