Gyeongju travel tips

1330 · Travel Helpline · 1330

Run by the Korea Tourism Organization, 24 hours a day, all year. Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese. They will also interpret for you on the phone with a shop or a driver.

Bulguksa information desk · 054-746-4747

In the Bulguksa car park. Open every day, with English, Japanese and Chinese. Pick up a paper map — it works where the signal does not.

Bus terminal information desk · 054-772-9289

Beside the intercity and express bus terminals — the nearest desk when you first arrive downtown.

Gyeongju Station information desk · 054-771-1336

Inside the KTX station in Geoncheon-eup. The bus and taxis into town leave from here.

112 · Police · 112

Theft, accidents, anything urgent. If language is a problem, 1330 can interpret.

119 · Fire and ambulance · 119

Fire, injury, ambulance. They will take you to a hospital.

Walk the centre; plan the outer sights

Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae, Gyochon, Woljeonggyo and Donggung and Wolji join into one walk. Bulguksa, Seokguram and Yangdong Village are well outside the centre, so allow separate bus or taxi time.

Keep part of the evening

Woljeonggyo and Donggung and Wolji are lit after dark and feel different from the daytime. On a day trip, check your return transport first and keep some time for the evening.

Store large bags before sightseeing

Gyeongju city buses have steps and a large suitcase is awkward when they are busy. Take a taxi into town or use the map to find the nearest luggage storage before sightseeing.

Book weekend KTX trains early

Popular Seoul and Busan trains can sell out at useful times on weekends and public holidays. Once your dates are fixed, check seats through the official Korail booking service.

Transit card

Buy and top one up at any convenience store. Tap both when you board and when you get off — miss the second tap and the transfer does not count.

Transfers · one free within 30 minutes

Board a different route within 30 minutes of getting off and the second ride is free, once. Card only — cash fares do not transfer, and the same route does not count.

City bus fare

Card 1,450 won · Cash 1,500 won

Adult fare under the April 2026 city tariff. Ages 6–18 ride free with a child or youth transit card; cash fares still apply.

Taxis

Wave one down in the street. The driver needs the address in Korean — the Gyeongju Guide app shows it on a taxi card.

No tipping

Not in restaurants, taxis or hotels. The price on the bill is the whole price.

Cards and cash

Cards work almost everywhere. Traditional markets, small shops and buses may want cash.

ATMs that take foreign cards

Only machines marked "Global" or carrying your card network's logo. Look inside convenience stores or outside banks.

Press the bell for service

Look for a button on the table or wall. Press it and a server will come; the bell may be louder than expected.

No cutlery? Check under the table

Many restaurants keep spoons, chopsticks and napkins in a drawer under the tabletop.

Side dishes you did not order

Korean meals often arrive with kimchi and small side dishes. Water and refills are often free, and some restaurants have a self-service refill bar.

Convenience stores

Many stay open around the clock. You can top up a transit card, find an ATM and buy hot food in one place.

Taking your shoes off

At hanok guesthouses, inside temple halls and at floor-seating restaurants. Walking in with shoes on is noticed at once.