Experience History, Nature, and Culture in Korea’s Most Beautiful City
This fall, Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty and the host city of APEC 2025, welcomes visitors with colorful autumn leaves, rich history, and hands-on cultural experiences.
If you’re traveling with kids, Gyeongju offers the perfect mix of education, nature, and fun. Here’s a 2-night, 3-day family itinerary and the top 10 autumn foliage spots you shouldn’t miss!
📖 Table of Contents
- Top 10 Family-Friendly Fall Foliage Spots in Gyeongju
- 2-Night, 3-Day Gyeongju Family Trip Itinerary
- Travel Tips for Families Visiting Gyeongju
🍁 Top 10 Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Gyeongju
| no | Attraction | Address | Admission | Parking | Things to Enjoy | What to Bring |
| 1 | Bulguksa Temple | 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju | Adults ₩5,000 / Youth ₩3,500 / Children ₩2,000 | Available / Free | Fall foliage walk, UNESCO heritage temple | Comfortable shoes, camera |
| 2 | Seokguram Grotto | 873-243 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju | Adults ₩5,000 / Youth ₩3,500 / Children ₩2,000 | Available / Free | Buddha statue, forest trail | Hat, snacks |
| 3 | Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond | 116 Dongcheon-dong, Gyeongju | Adults ₩3,000 / Youth ₩1,500 / Children Free | Available / Free | Night view, pond walk | Camera, water |
| 4 | Dori Village (Ginkgo Trail) | 27 Dorigil, Seomyeon, Gyeongju | Free | Available / Free | Ginkgo tree tunnel walk | Comfortable shoes |
| 5 | Cheomseongdae Observatory | 832 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju | Free | Available / Free | Pink muhly fields, family photos | Camera |
| 6 | Bomun Lake | 593-8 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju | Free | Available / Free | Bike ride, lake cruise | Sneakers, snacks |
| 7 | Gyeongju National Museum | 102 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju | Adults ₩2,000 / Youth ₩1,000 / Children Free | Available / Free | Silla relics, kids programs | Notebook, backpack |
| 8 | Yangdong Folk Village | 12 Yangdong-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju | Adults ₩5,000 / Youth ₩3,000 / Children ₩2,000 | Available / Free | Hanok village, folk games | Camera, snacks |
| 9 | Hwangridan-gil Street | 7-2 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju | Free | Paid / ₩1,000–2,000 | Cafes, food, souvenirs | Cash, comfy shoes |
| 10 | Bomun Tourist Complex Trail | Bomun-dong, Gyeongju | Free | Available / Free | Fall foliage walk, photo zones | Water, camera |
🏕️ Gyeongju 2-Night, 3-Day Family Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – History & Culture Immersion
- Morning: Visit Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto — admire the autumn leaves and explore ancient Buddhist culture.
- Lunch: Enjoy local Gyeongju specialties (ssambap, beef soup, or bibimbap).
- Afternoon: Explore Gyeongju National Museum and Cheomseongdae. Learn about the Silla Dynasty while taking beautiful family photos.
- Evening: End the day with a peaceful night walk at Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, where lights reflect on the water creating a magical view.
Day 2 – Nature & Family Fun
- Morning: Head to Bomun Lake for a bike ride or a lake cruise surrounded by colorful trees.
- Lunch: Eat at one of the lakeside restaurants in Bomun Tourist Complex.
- Afternoon: Visit Gyeongju World or California Beach amusement park for thrilling rides and water fun (great for older kids).
- Evening: Take a light stroll along Bomun Tourist Trail for sunset photos and relaxation.
Day 3 – Tradition & Local Lifestyle
- Morning: Explore Yangdong Folk Village — Korea’s best-preserved traditional village (UNESCO World Heritage). Kids can try hanbok or traditional games.
- Lunch: Visit Hwangridan-gil Street for brunch and local snacks like Gyeongju bread or hotteok.
- Afternoon: Enjoy cafe-hopping and souvenir shopping before heading home.
🎒 What to Prepare for Your Gyeongju Family Trip
- Comfortable sneakers and warm clothes 👟🧥
- Camera or smartphone for photos 📸
- Snacks and water for kids 🍪
- Cash for parking or small shops 💴
- A light backpack for day trips 🎒
🌅 Why Visit Gyeongju in Autumn
- Perfect Weather: Cool, crisp air ideal for outdoor walks.
- Beautiful Colors: Ginkgo and maple trees paint the city in yellow and red.
- Educational Value: Learn history at ancient temples and museums.
- Family-Friendly: Easy transportation, clean facilities, and plenty of photo spots.
Whether you come for the APEC 2025 celebrations or a peaceful autumn escape, Gyeongju offers a rare combination of heritage, culture, and nature that both adults and kids can enjoy.
🍁 Final Travel Tip
Book your accommodation early — especially around November, when autumn foliage peaks and APEC-related events attract many visitors.
Don’t forget to check the Gyeongju City tourism website for seasonal programs, cultural performances, and family festivals during your stay.