Gyeongju has no subway, but getting around is straightforward with buses, taxis, or rental cars. This guide helps foreign travelers choose the best transportation method based on budget, schedule, and group size for stress-free exploration.
Gyeongju can feel overwhelming for first-time international visitors. Unlike Seoul or Busan, this ancient capital has no subway system, and its major historical sites are scattered across the city and surrounding countryside. Many travelers arrive expecting convenient metro access, only to discover they need a different approach. However, with the right transportation strategy—whether bus, taxi, or rental car—you can explore Gyeongju's UNESCO World Heritage sites comfortably and efficiently. This guide breaks down each option, explaining how it works, when to use it, and which method best matches your travel style and budget.
Why Transportation Planning Matters in Gyeongju
Gyeongju's layout presents unique challenges. The city center holds some attractions, but treasures like Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Yangdong Folk Village sit several kilometers apart. Without proper planning, visitors waste valuable time waiting for buses or overspending on taxis. Understanding your options before arrival transforms potential frustration into smooth exploration.
Taking the Bus in Gyeongju
How the Bus System Works
Gyeongju operates an efficient local bus network connecting major tourist destinations. Routes are numbered, with key lines serving historical sites. Buses display route numbers prominently on the front, and digital displays inside announce stops in Korean and occasionally English.
Payment Methods
Foreign travelers can use T-money or Cashbee transportation cards, available at convenience stores nationwide. These rechargeable cards offer discounted fares compared to cash payment. Simply tap the card on the reader when boarding and exiting. Single-ride fares remain affordable, making buses the most budget-friendly option.
Essential Apps for Navigation
Download Naver Map or KakaoMap before your trip. Both apps provide real-time bus arrival information, route planning, and English interface options. Enter your destination, and the app suggests which bus to take, where to board, and when the next one arrives. This feature eliminates language barriers at bus stops.
Key Routes for Tourists
Route 10 and 11 connect downtown Gyeongju to major sites including Bulguksa Temple. Route 700 serves the city center and links to the intercity bus terminal. Route 150 reaches more distant locations. Checking your specific destination's nearest stop ahead of time saves confusion.
When Buses Work Best
Solo travelers with flexible schedules benefit most from bus travel. If you enjoy local experiences and don't mind occasional waits, buses provide authentic glimpses of daily Korean life. Budget-conscious visitors also appreciate the low cost, especially for multiple trips throughout the day.
Using Taxis in Gyeongju
Taxi Availability and Types
Taxis are abundant in downtown Gyeongju and near major hotels. Standard taxis (silver or white) charge metered rates, while deluxe taxis (black) cost more but offer premium service. Hailing a taxi on the street works well in central areas, though apps provide more convenience.
Booking Through Kakao T
The Kakao T app revolutionizes taxi use for foreigners. Available in English, it shows your location, lets you set your destination, and displays the estimated fare before booking. Drivers receive your destination automatically, eliminating communication challenges. Payment processes through the app or in cash upon arrival.
Communication Tips
Most taxi drivers speak limited English. Prepare your destination name in Korean script or show it on your phone screen. Major sites have well-known names that drivers recognize immediately. For less common locations, having the Korean address ready prevents misunderstandings.
Cost Considerations
Short trips within the city center remain reasonably priced. Longer journeys to temples or rural sites cost more but often prove worthwhile when traveling with companions, as groups can split fares. Compared to international taxi rates, Gyeongju's prices are competitive, especially when time is limited.
Best Scenarios for Taxi Use
Couples and families find taxis most practical. When visiting multiple sites in one day, taxis eliminate waiting and walking between bus stops. Travelers on tight schedules appreciate the direct routes and time savings. Late-night transportation also relies on taxis, as bus service reduces after evening hours.
Renting a Car in Gyeongju
Requirements and Process
International visitors need a valid International Driving Permit alongside their home country license. Major rental companies operate near Gyeongju Station and the intercity bus terminal. Booking online in advance secures better rates and guarantees vehicle availability. The rental process mirrors Western systems—present documents, sign agreements, and receive keys.
Navigation and Language Support
Modern rental cars include GPS navigation systems with English language options. Simply input your destination, and the system provides turn-by-turn directions. Road signs throughout Gyeongju appear in both Korean and English, making navigation manageable even for first-time drivers in Korea.
Parking at Tourist Sites
Gyeongju's major attractions maintain well-organized parking facilities. Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and tumuli parks all offer designated lots. Parking fees are minimal, and spaces are clearly marked. Downtown parking garages accommodate visitors exploring the city center on foot.
Driving Considerations
Korean traffic follows right-hand drive with left-side steering wheels, familiar to many Western drivers. Roads to major sites are well-maintained and straightforward. Rural routes to places like Yangdong Village wind through countryside but remain accessible. Traffic is generally lighter than in Seoul, reducing stress for cautious drivers.
When Car Rental Makes Sense
Groups of three or more benefit financially from splitting rental costs. Travelers planning multi-day stays with varied itineraries enjoy the flexibility of personal transportation. Those interested in exploring beyond standard tourist circuits—visiting remote temples, coastal areas, or mountain trails—find cars essential. Families with children appreciate the convenience of carrying supplies and managing schedules independently.
Transportation Comparison at a Glance
| Method | Advantages | Limitations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | Most economical | Route complexity, language barriers | Solo budget travelers |
| Taxi | Fast, direct routes | Higher cost per trip | Couples, families, short stays |
| Rental Car | Maximum flexibility | Driving responsibility, parking needs | Groups, extended trips |
Strategic Transportation Combinations
Day Trip Strategy
Combine buses for morning travel to distant sites with taxis for evening returns to downtown. This approach balances cost savings with convenience as fatigue sets in.
Heritage Site Focus
Use taxis throughout the day when concentrating on major cultural sites. The time saved allows deeper exploration of each location without rushing to catch buses.
Extended Exploration
Rent a car for trips lasting two days or more, especially when including countryside destinations. The daily rental cost becomes economical when split among companions and enables spontaneous detours.
Common Mistakes Foreign Visitors Make
Expecting Subway Service
Many travelers assume Gyeongju has metro stations like larger Korean cities. Arriving prepared for alternative transportation prevents arrival day confusion and wasted time searching for non-existent subway entrances.
Skipping Route Research
Boarding buses without checking routes leads to wrong destinations and unnecessary backtracking. Five minutes of app-based planning eliminates hours of misdirection.
Attempting Rental Without Proper Documentation
Some visitors arrive hoping to rent cars without International Driving Permits. Rental agencies strictly enforce this requirement, and attempting to drive without proper licensing risks legal complications.
Final Transportation Tips
Start each day knowing your primary destinations and preferred transportation method. Download essential apps before leaving WiFi zones. Keep small bills for bus fares if using cash. Save your hotel address in Korean on your phone for easy taxi returns.
Gyeongju rewards visitors who plan transportation thoughtfully. The city's treasures await those who navigate confidently between ancient tombs, mountain temples, and historic villages. Choose the method matching your priorities—budget, time, or flexibility—and Gyeongju reveals its wonders without transportation stress.
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