Gyeongju | Hanok Village – A Laid-Back, Budget-Friendly Alternative

Gyeongju is a delightfully relaxed small city with expansive residential areas dominated by hanoks (traditional Korean houses). For me, the greatest charm of Gyeongju lies in wandering aimlessly through these residential neighborhoods 🚶♀️. If you have extra time in South Korea, I highly recommend adding a side trip to Gyeongju from Busan: Take a direct bus from Busan’s Haeundae to Gyeongju Station (close to the city center). From other cities, you’ll need to take the KTX to Sin-Gyeongju Station. Gyeongju is to South Korea what Kyoto is to Japan. It’s home to Silla Dynasty relics and replica ancient buildings—while its overall historical depth feels a bit thin, the city blends traditional architecture with modern commerce beautifully. No wonder it’s a top wellness and vacation spot for South Korea’s conglomerate families 🏡! 1. Hanok Airbnb & Wandering Nearby Neighborhoods Gyeongju has an abundance of hanoks, and staying in one is a must-try experience! Most local residents’ homes and restaurants in the area are also hanoks—their cohesive, elegant aesthetic makes strolling here incredibly pleasant, and the streets are usually quiet (hardly any crowds) 🤫. We booked a hanok Airbnb with a small courtyard (complete with kimchi jars! 🥬) that was within walking distance of Cheomseongdae (Astronomical Observatory) and Woljeong Bridge. 10/10 recommend! 2. Cheomseongdae & Village (Gyerim) Cheomseongdae: travelers, it’s mostly a quick photo stop (check-in done! ✅). Gyerim Village: This green space is perfect for photos—lush and scenic 🌳. The surrounding commercial street has great amenities: Try Gyeongju-themed “life four-cut photos” – super popular! Visit Acorn Comics r grab a meal at one of the many Korean restaurants. 3. Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex Treat it like a casual park visit 😌! The Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb) inside charges an entrance fee and usually has long lines—we skipped it without hesitation. 4. Gyeongju Hahoe Village A cute hanok village that combines folk exhibits and dining. Book a formal Korean meal here for an authentic experience 🍽️. Woljeong Bridge is nearby, but I don’t have strong feelings about it (neither good nor bad!). Final Thoughts Gyeongju is perfect for a low-key, wellness-focused trip—the hanok villages are so relaxing. If you want to unwind without a rushed itinerary in South Korea, spend a few days here! One downside: Lines at scenic spots and nearby restaurants are insanely long. Maybe it’s because South Korea doesn’t have that many iconic attractions to choose from… 🤷♀️ We didn’t visit Bulguksa Temple (it’s far from the city center) – it feels similar to Seoul’s Bongwonsa Temple. When it comes to Korean traditional architecture, don’t get hung up on historical depth. Korean temples often use green as a main color, giving them a fresh, unique vibe 🌿. #Gyeongju #SouthKorea