Gyeongju-si is one of 23 cities, counties and districts in Gyeongsangbuk-do. It has 22 neighborhoods (10 dong · 4 eup · 8 myeon) and 242,405 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Hwangseong-dong with 27,991.
22neighborhoods
242,405residents
Landmark stamp: Cheomseongdae
Situated in the historic heart of Gyeongju, this bottle-shaped stone observatory stands as an ancient testament to astronomical research in the Silla Kingdom.
History
Built during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla, this stone structure helped astronomers observe heavenly bodies to guide agricultural calendars.
What to see
During autumn, vibrant pink muhly grass and blooming wildflowers create a scenic landscape for taking a gentle stroll.
Visitor tip
Exploring the illuminated stone observatory at dusk pairs wonderfully with nearby historic sites like Daereungwon and Woljeonggyo Bridge.
Food, festivals and stories of Gyeongju-si
Local food
Gyeongju is renowned for Hwangnam-ppang and chalbori-ppang, traditional sweet pastries filled with smooth red bean paste.
Local story
Gyeongju preserves the founding legend of the Silla Kingdom, telling how King Bak Hyeokgeose hatched from a mysterious sacred egg.
Did you know?
Gyeongju served as the thousand-year capital of ancient Silla, preserving treasures like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto across the city.
On screen
Hwangridan-gil in Gyeongju, filled with traditional hanok cafes and picturesque alleys, frequently appears in travel variety shows and romantic films.
Neighborhoods of Gyeongju-si (22)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Gampo-eup감포읍eup · 4,967 residents
Photo spot: Climb up to Songdaemal Lighthouse to capture scenic views where deep blue waters meet pine forest trails along the East Sea coast.
Story: Old colonial-era wooden houses remain along narrow port alleys, revealing historical tales of thriving seafaring life and local fishery trade.
Food: Fresh dab sashimi and traditionally fermented anchovy sauce are beloved local culinary specialties served around Gampo Port markets.
Story: Scholar Yi Eon-jeok once retreated to Doknakdang pavilion here, dedicating his life to deep Confucian studies alongside a murmuring stream.
Photo spot: Sesimdae stream right in front of Oksan Seowon offers picturesque rock platforms and cascading clean water ideal for memorable photographs.
Story: The unwavering loyalty of General Choe Jin-rip, who raised righteous civilian armies during foreign invasions, is remembered with great reverence here.
Photo spot: Ancient shade trees and weathered tiled walls surrounding quiet Yongsan Seowon provide a wonderful backdrop for peaceful rustic photographs.
Story: Countless ancient Silla tombs lie clustered around Jjoksaem, an old neighborhood named after a well of indigo-clear mineral water.
Food: Seongdong Market serves popular local delicacies like sweet braised burdock gimbap alongside generous cafeteria-style traditional Korean buffets.
Story: Legend whispers that migrating wild geese once rested at Geumjangdae, which overlooks waters carrying heartbreaking tales of ancient gisaeng courtesans.
Photo spot: Perched on cliffs above the Hyeongsan River, Geumjangdae Pavilion offers breathtaking panoramic vistas over winding streams and cityscape.
Photo spot: Narrow alleyways where ancient royal burial ridges meet traditional hanok tiled roofs in Daereungwon offer charming travel photography settings.
Food: Freshly baked Hwangnam-ppang, renowned for its thin pastry skin tightly packed with dense savory red bean filling, represents local confectionery.
Story: Sacred folklore recounts that Buddhist martyr Ichadon shed white blood, causing Baekryulsa Temple to be built where his head landed.
Photo spot: The mystical Four-Directional Stone Buddha carved along the peaceful forest entrance of Sogeumgangsan offers striking spiritual imagery for visitors.
Photo spot: Bomunjeong pavilion surrounded by cherry petals dancing over tranquil ponds attracts photographers capturing poetic seasonal beauty year-round.
Fun fact: Surrounding expansive Bomun Lake, scenic walking paths and various recreational facilities provide visitors with a relaxing holiday atmosphere.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.