Gyeongju
City in South Korea
Gyeongju is located in South Korea and has a population of approximately 245,000 people. The city draws visitors to its historic sites, such as the Bulguksa temple, the Seokguram grotto, and the Cheomseongdae observatory.
What to see
The city features several significant historic structures. Visitors can explore the Bulguksa temple and the Seokguram grotto. Another landmark is the Cheomseongdae observatory. Beyond these, the area includes the Gyeongju National Museum and Gyeongju National Park. Other locations of interest are the historic remains of Hwangnyongsa and Wolseong, as well as the Bunhwangsa temple and the grounds of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
When to go
Gyeongju experiences distinct seasons. Spring, from March to May, offers mild temperatures ranging from 12 °C to 23 °C. Autumn, between September and November, is similarly mild with temperatures between 13 °C and 24 °C. Summers are hot, with daily highs reaching 29 °C in August, and they are the wettest months, with up to 229 mm of rain. Winters are cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -4 °C in January.
Getting there
Gyeongju is situated 275 km from Seoul. Travelers can reach the city via Pohang Airport, which is located 24 km away. Alternatively, Daegu International Airport serves as a regional hub and is 51 km from the city.
Top sights in Gyeongju
Weather by month
The warmest month is August, with an average high of 29 °C. The wettest is August, with about 229 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 4 | 7 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 25 | 20 | 13 | 7 |
| Average low, °C | -4 | -2 | 2 | 7 | 13 | 17 | 22 | 23 | 18 | 11 | 4 | -1 |
| Rainfall, mm | 27 | 34 | 52 | 67 | 83 | 142 | 206 | 229 | 159 | 40 | 35 | 18 |
| Rainy days | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Gyeongju (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Bunhwangsa
- Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Gyeongju National Park
- Hwangnyongsa
- Wolseong