Exploring Gyeongsangbuk-do: Hidden Gems for Your Next Trip to South Korea

Travellers know all about South Korea’s iconic attractions in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. But while there’s absolutely nothing wrong in re-visiting touristy favourites, it’s also refreshing to venture beyond the most popular cities every now and then. Best to make the most of your plane ticket, right? We say it’s time to get lost in the natural wonders and cultural treasures of lesser-known South Korea! Let’s start with a beautiful province that still flies under the radar of mainstream tourists: Gyeongsangbuk-do. 

Gyeongsangbuk-do: an underrated destination in South Korea

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In the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula sits Gyeongsangbuk-do, a region also known as North Gyeongsang Province or Gyeongbuk. Here, you won’t find Seoul’s buzzy energy and vibrant modernity. Instead, the province invites travellers to partake in a leisurely and slower-paced journey exploring ancient temples, heritage towns, and centuries-old cultural traditions. At the same time, Gyeongsangbuk-do is a treasure trove of unspoiled natural beauty, from majestic mountains to picturesque countryside to pretty coastal towns. And there’s even space to feed our ever-growing love for K-drama if you can believe it! 

No matter what fuels your wanderlust, North Gyeongsang will leave you entirely spellbound. Not sure where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for our roundup of the cities and attractions to bookmark in Gyeongsangbuk-do for your next trip to the Land of the Morning Calm. 

Best Gyeongsangbuk-do cities to visit on your first trip to the province

Gyeongju

Bulguksa Temple | Image credit: Isarint Sangmanee via Canva Pro

History and culture? Gyeongju delivers. As the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, it is steeped in history, legacy, and millennia-old wonders. Expect a city showcasing a myriad of ancient attractions: temples and pagodas, tombs and palaces, museums and folk villages. More historical sites are packed into Gyeongju than any other city in South Korea! But perhaps this incredible collection comes as no surprise — what do you expect from a city affectionately dubbed The Museum Without Walls?

Of the countless places to visit in this Gyeongsangbuk-do city, few are more culturally significant than UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. Set on the slopes of Mount Toham, Bulguksa Temple is a living tribute to Buddhist culture. 

History buffs and culture vultures, you might want to take this pilgrimage. Seven national treasures lie within the temple complex, including arched stone bridges and intricately carved pagodas. Not just that, but it’s also a pleasure to simply wander the tranquil grounds where one can find tall pines, willow trees, and lotus ponds. 

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Don’t miss visiting Seokguram Grotto afterwards; it’s only a short bus ride or an hour or two by foot from Bulguksa Temple. Tucked near the summit of Mount Toham and surrounded by wild forests, the grotto is one of the world’s most sublime pieces of Buddhist art. A majestic Buddha statue sits amidst realistically carved portrayals of gods and bodhisattvas, a breathtaking 8th-century relic for historical, cultural, and spiritual travellers.  

Not quite ready to leave this captivating city in Gyeongsangbuk-do? Stay for a while! Countless historic gems await tourists willing to linger a little longer, including the jaw-dropping tombs of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. 

Andong

Weolyeonggyo Bridge, Nakdong River | Image credit: Julien Viry via Canva Pro

Take a walk in the past in Andong, where ancient customs and traditional Korean lifestyles live on. Famous for its jaw-dropping wealth of cultural treasures, the city sets the stage for a relaxing rural getaway in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Centuries-old houses with a winding river and dancing trees in the background — it’s a picturesque sight undoubtedly worth travelling for.

Image credit: Mathew Schwartz

Hahoe Folk Village is on top of our bucket list for an Andong getaway of course. The 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site hails as one of the most famous folk villages in South Korea. Hahoe’s commitment to time-honoured Korean culture goes beyond superficial trappings too. In fact, the descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan still make up a good chunk of the quaint village! 

Spend the night in one of the traditional choga houses to immerse fully into age-old Andong living. That way, you won’t miss seeing the must-visit attractions: Wonjijeongsa Pavilion, Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy, and the Goddess Samsin Tree. 

If you’re in town in September or October, catch the Andong Mask Dance Festival celebrating the region’s iconic wooden masks and other folk traditions. And did we mention the nightcaps in Andong? The city is the birthplace of the famous soju! Trust us when we say nothing beats the real stuff. Authentic Andong soju is crafted using traditional methods and natural ingredients, resulting in a much stronger drink with more complex flavours.

Pohang

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The natural beauty of South Korea makes it a postcard-pretty backdrop on the silver screen. In K-dramas, the picturesque settings are practically their own character! And if you’re eager to explore the world of Hallyu, then Pohang is the place for you in Gyeongsangbuk-do. You can also enjoy a relaxed vacation in this coastal city, exploring well-worn walking trails, breezy pavilions, and taking in the colourful sunrises and sunsets over the sea.  

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization Official Website

Be ready to hunt down the filming locations of iconic scenes from your favourite K-dramas. In love with Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha? The popular Netflix romance was filmed in this very city! Yes, the on-screen town of Gongjin is fictional. But many of the homes, quirky shops, restaurants and tourist spots on the show have real-life Pohang counterparts. 

From the iconic mountaintop boat (Sabang Memorial Park) to the bustling marketplace with vintage cafes and vibrant stalls (Cheongha Market), wander through the same places that Chief Hong and Hye-jin explored in the K-drama. You can also grab a meal at Yeongil Meat Restaurant, a beloved dining spot of the Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha cast and crew when they were filming the show in Pohang, North Gyeongsangbuk-do.  

Mungyeong

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Last on our list of must-visit places in Gyeongsangbuk-do is Mungyeong, a city that’s surprisingly underrated considering how much it has to offer. Historic sites, lush forests, mountains and fun activities for thrill-seekers promise a memorable trip in the city, whether you’re just passing through or staying for a few days.

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization Official Website

The sprawling Mungyeongsaejae Provincial Park is a blissful experience for nature lovers, a mountain pass traversing Joryeong Mountain between the main peak and Sinseon bong. Trekking the pass is a pleasure, taking tourists through birch forests, ancient gates, cool streams, and rocks etched with folk poems. 

Even K-drama fans can get their pop culture fix at the Mungyeongsaejae Open Set in the park, the filming location of the hit Netflix historical zombie series Kingdom. More of an Alchemy of Souls fan? Head over to the Maseong Open Set, where the popular fantasy series was filmed. 

Mungyeong’s scenic landscape isn’t just for photography — it’s perfect for outdoor activities too! Whiz through the air on a zip line, cycle alongside the forests on Mungyeong Rail Bike, or take flight on a paragliding adventure at Mungyeong Flying Land. Or here’s an idea: Why not try all three? 

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Ready to uncover South Korea’s gems beyond the usual tourist spots? We can’t think of a better place to start than gorgeous Gyeongsangbuk-do. Timeless towns and unspoiled vistas are waiting in the quiet corners of North Gyeongsang — all you have to do is take the leap. 

Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization