There’s nothing more breathing taking than autumn in Gyeongju Korea. Located in the Southeast corner of the peninsula, Gyeongju was once the hub of political and cultural life during the Silla Dynasty. In this Gyeongju itinerary, you’ll get a feel of what to see, eat, and do in Korea’s gorgeous cultural hub during autumn.

If you enjoy traditional Korean culture and history, then you can’t miss Gyeongju in Autumn. The old capitol was once the biggest city in South Korea. If you like to hit up all the traditional hubs like I do, this is how you can spend the perfect autumn day with this awesome Gyeongju Itinerary. The blog post is dedicated to bringing you the best things to do in Gyeongju, what to eat in Gyeongju, and where to stay in Gyeongju.

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Autumn in Seoul & Korea Ebook

Get Travel Insurance 

A common question I get is what do I need to travel to South Korea? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:

  1. Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
  2. Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
  3. Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
  4. Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
  5. Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.

If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different travel insurance plans World Nomads offers here.

How To Get Around Korea

The best way to get around Korea is by purchasing a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. You can also purchase the mobile version via Klook and get a 5,000 won top off coupon to use with your purchase.

I also recommend getting the Discover Seoul Pass so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72 hours. 

How To Stay Connected 

Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer wifi for free and you can connect to various free spots around the city. However, if you don’t want to be reliant on that, you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone. 

What To Pack For Autumn in Korea

I highly recommend packing as light as possible so when you inevitably buy all your favorite Korean products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis. I’m obsessed with their weekender bag, carryon, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.

Travel Essentials for what to pack to Korea in fall:

  • Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. You’re going to need a travel adapter to charge your electronics. If you forget, you can easily find some at Daiso for 5,000 won.
  • Unlocked phone – You can book a sim card here. Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can also use this portable wifi router.
  • Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
  • Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens. 
  • Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
  • Credit/Debit Cards – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.
  • Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.

How To Dress For Fall in Korea 

I hate I even have to give this warning, but I feel as your internet big sister, I do need to address some important facts based on my experience. In Korea, the sense of modesty is different. This means you can wear your shorts, skirts, and dresses as short as you want. I promise no one will bat an eye. You will be stared at if you dare to expose your chest or shoulders. 

Unfortunately, we still live in a world where many men are predators to women. I have been groped in public and grabbed by lecherous old men because I wore what made me feel confident and beautiful. As a foreigners we are considered “curvier” and our clothes make us appear “too sexy.” A general rule of thumb is if you do choose to wear anything with thin straps and cleavage, wear a t-shirt under.

Also, just because you come to Korea does not mean you have to give up dressing in what makes you feel comfortable. From what I’ve observed from the Korean autumn fashion trends consist of nude, black, or grey colors.

What To Wear In Fall In Korea

Below are some of my favorite staple pieces I wore during fall in South Korea. These are pieces that are versatile and will really bring that edge to your wardrobe. 

  • American Eagle Curvy Skinny Jeans – I basically live in high waisted skinny jeans all autumn. I especially love the Curvy Jeans from American Eagle. They stretch and fit in all the right places.
  • Biker Jacket – This is an effortless and staple piece that should be in any wardrobe. You can dress it up or down and goes with most things in your wardrobe.
  • Combat Boots – These are my all time favorite shoes during autumn. They can be layered with additional socks and look amazing with skinny jeans. 
  • Sweater Dress – If you plan on going out to dinner at night or you just like to be flirty or girly, then you should definitely have a few dresses like this in your wardrobe
  • Trenchcoat Light Jacket – These are always super popular in Korea and I see people rocking them year after year. They dress up any outfit and are perfect when the temperature starts to drop in the evening.
  • Sheertex Rip Resistant Tights – If you have a fur baby like I do, these are a godsend. Trust me, these are HARD to destroy and totally worth the investment.
  • Warm Scarf – The weather gets a bit chilly in Korea at night in Autumn. I always keep my long scarf in my bag for when that happens.
  • Fedora Hat – This hat automatically makes your outfit cuter and doubles in keeping you warm.

