✔ Step into South Korea's open-air museum
✔ Sleep in a traditional hanok, just outside the centre
✔ Join the locals for street food on Hwangnidan-ro
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Day 1 - Arrival in Gyeongju
Gyeongju lies in the south of South Korea and is easy to reach by express train from Andong, which takes around 1.5 hours. From the station, you can hop in a taxi or catch a local bus to your hanok, located just outside the centre. Your hosts will give you a warm welcome and do everything they can to make you feel at home, from sharing their favourite local tips to serving up a delicious, fresh breakfast.
Gyeongju has a relaxed, local feel, helped by the fact that high-rise buildings aren’t allowed in the historic centre. The city is also a favourite with Korean travellers, and in the evening, Hwangnidan-ro is the place to be. This lively street is lined with cosy cafés, tasty street food and shops selling local souvenirs, making it a great spot to soak up the atmosphere.
Day 2 - Exploring Gyeongju
From your hotel, it’s just a short walk to Tumuli Park, where huge, grassy mounds rise out of the ground (Daereungwon Tomb Complex). These ancient tombs date back to the Silla period, when high-ranking people were buried with their finest belongings. Look closely and you can even spot differences in the shape of the mounds, which tell you whether one or two people were buried inside. The tombs were discovered by chance around 1920, and the treasures found inside are now on display at the National Museum.
There’s plenty more history to explore in Gyeongju. Visit the beautiful Bulguksa Temple and climb up to the Seokguram Grotto, home to an intricately carved Buddha statue. As the sun sets, head to Woljeonggyo Bridge, which looks particularly magical when it’s lit up after dark.
A traditional hanouk
A hanok is a traditional Korean home, carefully designed to blend in with nature. The idea comes from pungsu-jiri, the Korean version of feng shui, where the location of the home is just as important as the house itself. Traditionally, hanoks were built with mountains behind them for protection and water nearby to encourage a positive flow of energy. Most also face south, making the most of natural sunlight and warmth.
Inside, the layout is both practical and social, with separate spaces for family life and welcoming guests. At the heart of the home is an open courtyard, known as a madang, which brings in light and fresh air and creates a natural connection with the outdoors. Traditional materials such as wood, clay, stone and hanji paper add to the sense of warmth and harmony, while the famous ondol underfloor heating system keeps things cosy.
Together, these thoughtful details make a hanok much more than just a place to stay. It’s a chance to experience a traditional way of life where nature, comfort and a sense of calm come together.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Gyeongju - Golgulsa temple visit
From Gyeongju, it’s about a 30-minute drive to Golgulsa Temple, one of South Korea’s most fascinating temples. Built into a lush green hillside, you’ll find traditional temple buildings in shades of green and red dotted around the landscape. Today, you can experience the peaceful rhythm of temple life, joining breathing exercises and meditation sessions. You can also watch a Seonmudo demonstration, a Korean Buddhist martial art that originated here at Golgulsa Temple.
If you would like to take the experience one step further, choose our ‘Live like a monk for a day’ bite-sized trip and spend the night at the temple, giving you even more time to experience this unique side of Korean culture.
Gyeongju - In Style
If you’re looking for a little extra comfort during your stay in Gyeongju, we can arrange for you to stay at a more luxurious hotel surrounded by greenery. There’s plenty of space to relax after a day of sightseeing, with indoor and outdoor pools, several restaurants, spacious rooms and even a small shop. The hotel is just outside the city centre, with Gyeongju’s historic sights easily reached by public transport, taxi or rental car.