Gyeongju

Once the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, which ruled much of southern Korea for close to a thousand years, the southeastern city of Gyeongju is one of South Korea's lesser-known attractions. Under Silla, Gyeongju became a cosmopolitan, prosperous enclave of almost one million. While Gyeongju later fell from prominence, the city continued to remain regionally significant - particularly for its rich repository of relics, a testament to the deep, nuanced past of South Korea.

Today, Gyeongju is rich with history, and offers well-preserved examples of Silla-era architecture, as well as the site of fierce battles and resistance to Imperial Japanese forces in the early twentieth century. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Seokguram grotto and the historic Bulguksa Temple, as well as Anapji, a Silla-era pleasure garden that is a treasure trove of archaeological artifacts.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Anapji

Visit Anapji, site of a pleasure garden and lotus pond built in 674 AD, where thousands of Silla Dynasty artifacts have been recovered.

Ancient Royal Tombs

Gyeongju is sometimes called "the museum without walls" because of the many hundreds of ancient tombs of Silla Empire royalty and aristocracy located all over town. The tombs are large dome-shaped mounds of earth covered with grass. Only a few have been excavated, and inside are treasures buried with the bodies.

Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Explore the Andong Hahoe Folk Village, a living community of more than 100 traditional country houses of thatched roofs, mud walls and centuries of history, which your expert guide will relate. This can be slightly touristy but is an interesting experience for young people.

Buddhist Temples

Explore two of Gyeongju’s most renowned sites: Bulguksa Temple and nearby Seokguram, a Buddhist grotto with terrific views from its cliffside position. Bulguksa dates to 528 AD, when Gyeongju was capital of the nearly 1,000-year-long Silla Dynasty, and both sites are among the city’s UNESCO World Heritage properties.

Haeinsa Temple

Visit Haeinsa Temple in Daegu (approximately 90-minute drive), a famous 9th-century Buddhist temple best known for housing the Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of more than 80,000 woodblock carvings of the complete Buddhist scriptures.

Namsan Park

Hike the gorgeous mountain trails of Namsan Park, whose terrain has regularly yielded Silla-era treasures.

National Museum

Have a privately guided tour of the adjacent National Museum, where artifacts recovered from nearby Anapji are now on display. The National Museum also features fun activities for children, such as 3D puzzles and interactive exhibits.

Tae Kwon Do Lesson

Have a martial arts lesson in tae kwon do and meet black belts in the official sport of South Korea.

South Korea Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Gyeongju Itineraries

Classic South Korea

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,500
See Itinerary

Culture, Food, and White Sand Beaches: A Honeymoon to South Korea and Okinawa

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,700
See Itinerary

The Ultimate Korean Cultural Experience

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $20,300
See Itinerary
Lahan Select Gyeongju

Lahan Select Gyeongju

Gyeongju, South Korea

Situated in the center of the majestic Bomun Lake in the historic Shilla Kingdom capital of Gyeongju, the Lahan Select Gyeongju is an interesting building architecturally with an S-shape tower. The hotel is composed of 430 guest rooms and suites, the majority of which are Western style, but a small portion are Korean style. All are well appointed with standard modern conveniences, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies with mountain or lake views. Dining options include traditional Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Mediterranean cuisine, as well as a fresh bakery, coffee shop, and bar. Hotel facilities include a business center, fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, spa, indoor golf practice range, and tennis courts. The Lahan Select Gyeongju is located approximately 15 minutes from Gyeongju Station.
Gyeongju Hilton

Gyeongju Hilton

Gyeongju, South Korea

Gyeongju Hilton provides a comfortable base from which to explore the historic area of Gyeongju. Situated on the edge of Lake Bomun and surrounded by beautiful parks, countryside and majestic mountains, this hotel boasts glorious views of the surrounding environment. The rooms are fitted with a desk, WIFI, sofas, TVs and cable channels, a marble bathroom, air-conditioning, bathrobes and a hot water pot with green tea. The hotel has a gym, spa, swimming pool and business center. Start the day with a breakfast buffet at Lakeside Café, enjoy delicious Asian flavors for dinner and relax with drinks in the stunning terrace setting of Stars lounge in the evening.

Multi-Country Specialists

South Korea Goes Well With

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.