Discover Gyeongju’s four-day Silla heritage tour: astronomy, royal tombs, Buddhist wonders, hanok charm—with costs in KRW.
Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, is a living-time capsule where its thousand-year legacy unfolds across the city. Rediscovered treasures continue to surface even in 2025, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts. This blog offers foreign travelers a curated four-day English itinerary that brings Silla’s vibrant science, art, and Buddhism to life—with all costs listed in KRW.
Day 1: Wolseong Area – At the Heart of the Royal Palace
Cheomseongdae
Marvel of Silla astronomy
Start your journey at Cheomseongdae, one of Asia’s oldest astronomical observatories. This 27‑stone structure once guided farmers with celestial insight and foretold fortune.
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Location: 169‑5 Cheomseong‑ro, Gyeongju
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Open: 24/7
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Entrance Fee: Free
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Recommended Visit: 30 min
Daereungwon (Tumuli Park)
Royal resting place
Just a 5‑minute walk from Cheomseongdae, Daereungwon features 23 Silla royal tombs. The iconic Cheonmachong Tomb lets you glimpse burial treasures and captivating murals, including the celebrated mural of a heavenly horse.
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Location: Hwangnam‑dong, Gyeongju
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Hours: 09:00–22:00
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Fee: Adult 2,000 KRW
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Recommended Visit: 1 hr 30 min
Wolseong Fortress and Gyerim Forest
Ancient palace site
Wolseong, the former royal fortress, lies within a crescent-shaped earthwork still under excavation. Nearby Gyerim Forest, tied to the founding myth of King Kim Al‑ji, offers a serene stroll among tall trees.
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Location: Inwang‑dong, Gyeongju
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Open: 24/7
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Entrance Fee: Free
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Recommended Visit: 40 min
Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
Silla’s famed nightscape
End the day at the beautifully lit Wolji Pond, set beside the eastern palace where Silla princes once resided. Reflections of the palace lights in the water create a magical night scene.
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Location: 102 Wonhwa‑ro, Gyeongju
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Hours: 09:00–22:00
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Fee: Adult 2,000 KRW
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Recommended Visit: 1 hr
Day 2: Namsan Area – Center of Silla Buddhism
Poseokjeong Pavilion
Royal banquet ruins
Nestled on the slopes of Namsan, Poseokjeong was once a water‑channel banquet hall for royalty. The elegantly carved stone stream hosted ritual drinking ceremonies.
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Location: 454‑3 Baedong, Gyeongju
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Hours: 09:00–18:00 (Mar–Oct) / 09:00–17:00 (Nov–Feb)
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Fee: Adult 1,500 KRW
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Recommended Visit: 30 min
Namsan Trekking
Open-air Buddhist museum
Namsan’s trails offer a spiritual outdoor museum with Buddhist relics such as Chilbulam, Mireukgok seated Buddha, and Baeri standing Buddha. Choose routes ranging from easy walks to full hikes.
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Suggested Trail: Samneungok → Chilbulam → Mireukgok (~2–3 hrs)
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Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
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Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, snacks
Day 3: Tohamsan Area – Peak of Buddhist Architecture
Bulguksa Temple
Symbol of enlightened beauty
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bulguksa boasts symbolic bridges leading to its Main Hall. The iconic stone pagodas, Dabotap and Seokgatap, are masterpieces of Silla craftsmanship.
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Location: 385 Bulguk‑ro, Gyeongju
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Hours: 06:30–18:00 (seasonal variation)
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Fee: Adult 6,000 KRW
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Recommended Visit: 2 hrs
Seokguram Grotto
Zenith of Eastern sculpture
Located about 8 km from Bulguksa, Seokguram is an exquisitely carved granite grotto housing a serene Buddha. Though entry is behind glass, the craftsmanship remains awe-inspiring.
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Location: 873‑243 Bulguk‑ro, Gyeongju
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Hours: 06:30–18:00 (seasonal variation)
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Fee: Adult 6,000 KRW
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Recommended Visit: 1 hr
Silla History & Science Museum
Understanding Silla’s ingenuity
Before visiting Seokguram, explore this museum near Bulguksa to grasp Silla’s advanced building techniques and astronomical science. Highlights include a detailed 1/5 scale model of Seokguram.
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Location: 857‑1 Bulguk‑ro, Gyeongju
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Hours: 09:00–18:00
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Fee: Adult 3,000 KRW
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Recommended Visit: 1 hr
Day 4: Hwangridan-gil & Modern Charms
Hwangridan‑gil
Fusion of tradition and trend
This trendy street features hanok-style cafes, ateliers, and photo spots. Revamped 1960–70s architecture attracts both locals and tourists. Ideal for afternoon exploration and souvenir shopping.
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Location: Hwangnam‑dong, Gyeongju
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Best Time: Afternoon to evening
Woljeonggyo Bridge
Restored Silla wooden bridge
Originally built in Unified Silla, Woljeonggyo was restored in 2018. The largest wooden bridge in Korea, it’s exquisite by day and romantic at night when illuminated.
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Location: 274 Gyodong, Gyeongju
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Hours: 09:00–22:00
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Entrance Fee: Free
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Recommended Visit: 30 min
Travel Tips & Essentials
Getting There & Around
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Airport: Gimhae Intl → Bus to Gyeongju ~1h 30m. Incheon Intl → Express bus ~4h.
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Train: KTX to Singyeongju Station ~2h from Seoul; regular trains to Gyeongju Station.
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City Transport: Free elderly bus fare begins late 2025. Taxis apply 55% surcharge outside 5 km radius from central areas. Gyeongju City Tour bus available for efficient sightseeing.
Accommodation Suggestions
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Hanok-stay: Gyeongju Hwangnam‑gwan (premium hanok), Lahan Select Gyeongju (modern-traditional hybrid)
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Resorts: Hilton Gyeongju, Blue One Resort (family-friendly)
Visitor Tips
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Silla Tour Pass: Includes access to 16 historic sites, stamp passport, souvenir for completion; stamps available at cultural guide centres.
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Best Travel Seasons: Spring (Mar–May, cherry blossoms in early April), Autumn (Sep–Nov, colorful foliage); night visits recommended for Wolji Pond and Woljeonggyo.
Nearby Attractions
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Bomun Tourist Complex: Lakeside resorts, Gyeongju World, Expo Park
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Gampo Coast: Munmu King’s Tomb, Igyeondae Cliff, fresh seafood restaurants
Conclusion: Enduring Spirit of Silla
Gyeongju goes beyond a typical tourist city—it is a vibrant, living classroom of Silla civilization. In 2025, ongoing excavations continue to reveal new stories. Following this itinerary brings Cheomseongdae’s scientific precision, Bulguksa and Seokguram’s spiritual awe, and Hwangridan-gil’s modern charm into a harmonious journey. Allocate ample time to dive into each site’s rich narrative and discover the genuine essence of Silla.