The “Millennium Capital” Gyeongju boasts a unique elegance as befitting its history.
Perhaps its greatest charm, however, is that the city also keeps up with the times and seasons.
Gyeongju in October, clad in the blooming flowers and autumn colors,
was more flamboyant than any summer scenery while retaining a sense of serenity and tranquility at its core.




That’s why we put together the best itinerary for you to enjoy the shining autumn of Gyeongju,
along with the restaurants serving the best specialties coming from the harvest season.
This time, we decided to break from the tradition of staying in hanok (traditional Korean house) in Gyeongju
and chose the Korea Quality (KQ)-certified Rivertain Hotel Gyeongju for comfort.

A welcoming presence in the gateway to Gyeongju
A KQ-certified accommodation
Rivertain Hotel Gyeongju


Located right next to Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal,
Rivertain Hotel Gyeongju is a KQ-certified accommodation equipped
with the best accessibility and business hotel comfort.
It distinguishes itself from Gyeongju’s trademark hanok accommodations
through its more urban facility and a greater range of available services.
Thus, it is ideal for travelers who want a different, more accessible services for their stay.

But accessibility isn’t the only aspect which stands out at the Rivertain Hotel.
Its excellent hygiene and cleanliness, strengthened and honed through the COVID-19 pandemic,
and its attentive services accompany the guests from the moment of check-in to check-out.
The breakfast buffet, which welcomes crowds in the very early hours of 7:00 a.m.,
proudly owns up to its popularity with its sheer quality.

Let the scenery flow through before your eyes
and the rest into your body
Quality rooms


The Twin room overlooks the busy buses that ferry visitors to Gyeongju and the mountains that surround the old capital.
It is not the bird’s-eye view from a skyscraper, but its view of the Gyeongju city center,
seemingly zoomed in with a camera, which brings the city one step closer to one’s heart.
The interior uses soft brown and grey tones to match the sense of tranquility in Gyeongju.

The room’s condition is immaculate: With a premium mattress and handmade goose down quilt,
the room ensures a comfortable sleep, while the steam clothing care system allows business travelers
to manage their shirts and suits in tip-top condition.
You can bring your work to the work table, lit with soft lights,
or opt for a more comfortable option with the tea table and plush sofa.

Amenities and towels are plentiful, while the restroom is efficiently separated from the bathing space.
The room offers everything one needs for relaxation and healing in its walls.
Another thing I appreciated was the accessible rooms located on the second floor for customers with disabilities.
These rooms are accessible by elevators, and the automated door system ensures that wheelchairs can enter the room easily.

I set out at daybreak with the colors of the sunrise still streaking across the sky.
The cold breeze of the autumn morning gave way to the warmth from the pink-colored sky.
I imagined that the tourist sites in Gyeongju were all decked out in these colorful autumn colors, and I hurried to visit them.

Gyeongju tour in colorful autumn 1
Wild Flower Field at Cheomseongdae Observatory


Gyeongju is not a place lacking in tourist sites, but rather than heading to the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs,
Cheonmachong Tomb, Bulguksa Temple, or Hwangnidan Street,
I recommend starting with the Cheomseongdae Observatory in autumn.
This recognizable Gyeongju landmark turns into a fantastic palette of autumn colors come autumn.
Even though I set off quite early, the area from Cheomseongdae Observatory to Gyerim Forest filled up
quickly with crowds who posed for photographs.

Flowers blooming under the autumn sky are enough to bring you the rest
and relaxation you have forgotten over your busy routine.
Choose a piece of music for your walk and enjoy a leisurely walk through this peaceful park,
along with some heartfelt words of encouragement.

Gyeongju tour in colorful autumn 2
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond


In the afternoon, as the sun begins to sink, explore the area near the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
After its restoration and renovation work in the first half of the year,
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are now ready to welcome visitors once again, clad now in autumn colors.
The view of the sunlight breaking into glittering shards on the pond leads you to think about the beauty of living a slower life.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are rightly known for their beautiful views at night,
but the afternoon is the best time to enjoy their natural elegance.
Just follow the sunlight and the wind to savor the beauty of autumn in this ancient capital.

Gyeongju tour in colorful autumn 3
Gyochon Village and Woljeonggyo Bridge


The peace and familiarity of Hanok Village shine truly in the autumn colors.
Gyochon Village, where one settles into inner peace simply by walking,
draws in crowds of people who seek to capture its view through their lenses.
Past the village, you can look at the river flowing below the Woljeonggyo Bridge.
The view of the serene river and the majesty of the Woljeonggyo Bridge is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Gyeongju tour in colorful autumn 4
The Hill of Hwarang


Located about an hour’s drive outside the Gyeongju city center,
the Hill of Hwarang is a worthy destination for any visitor to Gyeongju.
Its greatest draw is the short-lived view that is revealed at sunrise and sunset.
If you want to see the golden waves of silver grass in the sunset,
walk along the mountain trail that stretches behind the Hill of Hwarang.
Once you are there, you will find that every step up the hill was worth it.

Note that there are no artificial lights on the hill, so it gets very dark quite quickly.
Make sure to look up the sunset time and get back to your party or the vehicle before the sun sets completely.

A mouthful of Gyeongju flavors
Recommended restaurants in Gyeongju 1
Neoguri Restaurant


This local favorite serves mungtigi, sliced raw bottom round steak.
The name “mungtigi” comes from the city of Daegu and refers to the thick cuts of meat.
You can feel its freshness with just one bite.
It is a local favorite for evening drinks,
and its recent fame through social media has drawn quite a crowd,
some even coming from Seoul on weekends.


“Sliced raw bottom round steak” and “beef tartare” are great,
but don’t miss the grilled beef brisket and beef blood vessels.
Also known as odeuregi, only about 600 g of beef blood vessels can be obtained from a cow.
Its crunchy texture and rich taste have amassed quite a collection of dedicated fans.

A mouthful of Gyeongju flavors
Recommended restaurants in Gyeongju 2
Toegeungil Sutbul Galbi


Gyeongju has a surprising number of restaurants serving beef galbi.
Toegeungil Sutbul Galbi is a good place to start, thanks to its high-quality meat and its lively “local” feel.
The green chili pepper salad served as a side dish pairs excellently with the meat,
while the charcoal-grilled salted beef galbi is a sure favorite.
Even the glasses here still retain the old and historic appearance,
so dining at the restaurant is like a trip back in time.

Gyeongju, a true symbol of autumn.


With the cooling breeze, the clear skies, and colorful splashes adorning a dust-free season,
Gyeongju in October felt like the ultimate symbol of autumn in Korea.
Before the winds cool down too much, make sure to catch the last of Gyeongju’s autumn.
Then, anticipation will turn to wonder, and doubts will turn into certainties.