Best trails in Gyeongju National Park
Top sights
Top trails
- (71)·Hard·3.7 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrThis trail is the famous pilgrimage hike up Namsan Mountain. Namsan was the most sacred mountain of the Silla Kingdom, and the trail is covered in amazing historical treasures. The hike begins at the Three Royal Tombs and immediately starts climbing through a beautiful forest of native Korean pine trees. The main reward for this climb is the Buddha statues and pagodas that are carved directly into the mountain's granite boulders. You will see the famous head-on-a-pedestal Buddha, a...
- (60)·Moderate·1.9 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail begins at the majestic Bulguksa Temple, a vast and spectacular royal temple of the Silla era. The trail climbs up the mountainside, taking you through a beautiful, shady forest of native Korean pine and maple trees. The final destination is the Seokguram Grotto. This grotto is one of the finest Buddhist masterpieces in all of Asia, containing a serene, monumental Buddha statue that overlooks the East Sea. The hike is a restored section of the ancient pilgrimage path that...
- (30)·Hard·5.0 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrThis trail begins near Poseokjeong Pavilion, an ancient Silla Kingdom royal banquet site, and immediately starts a steep, continuous climb. The path is characterized by rugged, rocky single tracks and uneven stone steps that ascend through a dense forest of native Korean pine trees. As hikers ascend, they discover numerous Silla-era Buddhist relics carved into the granite boulders. The climb culminates at Geumobong Peak, which offers a panoramic view of the entire Gyeongju plain and the...
- (39)·Hard·4.0 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrThis trail connects two magnificent cultural treasures on Mount Toham. The journey is a steep, almost entirely stairs and rocky paths up the mountainside. The path takes you up through a beautiful, shady forest of native Korean pine and maple trees. You will visit Bulguksa Temple, a vast and spectacular royal temple of the Silla era and climb up to Seokguram Grotto. This grotto contains a serene, monumental Buddha statue that looks out over the East Sea. An entrance fee is required for the...
- (19)·Easy·0.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail consists of wide, paved pathways and stone courtyards that traverse the massive temple complex. The journey is a continuous exploration of history, taking visitors past the meticulously restored halls, pagodas, and bridges. Highlights include the two famous stone pagodas, Dabo Pagod and Sakyamuni Pagoda. Hikers also walk past the Cheongungyo and Baegungyo bridges, which lead to the main courtyard. The temple is located at the foot of Mount Toham, and the complex is surrounded by a...
- (15)·Easy·1.1 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrSeokguram Grotto (석굴암) Seokguram, a World Heritage Site located in the middle of Tohamsan Mountain (토함산) in Gyeongju, is a magnificent and mysterious granite Buddha statue in a stone cave. Inside Seokguram, there is a glass wall, and photography is prohibited. When you park in the Seokguram parking lot, the Unified Bell is the first thing you can see. You can pay a fee to hit the bell.
- (21)·Hard·6.3 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrSangseojang Shrine - Geumobong Peak (상서장 - 금오봉) Once you enter the trailhead at Sangseojang Shrine, you'll pass some tombs and begin a gradual climb. There are many forks along the way, so please refer to the map. There are benches and viewpoints along the way. Geumojeong Pavilion (금오정), which you will pass before reaching Geumobong Peak (금오봉), offers peaceful views of rice fields and mountains. There is Buheungsa Temple (부흥사) near this pavilion, which is also a great spot for appreciating...
- (20)·Hard·5.6 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hrTohamsan - Seokguram Grotto (토함산 - 석굴암) Tohamsan is the biggest and most representative mountain in Gyeongju and the site of a large number of historic artifacts, such as Bulguksa and Seokguram. Seokguram was recognized as a representative work of Eastern Buddhist art and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. At Seokguram Grotto, It is not allowed to take photos inside.
- (13)·Hard·6.3 miSamneung - Namsan - Chilbul-Am (삼릉 - 남산 - 칠불암) This trail allows you to hike and simultaneously be surrounded by amazing cultural heritage. Namsan, located in Gyeongju National Park, has a vast cultural heritage, including rock-carved buddhas, stone-seated buddhas, stone pagodas, and more from the unified Silla Dynasty. Samneung is home to three royal tombs from the Silla period. This place is surrounded by tall and dense trees and is a great place to soak up fresh phytoncides. There is...
- (10)·Hard·5.5 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrPoseokjeong Pavilion - Namsan Stone Pagoda - Geumobong Peak (포석정지 - 늠비봉 5층 석탑 - 금오봉) The course starts at Poseokjeong Pavilion (포석정지), where you can walk on a relatively gentle path. You will pass by Buheungsa Temple (부흥사) and Namsan Stone Pagoda/Neumbibong Five-story Stone Pagoda (남산성지/늠비봉 5층 석탑), a great viewing spot, before reaching the summit. There are restrooms at the Poseokjeong parking lot. The hike starts with a wide path surrounded by pine forests. Afterward, a valley appears, and...
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Frequently asked questions
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Points of interest
- Geumobong
- 바둑바위 기점
- Tohamsan
- Seokguram Grotto
- 삼릉곡 마애석가여래좌상
- Seokguram Tongil Daejong Bell
- Seated stone Buddha without the head
- Gwaneumbosal image carved on rock surface
- Yukjonbul (Buddhist images) carved on rock surface
- Stone statue
- 능비봉
- Base stone for a pagoda
- Seokguram Observatory
- Bulguksa Temple
- 남산성
- Seated Rock-carved Buddha on rock surface
- Gowibong peak
- 연화교
- Dabotap
- 청운교