The Most Up-to-date Travel Guide of Gyeongbuk, Korea

Too much information on all you need to know about traveling to Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Follow our footsteps as we go two ways: ‘The Coastal’ & ‘The Historical’!

Gyeongsangbuk-do province a.k.a Gyeongbuk, which is the southeastern region of Korea, is full of travel spots that are yet to be discovered, including that of natural beauty and heritage sites. Here we’ve put the latest destinations that local Koreans often visit and traveling just like the locals is one of the best ways to find out the genuine charms of the cities. Let’s begin.

*Please note that operation hours are subject to change. 

The Coastal: Where you can enjoy the best ocean views!

The eastern coast of Korea a.k.a Donghae Bada (literally meaning the East Sea in Korea), is widely known for its big, tremendous waves and the deep sea. If you’ve ever heard of the song Gorae Sanyang (고래사냥, Whale Hunting), there’s a famous phrase that goes “Hey, let’s go to Donghae Bada~” and the Donghae Bada refers to the east coast beaches that we’re going to introduce you to throughout this post. 

Listen to this great song originally sung by Song Chang-sik and this time a duet with Song Ga-in. 

1. Pohang

Pohang is a coastal city well known for its ports and beaches among Koreans. 

Tip #1. Visit Songdo Beach to capture the most stunning east coast ocean view of Korea.

One of the most famous cities in Gyeongbuk is the city of Pohang, where its beaches allure you with magnificent ocean views. Among the beaches, Songdo beach is one of the most widely known among the Koreans because of its beautiful waves and trails. 

Along the beach lies the Haeparang-gil or the Haeparang Trail that spans from the south, following the east coast up to the border in the north. 

You can experience kite-surfing to feel and ride the waves or if you want to simply look at the view, you can walk along the sandy beach or use the trail. 

And as you walk along the beach, you’ll find a unique observatory called ‘Waterpolli Observatory’, in the shape of a seagull. You can reach the top 3rd floor to see the whole view of the Songdo beach. 

Tip #2. Leave thousands of hip Instagram pictures at the Top 4 Ocean View Cafes in the city.

1) Arrangement

• Address: 1804 Haean-ro, Heunghae-eup Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk
• Opening Hours: Every day 10:00am – 9:00pm (Last order: 8:30pm)

A huge cafe with a wide ocean view that you can enjoy on the terrace or inside the cafe by the window. There’s also a photo spot where many hipsters take pictures. 

2) Do Not Disturb

• Address: 55 Chilpo-ri, Heunghae-eup Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk
• Opening Hours: Every day 9:00am – 9:00pm

Another famous cafe and bakery boasts a breathtaking ocean view along with a great series of photo zones from the ground floor terrace to the rooftop. 

Their pound cake is also famous among visitors. Besides the coffee menu, there are non-coffee items such as strawberry and matcha lattes that are popular as well.

3) Nest Corporation 

• Address: 164 Haemaji-ro 46beon-gil, Homigot-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk
• Opening Hours: Every day 10:30am – 8:00pm 

A cafe that has both a huge terrace and space inside. You can also take a stroll outside and listen to the great natural waves, which will be a total ASMR.

4) Cafe The Haven

• Address: 3952 Donghaean-ro, Janggi-myeon, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk
• Opening Hours: Every day 9:00am – 9:00pm (Last order: 8:30pm)

*No kids are allowed to enter during the weekends.

This is actually a cafe that’s a part of the Haven Resort. It’s most known for the seats right on the beach, which makes you feel like you’re in Bali. Of course, there are so many photo spots for all you Instagrammers including the most famous swing chair. There’s also a camping car where you can also take a seat and relax.  

[Recommended Tours in Pohang]

• Pohang K-Drama Tour from Seoul (‘Hometown Cha Cha Cha’ & ‘When the Camellia Blooms’ Filming Spots)
• Pohang K-Drama Private Tour from Busan/Daegu (‘Hometown Cha Cha Cha’ & ‘When the Camellia Blooms’ Filming Spots)

2. Yeongdeok

Yeongdeok is a county very famous for snow crabs also known as Daege and the ‘Snow Crab Festival’ is held in Yeongdeok every year! A variety of events and attractions are offered to the locals and tourists. 

Tip #1. Taste the original snow crab. 

The famous Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival is held in Ganggu Port annually. The festival lasts for about 4 days and it’s a great opportunity to savor the fresh and juicy snow crabs. 

It’s quite an experience to visit the festival as it’s the biggest festival in the county where thousands of people gather to enjoy the festivity. There’s an array of booths that sell different types of crab dishes from crab fries, sausage, burgers, and even crab cake. 