South Korea Fall Foliage Forecast 2023 

The official forecast has not been released yet. These are the dates for the Korea autumn foliage forecast 2022. Be sure to bookmark this page because as soon as I know, I’ll definitely be updating you! Autumn foliage in Korea starts around late-September in northern parts of Korea, peaks in mid to late-October. Fall foliage ends in southern Korea by mid-November with the arrival of colder winter weather.

  • Seoraksan – September 29 – October 21
  • Bukhansan – October 17 – October 30 
  • Seoul – October 18 – October 31
  • Naejangsan – October 30 – November 5
  • Busan – October 20 – October 30
  • Hallsan – October 20 – October 31

Public Holidays in Korea During Autumn 

There are lots of notable public holidays in Korea during fall. The most famous is Chuseok aka the Harvest Festival. These holidays do affect business hours. Since many people have off during all these public holidays you’ll see many people traveling during this time. It’s also a great opportunity to learn and experience Korean culture. In 2023, the Korea public holidays are: 

  • Harvest Festival Holiday (Chuseok) – September 28 – September 30, 2023
  • National Foundation Day – October 3
  • Hangul Day – October 9

If you’re visiting during Chuseok, a lot of places will be shut down. The Harvest Festival is kind of like American Thanksgiving. Families opt to spend time together in their “hometown” or go on a trip somewhere in Asia.

Klook.com

Fall Weather in Korea 

Autumn weather in Korea honestly varies month by month. September starts out hot and then it gets really cold by November. It is a gradual change, but the temperature variation can cause you to get sick. 

September Weather in Korea 

September in Korea still brings hot and humid temperatures. Honestly, I’m still wearing shorts until the end of the month. Monsoon season and rainy temperatures really do a number. However, you can enjoy less rainy days and more time outside. Temperatures range from 25°C to 26°C (77°F to 80°F) during the day. September is a great month to visit Korea if you don’t like cold weather because the crowds get smaller and most people return to school and work. 

October Weather in Korea 

October is the best time to visit Korea in autumn. It cools down significnatly and this is a great time to see fall foliage in Seoul. The temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) during the day. It gets chilly at night with October temperatures in Korea at night get as low as 7°C (45°F). You’ll also see a lot autumn fashion in Korea consists of dark and nude colors.

You’ll finally see the landscape become a myriad of warm colors. The fall leaves in Korea slowly start going from green to red, yellow, purple, and brown.

November in Korea

The temperature usually averages at about 10°C (50°F) during the day. Bring your warm jacket at night because the temperature gets down to -1°C (30°F). November is a great time to visit Korea because you’ll be able to catch the last of the fall foliage in Korea.

Where To Stay in Gyeongju

If you’re thinking of making a fun weekend out of Gyeongju, then you’re definitely in the right mindset. There’s so much to do an enjoy in this gorgeous and traditional city, you might feel overwhelmed trying to do it in a day. Here are some Gina Bear picks for luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations.

Luxury Hotel in Gyeongju

  • The K Hotel Gyeongju – Featuring a sauna, hot spring bath, barbecue facilities and restaurant, The-K Hotel Gyeongju is within a 5-minute drive from Shilla Millennium Park, Skyworld and Gyeongju World. Free WiFi is available in all rooms and free private parking is available on site.
  • The Suites Hotel Gyeongju – Gyeongju Suites Hotel is located next to Bomun Lake in Gyeongju. Each room at The Suites Hotel is equipped with air-conditioner and heating facilities. All rooms have flat-screen TV, in-room safe and coffee/tea maker.

