Hidden Gems: Gyeongju 

Hidden Gems: Gyeongju – With its rich ancient history, spectacular artifacts, and fascinating architecture, Gyeongju is a welcome addition our Hidden Gems destination list  

South Korea’s ancient capital Gyeongju is situated in the North Gyeongsang Province on the southeast corner of the Korean Peninsula. Here, visitors can catch a glimpse of Korea’s splendid past as it was the residence of the Silla rulers for more than 1000 years. A vast number of archaeological sites and cultural treasures from this period remain in the city along with remarkable concentrations of outstanding examples of Korean Buddhist art such as sculptures, reliefs, pagodas, and the remains of temples and palaces from the flowering culture of extraordinary Silla dynasty. The city itself is very laid back and chilled and visitors can enjoy lots of parks, villages and cafes to ramble around and relax in.  

Known as “The Golden City” and “the museum without walls”, Gyeongju is loaded with 1000-year-old historical treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  

The location  

Gyeongju is located in the southeastern corner of South Korea about 70km from the coastal city of Busan and 370 km southeast of the capital, Seoul. 

The people 

Gyeongju has a population of a quarter of a million people. South Koreans are respectful and friendly. They value humbleness, filial piety and hard work.  

The climate  

The climate is temperature with four distinct seasons. Winters are long, cold and dry followed by short, hot, and humid summers. January is the coldest month with average temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius (35° F), July is the hottest month with daytime temperatures of about 29° C (83° F).

Tourism   

As an important center of history and culture, Gyeongju is a popular tourist destination for both South Korean and international visitors. It routinely attracts more than 5 million South Koreans and 750,000 foreign visitors each year. 

Best time to visit Gyeongju 

The best time to visit Gyeongju are the months of May, June, July, August, September and October, but be prepared for rain in July and August.  

What makes Gyeongju unique 

The sheer concentration of historical and religious sites in this ancient city distinguishes it from all other cities in South Korea. In Gyeongju, visitors can appreciate the modernity the country is famous for but immerse themselves in its cultural heritage.   

What to do in Gyeongju 

• Woljeonggyo Bridge 
• Gyeongju National Museum 
• Daereungwon Tomb Complex 
• Golgulsa Temple 
• Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park 
• Donggung Palace 
• Cheomseongdae 
• Hwangnidan-Gil 
• Bulguksa Temple 
• Gyochon Traditional Village 

Flying private to Gyeongju  

Chartering a jet to visit Gyeongju will ensure you enjoy premium safety, privacy, and luxury. It will also allow you the flexibility to curate your trip to your own specifications.   

Entry airports 

The two closest airports to Gyeongju are Pohang Airport (RKTH) and Gimhae Airport (RKPK), however the best stations for private flight entry and services are RKSI and RKSS.  

Seoul Incheon International Airport 

• IATA: ICN 
• ICAO: RKSI 
• Coordinates: N37°27.75′ / E126°26.35′ 
• Elevation: 23.0 feet  

The largest airport in South Korea and the primary airport serving Seoul and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. 

Gimpo International Airport 

• IATA: GMP    
• ICAO: RKSS   
• Coordinates: N37° 33′ 29.88″ / E 126° 47′ 27.60″ 
• Elevation: 58 feet  

Located in the far western end of Seoul, some 15 km west of the Central District. 

Operational information for Gimhae Airport (RKPK)  

• Landing permits are required 
• Lead time for permit approval is two weeks 
• Jet A1 fuel is available 
• Full ground handling equipment is available  
• This is a military airport  
• Parking is not guaranteed  

Commercial flights 

Both Seoul and Busan are well connected with international flights from all over the globe. 

South Korea’s excellent rail system makes traveling to Gyeongju from either of these airports effortless.  

Immigration 

• Foreign citizens from around 110 countries can visit South Korea for tourism without having to obtain a visa in advance 
• Most visa-exempt visitors must have an approved South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization to enter for tourism, no matter how long they stay 
• The ETA is a multiple-entry visa waiver valid for 2 years and easily obtained through a quick and simple online application  
• The length of visa-free stay for tourism permitted depends on the traveler’s nationality and ranges from 30 days to 3 months. 
• Visit the official immigration portal of the Republic of Korea here   

Health screening   

There are no PCR results or vaccination documents required to enter South Korea.  

Visitor tips  

• Although Korean public transport is efficient and inexpensive, walking is the best way of appreciating Gyeongju 
• It’s best to maintain a high degree of formality in your interactions with locals so you don’t run the risk of causing offence  
• Tipping is not the custom in South Korea and leaving a tip may cause offensive   

To create your ultimate Gyeongju travel experience, contact UAS Charter or UAS Executive Travel. 

For more Hidden Gems, visit the UAS Blog