Gyeongju City Guide

Local food is excellent with specialties like Hwangnam-ppang and Ssambap. International food options are limited. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing but still scarce. Late-night food is limited.

Nightlife is quiet with casual dining, cafes, and a few bars. No clubs or extensive entertainment venues.

Strong coffee culture with many specialty cafes, especially near Hwanglidan-gil and Bomun Lake. Some cafes in traditional hanok style.

Tipping is not customary or expected in Gyeongju or South Korea in general.

SIM cards are sold at airports and telecom stores (SK Telecom, KT, LG U+). Passport required for registration. eSIMs increasingly available online.

The city is very clean, with good waste management and recycling.

Convenience stores are mostly open 24/7. Some pharmacies have extended hours, but late-night options are limited.

Supermarkets like Homeplus, Lotte Mart, and traditional markets such as Jungang Market and Seongdong Market offer groceries. Large stores open 10 AM to 10 PM. Traditional markets vary. Some supermarkets close two Sundays a month.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are common at banks and convenience stores. Most accept international cards but check for global ATM signs. Fees may apply.

Schools are mostly local Korean institutions. Few or no international schools in Gyeongju. Nearby cities like Daegu or Busan offer international schools.

Very limited digital nomad presence. Most nomads choose bigger cities like Seoul or Busan. Some cafes offer reliable Wi-Fi.

Access to large parks like Gyeongju National Park, Bomun Lake Park, and cultural parks offering shaded walking and running areas.

Good running routes around Bomun Lake and historical parks. Safe even at night. Annual international marathon event.

Several gyms and sports centers are available for training and fitness.

Tennis courts at public sports facilities and some private clubs. Booking usually required.

Padel courts are rare in Gyeongju and South Korea generally.

Several yoga studios offer common styles. Drop-in classes may be available. English instructors are rare but possible.

Dojo options include Taekwondo, Hapkido, Judo, and some boxing/kickboxing. Golgulsa Temple offers Sunmudo. English instruction is rare.

No ski resorts nearby. Closest resorts are several hours away in Gangwon Province and Eden Valley Resort near Busan.

Limited water sports locally. Bomun Lake offers paddle boat rentals and some recreational boating in summer.

No surfing spots directly in Gyeongju. Wolpo Beach in Pohang, 40-50 minutes away, offers beginner-friendly surfing and rentals.

Limited diving near Gyeongju. Better sites are farther south or at Jeju Island.

Gyeongju Dongguk University Hospital provides major services, but English-speaking staff are limited. Larger hospitals in Daegu or Busan offer better English support. Pharmacies are common and open during business hours.

Tap water is generally safe to drink, though many locals prefer filtered or bottled water.

Good for cultural sites and some kid-focused attractions like Gyeongju World Amusement Park and Gyeongju Bird Park. Playgrounds and baby supplies are available.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is low and conservative outside major cities. Few safe spaces or events. Discrimination risks exist.

Pet facilities are limited. Some pet-friendly cafes exist. Veterinary services and pet supplies are available. Leash laws are strict.