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

Hidden Gems: Gyeongju

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).

Hidden Gems: Gyeongju

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.

Hidden Gems: Gyeongju

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

Hidden Gems: Gyeongju

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

Hidden Gems: Gyeongju

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.

Hidden Gems: Gyeongju

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.

Hidden Gems: Gyeongju

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.

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