Mid-Range Accommodations in Gyeongju

  • Kolon Hotel – Kolon Hotel provides large rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a spacious lawn in Gyeongju’s country side. It is close to Bulguksa Temple.
  • Trip to Gyeongju – Trip to Gyeongju is located a 10-minute walk from Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal and Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal. The guesthouse has a garden with outdoor furniture and free WiFi. Daereungwon, the royal tomb complex of Silla dynasty, and Cheomseongdae Observatory are both within a 10-minute walk. The scenic Anapji pond is 2.2 km away.

Budget Hotels in Gyeongju

  • Blue Boat Hostel Gyeongju – Blueboat Hostel Gyeongju provides rooms with heating and air conditioning. The property also has a shared bathroom. Tourist destinations such as Poseokjeong and Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park are about 5-10km away.
  • Doobaki Guest House – At Doobaki Hostel, guests can use personal lockers and request free luggage storage. The staff here offers ticket service and tour suggestions around the historical city of Gyeongju. Daily breakfast is available between 08:00 and 10:00.

How To Get to Gyeongju

If you’d like to wing your trip there are plenty of ways to do so. One way to get to Gyeongju is by renting a car in Seoul.

Seoul to Gyeongju Train

Gyeongju is a great day trip from Seoul. To get to Gyeongju from Seoul, take the KTX to Singyeongju Station 신경주 역. Go out exit 1 and take bus 700 to get to all of Gyeongju’s main attractions.

Seoul to Gyeongju Bus Terminal

The bus leaves from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal and arrives at the Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. They depart about every 40 minutes.

How To Get Around Gyeongju

When you tour around Gyeongju, rent a bike or an electric scooter. I suggest using the rental shop Tago Nolja 타고놀자. It costs about 45,000 won to rent the scooter for 4-5 hours and it’s totally worth it. You can park it anywhere and you won’t be dead tired after sightseeing.

Or if you’re not comfortable biking or driving an electric scooter around Korea, you can also

Address: 경상북도 경주시 황남동 151-4 (151-4 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Hours: 9am – 10pm
Phone: 054-749-2444

Klook.com

Book A Gyeongju Tour

One the best ways to see Gyeongju is to book a tour here. This tour will take you to the most prominent sites such as Bulguksa Temple, Daereungwon (royal tombs), Hwangridan-gil, Donggung Palace (where Anapji Pond is located), and Woljeonggyo Bridge. Gyeongju City is huge so this done for you tour is pretty awesome to go on.

Gyeongju Map

What To Do in Gyeongju

There are so many historical things to do in Gyeongju. Below are my picks and the highlights of Gyeongju. You can do as you please, but this is what I recommend you not skip out on.

1. Bulguksa Temple

Built in 528 of the Silla Kingdom, this relic of Gyeongju was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Bulguksa is one of the most famous Gyeongju temples. It is home to important cultural artifacts and treasures such as the Dabotop Pagoda,  Yeonhwa-gyo Bridge and the Seokguram Grotto. There is an entry fee and with it, you can travel around the expansive grounds. The gardens around the temple were also beautiful. Since the temple is so old, a lot of the paint is peeling, but the red colors of the foliage make this place light up with beauty.

2. Eat Gyeongju Ssambap

When in Gyeongju eat their famous dishes. One of the coolest things about Korea is every place you visit has specialty regional food. This meal is served with loads of delicious side dishes and a small plate of beef or pork bulgogi.

3. Anapji Pond 

The pond is now called Wolji after pottery was found with that name. The meaning is the pond reflecting the moon. Anapji is most beautiful at night when the flood lights come on, but it’s just as stunning during the day and even more so during the Autumn.

4. Cheomseongdae Observatory 

For lovers and chasers of the stars, Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia. It was used to forecast the weather and constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok. Click here for your done for you Gyeongju South Korea autumn itinerary.

5. Hwangridan Road

Hwangridan Road is a street that has been around since the 60s and perfectly preserved for generations to come. There are a bunch of cute cafes, shops, bike rental stores, and hanbok rental shops located on this street. It’s really fun to walk around there and you can find street art in some of the alleys. I highly recommend checking it for a break.

