Overview
Take a trip to Gyeongju on your South Korea Vacation
On Korean vacations, you will want to vist Gyeongju which was the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57 BC – 935 AD), which ruled about two-thirds of the Korean Peninsula between the 7th and 9th centuries.
Located 370 km (230 miles) southeast of Seoul in the Gyeongsang Province, Gyeongju is a coastal city with numerous low mountains surrounding the area, while the Sea of Japan lies to its east.
Often referred to as ‘the museum without walls’, Gyeongju features many historic treasures and archaeological sites from the Silla period, including various temples, tombs, shrines, palaces, gardens, and castles., all to be enjoyed on South Korean vacations
Tumuli Park is a huge walled area featuring 20 royal tombs, while a few hundred metres away sits the Cheomseongdae observatory, one of the oldest in East Asia. The crowning glory of Silla temple architecture, Bulguksa Temple was built on a series of stone terraces and is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as is Seokguram Grotto, from which a seated Buddha gazes over Gyeongju.
United with the nearby rural Gyeongju County in 1995, Gyeongju is now an urban and rural complex and is connected with nationwide rail and highway networks. Featuring a large manufacturing sector, thanks to nearby industrial cities, Gyeongju is slowly developing into a modern metropolis to be experienced on Korean tours.
However, Gyeongju will still be best known for its tourism, offering visitors a true taste of ancient Korean heritage.
United with the nearby rural Gyeongju County in 1995, Gyeongju is now an urban and rural complex and is connected with nationwide rail and highway networks. Featuring a large manufacturing sector, thanks to nearby industrial cities, Gyeongju is slowly developing into a modern metropolis to be experienced on Korean tours.
However, Gyeongju will still be best known for its tourism, offering visitors a true taste of ancient Korean heritage.
At a Glance
Languages
KoreanCurrency
South Korean Won (KRW)Trending Trips
Unforgettable Journeys.5 Trips Found
Showper page
9
5 Trips Found
Classic Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan
Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceExperience Korea’s rich heritage and modern spirit on this independent journey from vibrant Seoul to historic Gyeongju and coastal Busan, with temples, markets and more.
8 days
From US$4,710/p.p.
Request a Quote
Best of South Korea & Japan
Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceUnearth the cultures of South Korea and Japan on this enriching excursion. From Seoul’s historic palaces to Kyoto’s sacred shrines, each moment thrills.
15 days
From US$8,762/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan & Jeju
Jeju Island, Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceExperience Korea’s deep cultural roots on this independent journey through vibrant Seoul, historic Gyeongju, coastal Busan and the volcanic beauty of Jeju Island.
11 days
From US$8,742/p.p.
Request a Quote
Best of Hong Kong & Korea
Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Busan, Gyeongju, Hong Kong, and Tian Tan BuddhaDelve into the cultures of Hong Kong and South Korea on this exciting journey, featuring iconic cityscapes, delicious street food, and the stunning coastline.
12 days
From US$5,159/p.p.
Request a Quote
Korea for Families
Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceImagine a captivating family escape in South Korea, where ancient palaces meet K-pop landmarks. Explore Seoul and serene Jeju Island for unforgettable memories.
9 days
From US$3,240/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Classic Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju & Busan
Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceExperience Korea’s rich heritage and modern spirit on this independent journey from vibrant Seoul to historic Gyeongju and coastal Busan, with temples, markets and more.
8 days
From US$4,710/p.p.
Request a Quote
Best of South Korea & Japan
Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceUnearth the cultures of South Korea and Japan on this enriching excursion. From Seoul’s historic palaces to Kyoto’s sacred shrines, each moment thrills.
15 days
From US$8,762/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan & Jeju
Jeju Island, Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceExperience Korea’s deep cultural roots on this independent journey through vibrant Seoul, historic Gyeongju, coastal Busan and the volcanic beauty of Jeju Island.
11 days
From US$8,742/p.p.
Request a Quote
Best of Hong Kong & Korea
Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Busan, Gyeongju, Hong Kong, and Tian Tan BuddhaDelve into the cultures of Hong Kong and South Korea on this exciting journey, featuring iconic cityscapes, delicious street food, and the stunning coastline.
12 days
From US$5,159/p.p.
Request a Quote
Korea for Families
Busan, Gyeongju, Seoul, and Gyeongbokgung PalaceImagine a captivating family escape in South Korea, where ancient palaces meet K-pop landmarks. Explore Seoul and serene Jeju Island for unforgettable memories.
9 days
From US$3,240/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
Try to stay at a traditional hanok accommodation (similar to a ryokan) with hanok dinner, which involves enjoying Korean cuisine, aka jeongsik (course meals) with banchan (side dishes). It's a rustic, traditional experience that all globetrotters will love.
Umbrellas are common; you can pick them up everywhere as well, but you'll find on sunny days as well as rainy ones that locals are using umbrellas and without one, you'll get a poke in the head now and again as you're walking on busy sidewalks.
Avoid July/August, as they are the rainiest months, with heavy flooding even in the cities, and temple walks become difficult. I also recommend avoiding Chuseok in September, a six-day holiday where everything is closed.
Visit during Spring to see the Cherry Blossoms! A great alternative to Japan's Cherry Blossoms.
Anapji Pond
Bulguksa temple bell pavilion is a popular site...
Bulguksa temple bell pavilion
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
GyeongjuMostly Sunny
21°C / 69°F
11mm / 0.4"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
-
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Your Trip to South Korea
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,327 ReviewsBrooke Theron has booked 3 trips for us, France and Tunisia in 2025 and we have just returned from a 2 week trip from China.
The entire trip was flawless, from the research to the booking Brooke is always soo helpful in whole process.
Brooke always works with us to answer any questions and make sure any request we have can be added.
Our tour guides James, Helen, Felicity and Keira and drivers were all top notch with lots of information on each stop and sent us onto our next stop with no problems.
The hotels, trains and tours were all excellent. We couldn't have asked for more
I look forward to working with Brooke and Goway tours on our next vacation.MaddieBijal and Martin (tour guide in Kenya) made this the trip of a lifetime. I felt safe every minute of the trip. I did not care for the travel from the Serengeti to Ngorogoro Crater. I felt the last hotel was too far from the crater i was exhausted not wanted to travel to the crater. The travel was absolutely brutal for 6 hoursKathie BeckerJosie was incredible to work with. She replied to all emails quickly and effectively. She was very knowledgeable and always willing to help. Would definitely work with Josie again!! Clients had an incredible 14 days in Italy with no complaints. A dream vacation!!Chattell BlueOur safari in Tanzania was excellent. Brooke Theron, our Goway representative, was easy to work with, responsive and knowledgeable. Our guide in Tanzania, Anwar Razak, was outstanding. His knowledge and his driving ability was impressive. He was also engaging. We enjoyed our time with Anwar. The camps that Goway recommended were comfortable, welcoming and surprisingly luxurious while capturing the essence of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We had a wonderful trip. Jack B.My agent Lisa made the booking process easy. Her expertise on the Azores was extremely helpful. Final documents were precise and thorough. Transfers were on time, tours were informative and fun, and the lovely accommodations were well suited to our needs.Christine HostyI am so happy to use Goway for my tour experience while visiting Vietnam during Oct 15 through October 29, 2026. We had 3 very good, thoughtful, and caring guides in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. They were very knowledgeable for each of their respective areas. they all fulfilled every part of our itinerary. I wish to give an extra acknowledgment to my guide in Danang and Hoi An. Mr. Phung Van Hung was very friendly and caring for me. During my stay in Hoi An, I became sick and required a visit to the local hospital in Hoi An. I contacted Mr. Phung, and he graciously offered to take me and stay with me to interpret during my visit for medical care even though he was not working that day. I really appreciate his extra above and beyond service he provided. I really must let Goway know, he is a wonderful guide!George C.Suzzette and her team provided exceptional support throughout our year‑long planning process for our Bali group. Despite multiple changes, updates, and last‑minute cancellations, she remained organized, responsive, and solution‑focused. Asia Trails Indonesia delivered a seamless experience from arrival to departure, and our guides, Dayu and Adit, were outstanding; prompt, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. The coordination across multiple departure cities, the curated excursions, and the overall flow of the itinerary were executed beautifully. My group thoroughly enjoyed the trip and is already asking about returning. I highly recommend Suzzette as a group coordinator for her professionalism, dedication, and high‑quality service.Anchored Memories TravelMike K. graciously provided us with a perfect itinerary, offering us flexible high quality options for our trip. We added in a few complex details and he maneuvered around them creating smooth transitions. Planning an overseas 11 day trip can be overwhelming and Mike made everything feel easy. I highly recommend!Amy ChallgrenGoway staff was available to us throughout our entire trip to Costa Rica. Their involvement was seamless and surprisingly smooth between them and all of our hotels and tours. We have been totally impressed with their involvement with our travel agent and their complete resolution of the only problem we had during the 2 different international trips that we have taken.Diana McCroryThank you to Goway for a great and enjoyable 7 day tour in China, for our Canadian group of 14! Very special thanks to the local guides in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing ( Richard, Richard and James) who were second to none! Each was a knowledgeable ambassador for their home city, working hard to ensure our enjoyment and comfort, and to showcase the beauty of each area and its current and historical sites. They very kindly and patiently assisted everyone, and especially accommodated 2 of our group who encountered unexpected wellness challenges. The local bus drivers for our group were experts too, keeping us on time and safe on the roads and highways. Hotels were beautiful, welcoming, well located and appointed, quiet, comfortable and clean. Additional travel arrangements by air and high speed train went off without a hitch. KATHLEEN LLOYD
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified