Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도

A breathtaking blend of Korea (ROK)’s Culture Warehouse and its visionary Golden Future

Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도

Gyeongsangbuk-do (Gyeongbuk) is the spiritual heart of Korea (ROK). As the birthplace of the Silla Kingdom, this province serves as a vast Culture Warehouse, safeguarding the nation's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites and a thousand years of royal tradition. Beyond its storied past, Gyeongbuk is a gateway to a Golden Future. It offers a seamless journey where the deep historical roots in Gyeongju meet the futuristic coastal innovation of Pohang. Experience the perfect harmony of Korea (ROK)’s profound legacy and its visionary tomorrow.

Gyeongju 경주

The museum without walls, a city without skyscrapers

As a UNESCO-designated city,  Gyeongju is a rare place where the old and new come alive together. Once the capital of the Silla Dynasty for nearly a thousand years, the city is like a living library of Korea’s cultural heritage. Step into Gyeongju to experience its blend of past and present for yourself.​

History You Walk Through

To truly understand Gyeongju’s “Newtro” spirit, look at how the city brings its long history into everyday life. Old neighbourhoods have transformed into lively cultural areas, where traditional hanok buildings meet modern cafés and shops. In Gyeongju, you don’t just see history, but you experience it while having coffee, shopping, and exploring. Here are some places where the past and present come together beautifully

Hwangridan-gil Street

Hwangridan-gil is the heart of Gyeongju’s Newtro revolution. It’s a place where old buildings from the 1960s and 70s effortlessly harmonise with the new, creating a street that feels both nostalgic and totally “now.” Walking through the modern stores housed under traditional hanok roofs, you can truly feel the city’s trendiest hotspot. Don’t forget to try the famous 10 Won Bread (for that perfect cheese pull) and the addictive, spicy-sweet Hwangnam Jjondeugi!

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

Donggung Palace once served as a secondary palace during the Silla Kingdom, where the crown prince lived. Today, the beautifully restored structures shine even more at night, thanks to soft LED lighting that creates a golden, cinematic atmosphere. The reflection of the palace on Wolji Pond is especially stunning, making this spot one of the most photogenic places in Gyeongju. Check out the mirror effect that reflects the palace perfectly!

Daereungwon Tomb Complex

Daereungwon provides a unique way to experience Gyeongju’s royal past. Instead of museum walls and glass cases, history appears as gentle green hills spread across an open park. These grassy mounds are actually royal tombs, yet today they have become a popular place for walks, photos, and quiet breaks. At Cheonmachong, the only tomb open to the public, visitors can step inside and see its hidden treasures from the past.

Complete your visit to Hwangridan-gil Street and Daereungwon Tomb Complex with:

Silla Hanbok Experience

Trying on hanbok is a popular activity in Korea, but in Gyeongju, you can enjoy a slightly different style. Here, many rental shops offer Silla-inspired hanbok, known for their simpler and more elegant designs compared to the familiar Joseon style. Of course, Joseon hanbok is also available if that’s what you prefer. With rental stores around Hwangridan-gil and Daereungwon, it’s easy to dress up, take photos, and wander through the city at your own pace.

📍Popular Shops to Look For

  • Gyeongju Hanbokpan: Centrally located on Hwangridan-gil; known for a huge variety of modern and Silla styles.

  • Hanboknam: A nationally famous brand on Hwangnidan-gil Street, offering a vast selection of over 500 outfits and high-efficiency service.

  • Doldam-gil Hanbok: Very close to the stone wall paths of Daereungwon, making it convenient for immediate photos.

  • Ipgonnolja: A newer shop (opened in 2024) that focuses specifically on high-quality Silla-era costumes and fusion designs.

  • Kkot-gil Hanbok: Stand out for its specialized "Fusion" designs and its reputation for a more personalized, less rushed atmosphere.

There are several nearby places to walk through history in the Gyeongju Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex:

Bulguksa Temple

As one of Gyeongju’s most iconic landmarks, Bulguksa Temple offers a peaceful escape into Korea’s spiritual heritage. Stone stairways, wooden halls, and quiet courtyards guide visitors through the heart of the Silla Kingdom, creating a calm space where the past and present quietly meet. Home to seven national treasures, including the famous Dabotap Pagoda on the 10-won coin, Bulguksa invites visitors to slow down and appreciate history with every step.

Near Bulguksa Temple, Golgulsa Temple offers one of Gyeongju’s most unique experiences:

Kayaking at Kokmin Healing Park

Kayaking at Kookmin Healing Park offers a peaceful way to experience Gyeongju from a different angle. The quiet lake is surrounded by trees and open green spaces, and in winter, the scenery can feel straight out of “Frozen”. Visitors can feed ducks by the water, enjoy gentle paddling, and even try snow sledding when the season allows. It’s a place where simple activities turn into memorable moments.

