Gyeongju Itinerary 10 Days: Ancient Capital & Coastal Wonders (2026)

Arrive in Gyeongju and check into your accommodation. In the afternoon, head to the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, also known as Tumuli Park. This park contains over 20 large tombs of Silla kings and nobles. You can enter the Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb) to see the inside of a tomb and the artifacts that were found there. After exploring the tomb complex, take a short walk to the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. The observatory is particularly beautiful at night when it is lit up. For dinner, head to the nearby Hwangnidan-gil Street, a trendy area with many restaurants and cafes.

Today, you will visit two of Gyeongju's most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites: Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. Take a bus or taxi to Bulguksa Temple, a beautiful temple complex that is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art. Spend a few hours exploring the temple grounds and admiring the intricate architecture. From Bulguksa Temple, take a short bus ride or hike up to the Seokguram Grotto. This grotto contains a magnificent statue of the Buddha, which is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist sculpture in the world. The view from the grotto is also stunning. In the evening, return to Gyeongju and enjoy a traditional Korean dinner.

In the morning, visit the Gyeongju National Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the Silla Kingdom. The museum has a large collection of artifacts from the Silla period, including gold crowns, pottery, and Buddhist sculptures. Be sure to see the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, one of the largest and most beautiful bells in Asia. In the afternoon, head to the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond). This was a secondary palace of the Silla Kingdom, and the pond was used for banquets and other special events. The palace is particularly beautiful at night when it is lit up and reflects on the water. You can also take a boat ride on the pond.

Today, you will go hiking on Namsan Mountain, which is located in Gyeongju National Park. Namsan is often called a "treasure mountain" because it is home to over 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues, and 60 stone pagodas. There are a variety of hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs. As you hike, you will discover hidden temples and beautiful Buddhist sculptures. The views from the top of the mountain are also spectacular. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no shops on the mountain. In the evening, return to Gyeongju and relax after your hike.

In the morning, visit the Gyochon Traditional Village, a beautiful village with traditional hanok houses. The village is home to the Choi Clan, a wealthy family that has lived in the village for over 400 years. You can learn about the history of the family and see how they lived. You can also try some traditional Korean food and crafts in the village. In the afternoon, take a walk to the Woljeonggyo Bridge, a beautiful covered bridge that was recently restored. The bridge is particularly beautiful at night when it is lit up. You can also visit the nearby Gyeongju Hyanggyo, a Confucian school that was founded in the Silla period.

Today, you will take a day trip to the Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside of Gyeongju. This village is a well-preserved example of a traditional Korean clan village. You can see traditional hanok houses, Confucian schools, and other historic buildings. You can also learn about the traditional way of life in Korea and see how people lived in the past. The village is located in a beautiful natural setting, and it's a great place to go for a walk. In the evening, return to Gyeongju and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Today, you will have some fun at Gyeongju World, an amusement park located in the Bomun Lake Resort. The park has a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, including roller coasters, a water park, and a sledding hill. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bomun Lake. In the afternoon, you can relax by the lake or take a walk around the resort. There are also many restaurants and cafes in the area. In the evening, you can watch the sunset over the lake and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Today, you will explore the beautiful east coast of Gyeongju. Take a bus or taxi to the Gameunsa Temple Site, the ruins of a large temple that was built in the Silla period. The temple is located on a hill overlooking the sea, and the views are stunning. You can also see the two three-story stone pagodas that are all that remain of the temple. From the Gameunsa Temple Site, take a short walk to the Munmuwangneung, the underwater tomb of King Munmu. The king was buried at sea so that he could become a dragon and protect the Silla Kingdom from Japanese pirates. You can see the tomb from the shore, and it's a very unique and interesting sight.

In the morning, visit the Jusangjeolli Cliffs, a beautiful stretch of coastline with unique volcanic rock formations. The cliffs were formed by lava that cooled and cracked into hexagonal columns. You can take a walk along the cliffs and enjoy the stunning views of the sea. In the afternoon, you can explore the Tohamsan District of Gyeongju National Park. This part of the park is home to the Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto, but there are also many other hiking trails and beautiful natural scenery to enjoy. You can also visit the Golgulsa Temple, a unique temple with a large stone Buddha carved into a cliff.

Enjoy a final Korean breakfast and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to revisit one of your favorite spots or explore a new neighborhood. Afterwards, head to the Gyeongju train station or bus terminal for your departure.