The southeastern part of South Korea houses a treasure of history, culture, and natural beauty. If you are looking to go on a serene and cultural trip to Korea, Gyeongju offers several captivating destinations, making it perfect for a self-drive holiday.

Must visit attractions

As the former capital of the Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju is known for its cultural heritage, welcoming atmosphere and beautiful destinations. From the famous Bulguksa Temple to Woljeonggyo Bridge and Seokguram Grotto, every landmark tells a story of how the city evolved into what it is today.

Gyeongju offers a blend of relaxation, fun, adventure, and artefacts. Besides its historical heritage, the city’s natural beauty offers such a breathtaking view. From the rolling hills to beaches and villages, you will have fun exploring the city. Whether you are a family looking for a fun relaxing experience or an adventurous couple or a solo traveller, Gyeongju has something for everyone.

Scenic Routes and Roadside Attractions

If you just want to enjoy the scenic view of Gyeongju, driving through the city is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and cultural landmarks. Your perfect one-day road trip itinerary includes stops at Cheomseongdae Observatory, Donggung Palace, Wolji Pond, Bulguksa Temple, and Seokguram Grotto.

Driving Tip: Start from Cheomseongdae Observatory, drive through Silla-ro to Donggung-ro to enter the historical Donggung Palace. From there, you can also stop by the Gyeongju National Museum to learn about Silla’s history before heading to the Wolji Pond. From there, enter Bulguksa-ro to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. The drive through these roads offers a beautiful view of Gyeongju’s natural beauty, from pine forests to rolling hills.

Cheomseongdae Observatory

If you are interested in Korean history and the Silla Dynasty legacy, Cheomseongdae is a great spot to visit. Known as the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asian Cheomseongdae is an astronomical observatory constructed in the 7th century during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla.

Beyond taking a glimpse into the stars, the observatory tells a story of Korea’s early scientific achievements. It has a unique bottle shape and is made of 362 stones — representing a lunar year.

Opening hours: Opens all day. For a full experience of the parks and a better view, it’s best to visit during the day.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond)

As you drive through Gyeongju, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are sights to behold. Known for its serene beauty, the pond is a part of the Donggung Palace which was initially built as a secondary palace for crown princes during the Silla Dynasty. Today, the pond beautifully reflects the palace and trees surrounding it.

Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (March to October), 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (November to February). Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.

Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto

Did you know that the Bulguksa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? There is no doubt that the temple is one of Gyeongju’s most iconic landmarks. The temple was built during the Silla Dynasty in the sixth century. The statues, bridges and pagodas of the temple showcase the  dedication of the monks who lived there and the craftsmanship of the Silla Dynasty architecture.

Seokguram Grotto is just a short drive from the temple and features a large statue of a seated Buddha. If you are a spiritual person, being here can add a meditative and calm aura to your visit.

Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto have appeared in popular Korean dramas such as Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016) and Arang and the Magistrate (2012). If you love to document your trips, this is a great spot to take memorable pictures.

Opening Hours:
Bulguksa Temple: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (extended hours in summer)
Seokguram Grotto: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm)

Bomun Tourist Complex

Are you a family looking for a peaceful escape from work and school? The Bomun Tourist Complex offers a wide range of accommodations including hotels and resorts along with recreational facilities such as lake, golf courses and scenic parks. It is the ideal district for a family vacation. While you can enjoy a picnic with your partner or family along the lake shores, the resort also offers activities including paddle boating.

Opening hours: The district is accessible 24/7
Cost: Entry is free but activities like paddle boating cost about ₩10,000 for a 30-minute rental

Roadside Cafes and Traditional Tea Houses

While driving around Gyeongju, there are several charming roadside cafés and tea houses that you can explore anytime you need to catch a break.

Gyeongju Coffee Street

This is a street in Hwangnam-dong that features cafes where you can get locally roasted coffee and treats.

Address: Hwangnidan-gil, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Opening hours:  Usually between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm
Cost: Prices from ₩5,000 to ₩7,000

Shilla Court Hilton Gyeongju

Are you looking for where to get Korean teas like omija and danggwi? Then the Shilla Tea House is where you need to be.

