In Part 1, we explored Bulguksa Temple on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan. In Part 2, we head into downtown Gyeongju, where the Shilla kingdom's royal tombs, the oldest surviving observatory in East Asia, and a lively hanok café street sit within easy walking distance of each other. This is the perfect half-day walking route for first-time visitors.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
📚 Gyeongju Series
Part 1: Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto
Part 2: Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae & Hwangnidan-gil (You are here)
The Route at a Glance
| Stop | Highlight | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Daereungwon | Grassy royal tombs and the inside of Cheonmachong | Starting point |
| 2. Cheomseongdae | Ancient stone observatory and seasonal flower fields | About 5–10 minutes |
| 3. Hwangnidan-gil | Hanok cafés, restaurants, and small shops | About 10–15 minutes |
1. Daereungwon: The Royal Tombs of Shilla
Daereungwon is a park filled with giant grass-covered burial mounds where Shilla kings, queens, and nobles were laid to rest. Walking between these soft green hills feels almost unreal, and the curved lines of the tombs make them one of Gyeongju's most photographed scenes.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Step Inside Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb)
Most tombs are closed, but Cheonmachong lets you walk inside to see how a Shilla royal tomb was built. It is named after the painting of a flying white horse found on a saddle flap during excavation. Inside, you can see replicas of the gold crown and other treasures discovered in the tomb.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
2. Cheomseongdae: East Asia's Oldest Observatory
A short walk from Daereungwon stands Cheomseongdae, a bottle-shaped stone tower about 9 meters tall. Built during the reign of Queen Seondeok in the 7th century, it is considered the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia and is designated as a National Treasure of Korea.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
The open fields around Cheomseongdae change with the seasons. Flower gardens bloom from spring to autumn, and fluffy pink muhly grass usually colors the fields from late September through October, making it one of Gyeongju's most popular autumn photo spots.
Cheomseongdae at Night
After sunset, Cheomseongdae is softly lit, and the glowing stone tower against the night sky is a completely different experience. If you stay in Gyeongju overnight, an evening walk here is highly recommended.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
3. Hwangnidan-gil: Gyeongju's Hanok Café Street
Right next to Daereungwon, Hwangnidan-gil is Gyeongju's trendiest street. Traditional hanok houses have been turned into cafés, bakeries, restaurants, photo studios, and small gift shops. The low tiled roofs and narrow alleys make it a relaxing place to take a break after sightseeing.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
As evening falls, warm lights glow from the hanok windows, and the street takes on a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. It is a great place for dinner before heading back to your hotel.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Explore Gyeongju with a Guided Bus Tour
Gyeongju's top sights are spread between downtown and Mount Tohamsan, and local buses can be confusing for first-time visitors. A guided day tour lets you cover the highlights comfortably while a guide explains the stories behind each Shilla site.
Book a Guided Gyeongju Bus Day Tour →Staying in Daegu? You can also join a Daegu to Gyeongju day tour that covers the city's best attractions in one day.
How to Get There
| From | Route |
|---|---|
| Seoul | Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Singyeongju Station (about 2 hours), then take a local bus or taxi to downtown Gyeongju. |
| Gyeongju Bus Terminal | Daereungwon and Hwangnidan-gil are within walking distance of the Gyeongju Intercity and Express Bus Terminals. |
| Map | Open Daereungwon in Google Maps |
Tips for Your Walk
- Wear comfortable shoes: The whole route is on foot, with gravel and dirt paths around the tombs.
- Go in the late afternoon: Visit the tombs and Cheomseongdae in daylight, then enjoy Hwangnidan-gil and the night lights after sunset.
- Avoid weekend crowds: Hwangnidan-gil gets very busy on weekends. Weekdays are much calmer.
- Stay connected: Use a Dosirak eSIM for maps, and pay for buses and cafés with a PAYCO Lite Card.
Plan for 3 to 4 hours to see Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae, and Hwangnidan-gil at a relaxed pace, including a café break.
Only Cheonmachong is open for visitors to walk inside. The other tombs can be viewed from the walking paths.
It usually blooms from late September through October, but timing changes slightly every year depending on the weather.
Opening hours, seasonal flower timing, and tour itineraries can change. Please check official sources before your visit. Coming next in our Gyeongju series: the night views of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.