Just a 45-minute drive from Bulguksa Temple to experience: 

Golgulsa Temple stay

Golgulsa Temple Stay offers one of the most unique experiences in Gyeongju. As the world’s only temple dedicated to Seonmudo, a form of moving meditation and martial art, it gives visitors a chance to step away from daily routines and slow down. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and quiet forests, days here begin with temple bells, followed by meditation, gentle training, and simple meals shared with monks. Many visitors leave with a clearer mind and a quiet sense of balance, so don’t miss out on this rare experience you won’t easily find elsewhere.

More Explore Through History

Donghae Region

Gyeongju Namsan Region

Other Places You Can Visit

Food to Taste

Ssambap

Served with grilled meat, rice, and dozens of side dishes, allowing diners to wrap each bite themselves in fresh leafy greens. Known for its generous portions and interactive style, making every meal both fun and filling.

The most popular place to experience authentic ssambap is Gyeongju Ssambap Street, a cluster of specialized restaurants where you can enjoy a wide variety of ssambap dishes.

📍Highly Recommended restaurants:

  • Gyodong Sssambap: A well-known local restaurant featured on several Korean TV programs, famous for its clean atmosphere and generous servings of about 25 side dishes.

  • Eepungnyeoguro Ssambap: Located near Cheomseongdae Observatory, this restaurant is known for using minimal chemical seasonings to preserve natural flavors.

  • Sigol Ssambap: Well known for its authentic, country-style ssambap, featuring a wide variety of side dishes and traditional Korean home cooking.

Hanjeongsik

A traditional Korean set meal featuring rice, soup, main dishes, and a wide variety of side dishes. Often served in calm, traditional settings, offering both a satisfying meal and a cultural experience.

📍Recommended Hanjeongsik Restaurants:

  • Hongsi Hanjeongsik: Renowned for its extensive spread of up to 7 appetizers, 17 main dishes, and 2 desserts, it is also praised for its flavorful dishes and unique 10-herb medicinal tea.

  • Dosol Maeul: A popular spot in the Hwangridan-gil area, known for its authentic flavors and reasonably priced set meals.

  • Sanjuk Hanok Village Han Jeongsik: Offers a refined royal cuisine experience within a hanok village, perfect for dining amid traditional architecture.

Gyori Gimbap

Made with thin egg sheets and finely chopped fillings, giving it a softer and lighter taste than regular gimbap. A well-known local classic that has been loved for generations since 1960.

📍Gyori Gimbap Locations in Gyeongju

Gyeongju Milmyeon

A cold noodle dish made with chewy wheat noodles, chilled broth, and spicy-sweet sauce, topped with sliced meat and vegetables. Its refreshing temperature and bouncy texture make it especially popular during hot summer days.

Snackies

Hwangnam Bread

A small pastry filled with smooth red bean paste and wrapped in a soft, lightly baked crust. Freshly made and neatly packaged, it’s one of Gyeongju’s most famous snacks and souvenirs.

Hwangnam Jjondeugi

A grilled rice snack with a chewy texture and sweet-spicy glaze. Often enjoyed warm on the street, it’s a nostalgic treat that many visitors try while exploring.

10 Won Bread

A coin-shaped waffle filled with melted cheese and lightly sweet batter. Popular around Hwangridan-gil, it’s loved for its fun design and satisfying cheese pull.

Pohang 포항

A Symphony of Steel and Nature

As the first city in Korea (ROK) to welcome the rising sun, Pohang offers a balance of coastal nature and industry heritage in perfect harmony. Ascend the iconic Space Walk to take in a panoramic view spanning the city’s landscape. Discover the hidden charm of Pohang, where sea, steel, and sunrise come together.

A Steel Meets Nature

Step into a city of unexpected harmony, where industrial heritage meets natural splendour. It is a landscape where the rugged coastline frames the city’s metallic heart. From the lively rhythms of local markets to the serenity of the beach, Pohang rewards the curious travellers with a journey full of surprises. Explore the places that make Pohang truly unforgettable.

Yeongildae Beach

Yeonggildae Beach is known for its soft white sand and the stunning scenic coastal walk. As day turns to night, the area comes alive with seafood restaurants, cafés, and shops set against stunning night views. Step onto the iconic Yeongildae Pavilion, an oceanfront observation deck offering sweeping views of Pohang’s coastline, where the gentle rhythm of rolling waves completes your experience.

POSCO Night View

POSCO Night View is a fusion of industry, light, and nature. As night falls, the POSCO plants bring the night to life with brilliant LED displays, transforming the steelworks into a dynamic symbol of energy and light. You can experience this unique nightscape from Songdo Beach, Yeongildae Beach, or Haedo Park, each offering a different perspective and charm after dark. 

Space Walk

Space Walk symbolises Pohang as a “city of steel and light”, defined by elegant steel curves and radiant night illumination. Stretching 333 metres in length and rising 25 metres above the ground, this walkable art installation offers a full 360-degree view spanning the city skyline, glowing steel mills, and the golden hues of sunrise and sunsets over Yeonggil Bay. Spend around 30 minutes taking in the scenery and capturing unforgettable moments from every angle.

There are downtown area neighborhoods to explore:

Homigot Tourism Complex


Situated at the 'tail' of the tiger-shaped Korean Peninsula, the Homigot Tourism Complex is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views. Rising from the sea, the iconic “Hand of Harmony” symbolises hope and unity, marking the dawn of the new millennium. The surrounding Sunrise Plaza, where the ocean hand faces its land-based counterpart, is the famous gathering place for the annual New Year’s Day Sunrise Festival. 

Beyond the iconic 'Hand of Harmony,' you can visit these nearby coastline spots, which offer a tranquil escape to take in the coastal beauty, explore local history, and the perfect atmosphere to rest your mind:

Let’s Go Hiking

This destination is defined by much more than just the sea and modern marvels; it also boasts some of the most stunning hiking paths in the country. Designed for casual explorers seeking scenic beauty and avid hikers seeking a rewarding challenge, these sites offer a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure featuring thousand-year-old temples and dramatic mountain panoramas.

Oeosa Temple

Located on the Unjesan Mountain and built during the reign of King Jinpyeong of the Silla Dynasty, Oeosa Temple offers a tranquil atmosphere where you can relax and explore at a leisurely pace. The temple is home to significant treasures, including a Silla-era Bronze Bell surrounded by coins for good fortune, and the iconic straw hat of the legendary Master Wonhyo in the museum. Don’t miss the suspension bridge, Oeoji Dulle-gil Trail next to the temple; it becomes a stunning spectacle when decorated with lotus lanterns for Buddha’s Birthday, offering a peaceful path to take in the calm of the mountainous temple.

Naeyeonsan Mountain 

Selected as one of the '100 Most Famous Mountains' by the Korea Forest Service, Naeyeonsan Mountain is a year-round destination favored by hikers and tourists. It is home to Bogyeongsa Temple, a thousand-year-old Buddhist sanctuary, and the stunning Sibipokpo Falls (12 Waterfalls), which offer beautiful, ever-changing scenery in every season. The mountain offers diverse hiking options, from a gentle trekking course along the Gapcheon Valley to a challenging trail leading to the mountaintop.

Juwangsan National Park

Designated as Korea (ROK)’s 12th national park and a UNESCO Global Geopark, Juwangsan is celebrated as one of the country’s three major rocky mountains alongside Seoraksan and Wolchulsan. Formed by volcanic activity 70 million years ago, the park features spectacular geological sites like Giam Cliff, Yongchu Gorge, and Jusanji Reservoir. The landscape comes alive with wild azaleas in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn. You can explore ancient history at Daejeonsa Temple, built during the Silla Dynasty, or take on the challenging hike to Gamebong Peak for breathtaking views of the Yeongdeok coast and the sea of clouds.

Other Places You Can Visit

K-Drama Stories Come to Life

#Love Scout

Drift into a memorable scene from Love Scout at Igari Anchor Observatory, where the gentle rhythm of the sea provides a serene escape from everyday life. Extending 102 metres over the water and rising 10 metres above the surface, this floating-style observatory reveals sweeping coastal panoramas and the heart of the East Sea’s natural beauty. Framed by windswept pine trees, it even offers a rare, distant view towards Dokdo, creating a naturally cinematic and deeply soothing atmosphere. Whether you arrive as a K-drama enthusiast or a lover of coastal scenery, this tranquil lookout invites you to slow down and embrace the sea.

Igari Anchor Observatory

Guryongpo Japanese House Street

#When the Camellia Blooms

Discover the nostalgic charm of Guryongpo Japanese House Street. This well-preserved district features traditional wooden houses from the colonial period, creating a unique fusion of Japanese architecture and Korean coastal scenery. Now famous as the setting for the drama ‘When the Camellia Blooms’, the beautifully renovated street now invites visitors to explore its stylish cafés, galleries, and historic atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to visit Munhwa Masil, Camellia (Dong-Baek’s shop), now turned into a charming drama-themed café and souvenir store. For the perfect keepsake photo, head to the stairs at Guryongpo Park Art Village Alley, the iconic backdrop for the drama’s main poster. Come step into the world of ‘Ongsan’ in real life!

Cheongha Gongjin Market

#Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

Immerse yourself in Cheongha Gongjin Market, where the everyday moments of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha come to life. A dream destination for K-drama fans, this real-life filming location is filled with warmth, character, and the authentic rhythm of local life. Begin nearby at the Wolpo Beach, the iconic setting where Hye-jin and Chief Hong first met. Then, visit Bora Supermarket, which invites you to step back in time, capturing the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional Korean grocery shop.  And don’t miss The Live Café & Pub, a famous photo spot and the perfect place to pause before leaving with lasting memories of the Gongjin trail.

Songdo Beach

#Spring Fever

Heal your heart in the real-life world of ‘Sinsu’ in Pohang, the setting for the drama ‘Spring Fever.’ Start with Songdo Beach, a hidden gem with clear waters and pristine coastline that offers a peaceful escape from the city. Don’t miss the romantic ‘golden sky’ at sunrise—the perfect moment to rest your mind. Visit Bogyeongsa Temple, a thousand-year-old Buddhist sanctuary built during the Silla period. Enveloped by the Naeyeonsan Mountains, it provides a unique tranquility. Then, explore and soak in the scent of nature around the stunning 12 Waterfalls. Recharge yourself and get ready to start a new chapter here! 

Taste of Pohang

Mulhoe 

A local dish of thinly sliced fresh fish served over crushed ice and topped with tangy-spicy broth. This is one of Pohang's signature summer specialties, designed to deliver a burst of flavor and the fresh aroma of the sea. For the ultimate experience, visit Seolmeori Mulhoe Street in lively Yeongildae, where specialized restaurants offer the freshness and the authentic taste of Mulhoe.

Guryongpo Snow Crab

Guryongpo Port is Korea (ROK)’s premier destination for fresh snow crab, offering the finest catch harvested from the pristine deep water surrounding Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Reaching their peak from winter to spring, these crabs are renowned for their succulent meat and delicate flavor. It is a seasonal delicacy that is truly worth the journey.

Gwamegi

Gwamegi is a signature local winter delicacy of Guryongpo, Pohang, traditionally made by repeatedly freezing and air-drying Pacific herring or saury in the coastal breeze.  Renowned for its chewy texture and deep, savory flavor, it is best experienced the local way, wrapped in seaweed with fresh vegetables and spicy sauce for a flavorful bite of the sea.

Snackies

Snow Crab Bread

Snow crab bread, also known as Dangeppang, is shaped like the region’s iconic snow crab. Made with a blend of rice powder and real snow crab meat, it features a sweet red bean filling. Every bite brings a sweet with light bread, gentle flavours,  and the fragrance of red snow crab meat.

Hotteok

Hotteok is a traditional Korean pancake, basically a pan-fried yeast pancake filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and peanuts. Each mouthful offers a perfect harmony of chewy dough, peanuts, sweetness, and the scent of cinnamon. For now, many modern street food vendors offer a variety of Hotteok filled with different flavours such as creamy green tea, bulgogi, and japchae. 

Travel Tips

Travelling in Korea is much easier when you know a few basic tips. From finding your way around to using public transportation and ordering food, small preparations can make a big difference. With a little planning, you can save time, avoid confusion, and enjoy your trip more comfortably.

One of the easiest ways to prepare is by having the right apps on your phone. Here are a few must-have ones for a smooth and stress-free trip.

Naver Map/ Kakao Map ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Google Maps is limited in Korea, so it’s better to use Naver Map or Kakao Map. These apps give accurate directions and show real-time bus and subway schedules, which makes traveling much easier.

Kakao T⭐️⭐️

You can easily call a taxi through this app. It’s much more convenient than trying to catch one on the street, especially in quiet areas or late at night.

Delivery apps⭐️⭐️

Korea is known for its fast and convenient food delivery. With apps like Baemin or Yogiyo, you can order almost anything to anywhere. It’s a great option if you want food delivered straight to your hotel.

Papago⭐️

Papago is a useful translation app that works especially well for Koreans. It often gives more natural results than other translators and is great for reading menus, signs, and having simple conversations with locals.

In addition to these apps, you will also need a convenient way to pay for public transportation.

T-money Card ⭐⭐⭐

T-money is a rechargeable transportation card that makes getting around Korea much easier. You can use it on buses, subways, and even taxis without needing cash or buying tickets each time. It also offers small fare discounts compared to single-ride tickets, which helps you save money over time. Please note that T-money is mainly for intercity transportation and cannot be used directly for long-distance buses or trains.

You can buy a T-money card at convenience stores like GS25 or CU, subway stations, and airport kiosks, and top it up easily at machines or stores. If you download the T-money app, checking your balance and recharging your card becomes even more convenient. Once you have one, travelling becomes faster, simpler, and much more convenient.