Address: 484-7 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Cost: Prices range from ₩8,000 to ₩12,000

Bulguk Dawon in Bulguk Temple

If you ever find yourself in Mount Toham, be sure to stop at this cafe located just at the base of the mountain.

Address: 385-3 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Cost: Prices from ₩6,000 to ₩10,000

Culinary Adventures to try in Gyeongju

Hwangnam Bread & Ggulbbang

The Hwangnam bread is Gyeongju’s signature treat and has been around for over 80 years. The bread is small, soft and filled with red bean paste, making it a great snack for your journey. Similar to Hwangnam bread, Ggulbbang is also filled with red bean paste, but it’s infused with honey, giving it a richer, sweeter flavor and a moister texture, which makes it chewier than Hwangnam bread.

Where to buy:  Hwangnam Bakery (near Daereungwon Tomb Complex), the original and most famous shop.
Address: 789, Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Cost: ₩1,500 per piece, or ₩15,000 for a box of 10

Hodugwaja

Hodugwaja is a popular snack originated in Cheonan. It consist of a soft, cake-like outer layer shaped like a walnut and is typically filled with a mixture of red bean paste and walnut pieces. The pastry has a mild, sweet flavor with a nutty texture from the walnut filling, which complements the smooth, sweet red bean paste.

Where to buy:  Hodugwaja Street (This area has several vendors and shops specializing in Hodugwaja.)
Address: Gyeongju-si, Dongbu-dong, Near Cheomseongdae Observatory
Opening hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Cost: ₩2,000~ ₩3,000 per piece

Gyeongju Ssambap (Rice Wrapped in Lettuce)

Gyeongju Ssambap is a popular traditional Korean dish that consists of rice wrapped in lettuce leaves. It can be paired with a wide range of side dishes.

Where to buy: Silla Ssambap (near Cheomseongdae Observatory you can stop here for a quick lunch after visiting the Bulguksa Temple.)
Address: 72 Poseok-ro 1092beon-gil, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 09:00 am – 9:00 pm
Cost: ₩13,000 – ₩16,000 per person

Fun Things to Do in Gyeongju

Explore Cultural Museum

As you drive through the city, you can stop at the Gyeongju National Museum to learn about the history of the Silla era. The museum features several artefacts including gold pottery, crowns, and sculptures from the Silla Dynasty.

Address: 186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (March to October), 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (November to February)
Cost: Free admission to the main exhibition; special exhibitions may have a fee of around ₩3,000.

Rent Bicycles at Bomun Lake

After enjoying a scenic drive around the city, you can also rent bicycles at Bomun Lake. This is a fun way for you, your partner or your family to explore the area. The bike paths around the lake are safe and provide a nice ride with stunning views of the water and nature.

Address: South Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju, Bomun-ro, 446
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (seasonal hours may apply)
Cost: ₩5,000 for a 1-hour rental

Visit the Gyeongju World Amusement Park

If you are a family seeking adventure in Gyeongju, the Gyeongju World amusement park offers exciting rides and attractions for all ages. From roller coasters to water rides, it’s an excellent way to spend a day filled with fun and excitement.

Address: 544 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Opening hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (operating hours may vary by season)
Cost: Entry fee is around ₩40,000 for adults, ₩30,000 for children

Driving in South Korea

To drive in South Korea, you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid Singapore driver’s licence for minimum a year, have a valid International Driving Permit, your passport and a credit card in your (driver) name. It is best to reserve your vehicle online before you reach your destination to ensure you have a vehicle to drive right away. Get add-ons like a GPS device and child seat if needed. Buy personal vehicle hire insurance to cover for probable damages and theft.

What to know:

• Driving is on the right side, meaning it is left-hand drive
• Speed limits – 100-120 km/h on expressways, 70-90 km/h on open roads, 30-60 km/h in the city including school zones
• Children under six years old must use car seats
• All passengers must wear seatbelts
• Tolls – can be paid with cash, credit cards or Hi-Pass card
• Parking: In cities, use designated car parks and avoid non-designated areas to prevent fines. Check official sites for parking information before your visit to confirm availability and fees. In some areas, parking may be limited, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
• Don’t drink and drive, don’t drive on a bus lane, don’t use a mobile phone while driving

All photos courtesy of Korea Tourism Organisation.