Gyeongju Travel 2026: Why Foreigners are Flocking Beyond Seoul

Trending Domestic Destinations

Foreigners are Heading Here When They Visit Korea

Words & Photos © Ppan-euni

I recently took a weekend trip to Gyeongju, and even though it was my fourth time visiting, this trip truly stood out!

I noticed a significant increase in international travelers, even more than local Korean tourists. It turns out, Gyeongju has indeed been seeing a steady rise in foreign visitors!

So, why are international visitors choosing Gyeongju among all the amazing destinations in Korea?

1. How Much Have Foreign Visitors Increased?

As of the first half of 2026, Gyeongju welcomed a remarkable 707,197 foreign visitors.

This marks a substantial 19% increase compared to the 594,502 visitors recorded during the same period in 2025.

What's more, from January to May of this year (2026) alone, foreign tourist spending in Gyeongju reached an impressive ~$8.1 million, which is a significant 34.1% jump from the previous year!

Indeed, while exploring Hwanglidan-gil and the Daereungwon area during my recent trip, I saw so many international tourists that it made me realize just how popular Gyeongju has become!

2. Why Foreigners Love Gyeongju

① Authentic Korean Charm

As the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom for a thousand years, Gyeongju offers a unique opportunity to directly experience Korea's rich history and traditions around every corner.

Gyeongju is often called a "museum without walls" because the entire city is a living historical and cultural site.

With iconic sites like Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and Woljeonggyo Bridge all concentrated in one area, it's an ideal destination for immersing yourself in Korea's history and culture.

② The Allure of K-Culture

As K-Pop and Korean dramas continue to gain global popularity, interest in Korean culture has naturally soared.

These days, travelers are looking for more than just sightseeing; they want to directly experience the atmosphere and culture of a country.

Gyeongju, with its traditional ambiance in areas like Hwanglidan-gil, offers a perfect blend of charming cafes, delicious restaurants, and unique souvenir shops. Even staying in a traditional Hanok guesthouse can be an incredibly exciting and memorable experience for visitors.

③ Endless Photo Opportunities

The distinct Korean atmosphere found in Gyeongju is exotic and captivating to international visitors, making it a treasure trove of photo opportunities.

From snapping photos in traditional Hanbok in front of ancient royal tombs to discovering unique Hanok-style Starbucks, convenience stores, and restaurants, Gyeongju is a dream destination for sharing incredible moments on social media.

On my recent trip, the Hanok-style Terarosa Cafe located near the royal tombs was particularly stunning, and I noticed a significant number of foreign visitors enjoying its beauty.

④ Perfectly Positioned Between Seoul and Busan

Another major advantage is Gyeongju's excellent location on popular travel routes!

Many international visitors traveling to Korea for the first time often extend their trips beyond Seoul to explore other regions. Gyeongju is a popular stop for those taking the KTX high-speed train from Seoul down to Busan.

Since Gyeongju is so close to Busan, there are even convenient day trip bus tours available from Busan. I actually saw many of these tour buses during my visit!

Gyeongju Day Trip Bus Tour (Departs from Busan)

⑤ The APEC Effect

The APEC Summit, which was held in Gyeongju in 2025, significantly boosted the city's international profile. Since then, Gyeongju has seen a notable increase in foreign visitors.

Both the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Gyeongju City have analyzed that this heightened international recognition post-APEC has directly contributed to the surge in foreign tourism.

3. My Personal Impressions

While Gyeongju used to be primarily seen as a domestic weekend getaway focused on historical sites,

it's clear that now, even on weekdays, the city buzzes with tourists! The number of visitors has truly expanded.

Its image has broadened beyond just history to a destination where you can experience traditional Hanok architecture, trendy cafes, delicious food, and the overall modern Korean sensibility all at once! Haha.

Even on my fourth visit to Gyeongju, it was particularly enjoyable to see travelers from such a diverse range of nationalities savoring the city!

If you're planning a trip to Gyeongju, I highly recommend taking your time to truly immerse yourself in the city's charm, rather than just rushing through its historical sites. Experience firsthand why Gyeongju has become such a hot destination again! Haha.

Gyeongju 2-Day Itinerary: Weekend Trip | Walking Tour, Magnolia Blooming Seasonblog.naver.com

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