Klook.com

6. Daereungwon Royal Tomb in Gyeongju

The Gyeongju tombs look like giant hills in the middle of a field. It’s truly an interesting sight to behold. Fun fact: King Naemul was the second king of the Kim family name. For those of you who don’t get the joke, most people in Korea have the common family name of Kim, Park, or Lee. He was an influential king who brought the technology of China to the Korean people. After his reign the throne passed down to his descendants.

7. Seokbbingo

Seokbbingo is near a Gyeongju tomb, but its not what it seems. In fact, Koreans knew what’s up because around 1,500 years ago, this was used a freezer for the upper class. Once you descend the stairs, you can feel the cold and witness the scientific power the ancient Koreans had by giving the place a drainage system and coating the walls with limestone to prevent moisture from seeping in.

8. Wear Hanbok

Hanbok is such a beautiful part of Korean culture and Koreans are proud of who they are. They love to take photos at traditional places in their cultural clothes. Since most of the cultural places are located at the Wolseong Palace park, it’s also a popular place to fly a kite since the wind flows so easily through.

9. Gyochon Traditional Village

This famous landmark is awesome because in my opinion, there’s nothing cooler than a traditional Korean village. This place gives onlookers the opportunity to see how members of the Choi clan lived. While there, try some Gyodong Beopju Liquor or a glass making class.

10. Woljeonggyo Bridge

Woljeonggyo Bridge was built during the Silla period, but was burnt down during the Joseon dynasty. Through historical research, the bridge was rebuilt in April 2018 to become the largest wooden bridge in Korea. It also makes for amazing fall photos in Gyeongju.

I don’t know about you, but I have some serious YOLO and Gyeongju Autumn vibes after remembering all the cool things I’ve done here. Once the cultural and political hub of Korea, this amazing place has so much to offer and do. Gyeongju South Korea should be on your bucket list as one of the best places to travel in Korea during autumn.

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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10 Comments on The Best Autumn In Gyeongju Korea Itinerary

  1. What a lovely round up of things to do in Gyeongju. I’ve loved seeing the very colourful photos you posted on Instagram. The Bulguksa Temple looks lovely – I am loving the vibrant colors on the tiling. And I would love to explore the gardens surrounding. And oh my goodness – the food looks delicious. I always love trying local dishes when I travel, it’s a great way to get to know a region better. I also love that you still see people wearing the Hanbok and walking around town – so great to see that ‘culture is not dead’ in Korea.

    • I should probably mention this in my blog post, but my boyfriend just told me that traditional dishes of each province are usually very expensive and no one eats them but tourists. Lol. Some people have actually complained to me that there is no sense of “Koreanness” in Korea, but I’ve experienced so much culture here in a year!

  2. Gyeogngju is so colourful and charming. You are right there is much more to Korea than what is generally presented. Love the post and the place. I found the Pond really enchanting. The old observatory is another place that has piqued my interest, will research it on the net. Kites are something I love and would love to fly one there, looks so colourful.

    • I can’t remember the last time I’ve flown a kite, but I would love to do it again. It’s so magical and you can definitely relive your childhood by doing so.

  3. I had a very similar trip just in backward order! We went with a group of history students from a University in Busan. We saw the tombs, had baek panchan (there were soooooo many dishes!), then went to the Temple and the Grotto. The Grotto had been on my bucket list since before coming to Korea. I thought it would be bigger!

    • Bummer that The Grotto wasn’t as big as you imagined. I bet it was really fun to go with the uni students and learn all about Korean history!

  4. Having just returned from a whirlwind weekend in Seoul, I feel I understand these types of posts so much more. Perhaps I’m a person that just needs to visualize everything. Anyway, this looks like a nice little corner of Korea to explore and get away from the city, but it still has all the traditional elements you look for when visiting. I hope to return sooner than later and really roam the country and seek out spots like these.

    • I’m glad your weekend in Korea was so much fun and you had a great time! What places did you have a chance to get to?

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