Gorgeous Gyeongju (경주국립공원) is unique among Korea’s national parks. For one thing, it’s the lone historical national park (other national parks are categorized as mountainous or marine). Gyeongju National Park is often aptly described as an outdoor museum, filled to bursting with tombs and temples.
Stroll back in time in the parks and lanes of Korea’s most atmospheric city. Take it slow to savor the relics scattered around the home of the once-mighty Silla dynasty. Marveling at the size of the burial mounds? Try taking a peek inside one!
More into temples than tombs? Gyeongju also has plenty of religious history. Highlights include two UNESCO World Heritage sites east of the city. Bulguksa is a strikingly beautiful temple, one of the loveliest in the land. And Seokguram Grotto, tucked into the mountain above, is well-worth the trek. For an equally amazing experience, stay at Golgulsa temple and learn sunmudo – a Buddhist martial art.
The park-like greenery and mild weather of this southern city make it a delight to visit year-round. Gyeongju is host to several international marathons (and lots of smaller races besides), so consider timing your visit to coincide with one of those. It’s also a pretty place to admire the cherry blossoms in spring and the changing foliage in fall.
Whenever you visit Gyeongju National Park, and whatever you do, you’re sure to love it. I know I do – I can’t seem to stop coming back!
Gallavanting in gorgeous Gyeongju
Tips and tricks for enjoying Gyeongju National Park
When to go
Great news: you can enjoy Gyeongju National Park year-round! Down in this city, it’s always pretty. However, you might want to consider timing your visit for the very best times: the blooming of the cherry blossoms in spring, and/or the display of colorful foliage in the fall. These two seasons are also when Gyeongju’s biggest road races are held! Check out the cherry blossom international marathon in April or the famous fall-themed race in October.
Also, if you’re planning to head for the hills in spring or fall, this is the place to be. Annual fire prevention and spring thaw periods do infrequently affect the mountains in Gyeongju National Park. But stay informed with the latest news from Korea National Park Service or by checking for trails marked in red on Naver Maps.
Although Gyeongju is a beautiful place to be for the changing seasons, there are a few downsides to traveling at these peak times. It’s an extremely popular spot for both international and domestic tourists, meaning that you’ll have to share your sights with a whole lot of others. This seasonal flood of tourists also drives up accommodation costs – and rooms can even get booked out by tour groups. If you’re traveling in spring or fall, I’d recommend you either make plans well in advance – or be flexible and open to making new friends!
Winter and summer are also lovely times to visit Gyeongju National Park. As a bonus, they’re somewhat quieter! Gyeongju rarely gets serious snow, but heading there in the winter would give you a chance for some pretty unique views – as well as many tourist sites to yourself! Summer is steamy in the south of Korea, but beautifully lush. The tombs and temples are very atmospheric on a rainy day, too.
And it’s worth mentioning that you don’t need to limit yourself to daytime exploration. Some of my favorite Gyeongju wanders have been after dark, when the city’s park areas area all aglow with special spotlights!
Where to stay
If you want a really special experience, there’s all kinds of great options in Gyeongju. Try a room in Hanok housing: elegant paper-lined rooms and peaceful gardens will help you feel well-rested after long, exploratory walks.
Gyeongju is also a beautiful setting for a temple stay. There are several options, but you might love staying on the grounds of World Heritage listed Bulguksa temple. This temple stay offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy this beautiful temple outside of popular visiting hours. Don’t forget to climb up to Seokguram Grotto while you’re there! Another active option is Golgulsa, where you can learn the Buddhist martial art Sunmudo. I personally experienced the latter during my first year in Korea – and it was unforgettable.
Of course, there’s also a big market for hotels: and they run the gamut from cheap and basic to luxe resorts. Hostels and homestays can also be found here.
Hiking and running
I have hiked and run all over Gyeongju National Park. It’s one of my favorite destinations in Korea and part of its appeal is its variety! Despite having been to Gyeongju maybe a dozen times, it never gets old. Each time we go, we see new sights or experience familiar ones in new ways.
The city center of Gyeongju is a walking history tour. There are tombs and temples set among tall pines and flowering deciduous trees. You can visit the scenic Anapji Pond or the ancient astrological observatory Cheomseongdae. Depending on the time of year, you can see snow dusting the sloping rooftops of traditional Hanok homes, cherry blossom trees in full bloom, lotus flowers dotting still ponds, or colorful leaves in the plentiful urban parks. In short, Gyeongju is great for city strolling. Connect the dots on foot, and you’ve got yourself an urban hike!
And, because this is Korea, there’s mountain hiking to be had in every direction. Head southwest for the aptly named Namsan. A bewildering number of trails cut the slopes of this mountain. With so many route options, this is a fantastic place for hikers/runners of all ages and abilities. The best part is that you’ll climb up past ancient rock carvings, remote hermitages, tombs and sculptures – continuing your exploration of Gyeongju’s past!
In the southeast, the Tohamsan area also combines a wealth of history alongside lovely hiking in the forest. On your way up to the highest peak in Gyeongju National Park, you can visit two aforementioned UNESCO treasures: Bulguksa temple and Seokguram grotto.
The combination of convenience and adventure, and of history and nature makes Gyeongju National Park a hiking haven. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.