Gyeongju Wolseong Palace Site (Banwolseong Fortress) (경주 월성(반월성))

921.6M 2023-01-03

Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-3226-6390

This was the location of the palace-fortress during the Silla dynasty (57 BC ~ AD 935). The fortress takes after its name, which, literally translates to mean a crescent moon shape on top of a hill. The famous history books of Samgukyusa mention that Silla’s 4th King Seoktalhae (AD 57~80) thought this area was an ideal spot for the fortress and bought the land from a nobleman. The 2nd King Namhae (AD 4~24) impressed by Seoktalhae’s actions, took him in as his son-in-law, later, becoming the 4th king. The area was then under Silla’s rule for 900 years, the last king being the 56th, Gyeongsoon (AD 927~935).

Although the magnificent grandeur of the palace is now just an empty lot, it has been told that this area was filled with imperial buildings during the Silla dynasty. Currently, the region of Wolseong has a freezer made out of rocks called Seokbinggo, an archery range, a horse-riding field, and a traditional playground, which resembles the grounds of the Joseon Period (the dynasty that ruled the Korean peninsula from 1392-1910).

Gyeongju Seongdong Market (경주 성동시장)

1.1Km 2025-03-25

11 Wonhwa-ro 281beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-772-4226

Gyeongju Seongdong Market has approximately 300 stores and 30 vendors. The market as found its place as the city’s representative local marketplace since its opening in 1971. Following a decline of customers due to the public's steadily increasing preference of supermarkets, Gyeongju Seongdong Market underwent a huge renovation in the recent past. From floorings to ceilings, and alleyways and walls, the market received a new look that emphasizes Gyeongju's historical significance to attract travelers and the local community alike.

Hanok Stay Joadang [Korea Quality] 한옥스테이 조아당[한국관광 품질인증]

1.1Km 2025-03-24

11 Wonhyo-ro 213beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-6520-5074

Joadang is a private hanok stay on Wonhyoro-gil, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The inside of this traditional hanok is finished with cypresswood, and guests can catch the scent of cypress and feel refreshed. There are two guestrooms, both with a queen-size bed, and one with its own bathroom. The location is great for walking and for seeing the sights of Gyeongju.

Maison Mini Hotel [Korea Quality]메종미니호텔[한국관광 품질인증]

1.1Km 2023-05-23

24 , Taejong-ro 699beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-3232, +82-10-3517-6319

The Maison Mini Hotel in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is 10 minutes’ walk from both Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal and the famous Hwangnidan Street. Rooms are comfortable and clean - they’re inspected by a room manager before each booking - and bedding is changed every day. There is a luggage storage room and a shared kitchen on the first floor.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (경주 동궁과 월지)

1.1Km 2025-05-21

102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-750-8655

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju are secondary palace sites of Silla. The palace, along with other secondary palaces, was used as the eastern palace where the prince lived, and banquets were held during auspicious events or to welcome important guests. It is also where King Gyeongsun of Silla invited King Wang Geon of Goryeo and had a feast to complain about the critical situation in 931 after being invaded by Gyeon Hwon. After unifying the three kingdoms, Silla's King Munmu dug a large pond in the 14th year of his reign (674), creating three islands in the center of the pond along with a 12-peaked mountain to the northeast. Beautiful flowers and trees were planted here, and rare birds and animals were raised. In the Samguksagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) from the Goryeo dynasty, there is only a record of Imhaejeon Hall and no mention of Anapji Pond. After Silla fell and the place fell into ruins during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, poets and calligraphers looked at the pond and recited a line of poetry that says, “The once splendid palace is gone, and only geese and ducks fly in.” That's why the place is called Anapji, using the letters 'an' for wild geese and 'ab' for ducks. In the 1980s, pottery fragments with the inscription "Wolji" were excavated, and it was confirmed that this area was originally called "Wolji," which means "a pond that reflects the moon." And the name Anapji was changed to Wolji Pond afterwards.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - "The Beauty Inside"
Se-gye visits this place to refresh her mind after she argues with Do-jae over the contract. Being one of the most famous tourist sites in Gyeongju, the scenery here is enough to help you forget the argument that you’ve just had, especially at night.

Wadamjung (와담정)

1.1Km 2024-08-01

18 , Cheonwon 1-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-772-5400, +82-10-6571-3412

Wadamjeong in Cheonwon Village, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a hanok pension combining traditional style and atmosphere with modern convenience. All rooms have air-conditioning/heating and a bathroom with toilet. The stand-alone guestroom has its own kitchen, while other rooms have basic cooking facilities in a shared kitchen. In the spacious yard - decorated with traditional landscape scenes - visitors can try out traditional games such as Jegi (shuttlecoks) and Tuho (arrow-throwing). Historic sites such as Cheomseongdae and the Gyeongju Museum are all nearby.

Gyeongjuhanok 1st (경주한옥1번가)

1.2Km 2024-12-19

20 , Cheonwon 1-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-9505-5367

Standing at the entrance of Cheonwon Village in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju Hanok First is a hanok stay combining the beauty of tradition with modern convenience. All rooms are Korean-style with comfortable bedding on the floor, and all have a toilet and bathroom. One guestroom has its own kitchen, while the others have basic cooking facilities in a shared kitchen. The spacious yard is decorated with figurines in traditional clothes. Nearby tourist attractions include Anapji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Gyeongju Museum.

Blau [Korea Quality]블라우[한국관광 품질인증]

1.2Km 2023-05-23

31 , Taejong-ro 699beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-8590-5808

Blau is a stylish guest house on Hwangnidan-gil, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, whose wooden furniture and signature blue coloring inside and out (‘blau’ is German for ‘blue’) give it a strong European vibe. The first floor lounge has the feel of a spacious cafe. Blau is 5 minutes’ walk from Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. Luggage storage and a free breakfast can be provided, but guests should ask in advance.

Casa Mini Hotel [Korea Quality]까사미니호텔[한국관광 품질인증]

1.2Km 2023-05-23

28, Geumseong-ro 259beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-777-3355

Casa Mini Hotel in downtown Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a recently-renovated, clean and tidy hotel that’s well positioned for visits to Gyeongju’s historic sites and tourist attractions. Cheomseongdae Observatory, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Woljeonggyo Bridge and Gyeongju National Museum are all within walking distance. Transport links are good too: Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal is a 3-minute walk away.

Yongganggukbap (용강국밥)

1.2Km 2021-03-20

70, Bonghwang-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-6446

The locals’ favorite restaurant that sells Korean-style soups. The best menu at this restaurant is rice soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Gyeongju Wolseong Palace Site (Banwolseong Fortress) (경주 월성(반월성)) - Area information - Korea travel information