Tip #2. Go surfing at Buheung Beach.

If you’re a surfer, Buheung Beach is where you can enjoy a great deal of surfing in the Gyeongbuk. It’s not widely known just yet only among small Korean meetups and thus it’s a perfect place to enjoy a calm and peaceful atmosphere rather than a busy and crowded vibe.

You can also go kayaking for those who aren’t really into surfing but still want to visit the beach.

3. Ulleungdo and Dokdo Islands

Ulleungdo & Dokdo Islands are the far east islands of Korea. Especially, Dokdo Island is known for its controversy due to Japan’s claim that it’s their territory for decades. However, we are all aware that Dokdo Island is a Korean territory and asset – designated as Korea’s natural monument no.336 and preservation area.

Tip #1. How to travel

Ulleungdo Island is only reachable by boat/cruise from Gangneung, Donghae, Uljin, and Pohang ports, and you can only reach by taking a boat/cruise from Ulleungdo Island, which is about a 90-minute ride. Thus the islands come in pairs when traveling. It is highly advised to take boat sickness pills for those who easily feel motion sickness. Most Koreans recommend staying overnight in Ulleungdo Island for this trip since time is too short to look around both of the islands within a day.  

Tip #2. Visit at least the following recommendations to truly enjoy the experience.

1) Dokdo Island Observatory Cable Car

• Address: 581-1 Dodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongbuk

It’s a great way to see Dokdo Island and get a bird’s eye view of Ulleungdo Island from the peak of Ulleungdo Island.

2) Haengnam Coastal Walking Path

• Address: Dodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongbuk

A seaside walkway that follows along the coast of Ulleungdo Island where you can see the crystal clear ocean and breathtaking remnants of volcanic activity.

3) Cheonbu Underwater Observatory

• Address: 718-54 Cheonbu-ri, Buk-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongbuk

Literally, an observatory where you can see the underwater just as the name suggests. As you go down the stairs, you’ll realize that you’re going underwater until 5m. You can actually see fish living in the ocean world.

4) Healing Stay Kosmos Resort 

• Address: 491 Na-ri, Buk-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongbuk

A recently built luxury resort in Ulleungdo Island also known as the filming spot of Hwasa (Mamamoo)’s music video. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still visit its cafe and the Ying and Yang photo spot with the stunning background of rocky mountains and green grassland. 

5) Gwaneumdo Bridge 

• Address: Cheonbu-ri, Buk-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongbuk

You can also cross this beautiful blue bridge, that was built in 2012. It connects Ulleungdo Island to Gwaneumdo Island, a smaller island next to Ulleungdo Island. The bridge is especially known for being one of the best photo spots on the island. 

The Historical: Travel back in time to the Silla & Joseon Dynasty!

Gyeongbuk is also known to have many historical cities, where you can follow the footsteps of Korean culture. The representative historical cities are Gyeongju and Andong. Gyeongju used to be the capital city of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC ~ 935 AD) so there are a number of UNESCO cultural heritage sites. Andong is the capital of Gyeongbuk and also a center of culture and folk traditions.

1. Gyeongju

A city known to be a museum without walls, Gyeongju is the perfect destination for any history fanatics. Enchanting temples and statues will fascinate you.

[Hassle-Free 1 Day Tours]

• Gyeongju City Tour Bus Ticket 
• Gyeongju Private Taxi Tour
• 1 Day Private Tour  from Busan/Gyeongju
• Gyeongju 1 Day Tour from Busan
• Busan & Gyeongju 1 Day Tour from Busan
• Visit Gyeongju in 1 Day from Seoul (Round-trip KTX tickets included)

[Special Themed Tours]

• Gyeongju Instagram Spots 1 Day Tour from Busan
• Gyeongju Autumn/Fall Foliage 1 Day Tour from Busan (Oct 28~Nov 15)

• Address: 243-873 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Seokguram is the representative Buddhist temple made of stone in Korea and it has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage since December 1995. It was built during the Silla Dynasty, around AD 751, and many cultural heritages were constructed at this period of time, such as Bulguksa Temple and Dabotap Pagoda.

2) Bulguksa Temple

• Address: 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Bulguksa Temple is also designated as UNESCO World Heritage along with Seokguram Grotto. This temple is also known as a place where one of the earliest woodblock prints in the world was found. If you want to see the stunning architecture of the temple, you should definitely visit this place!

3) Cheomseongdae Observatory

• Address: 839-1, Inwang-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Cheomseongdae, which means ‘star-gazing’ in Korean, was built in AD 632~647 and it is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. There are lights on around Cheomseongdae at night, which makes it even more beautiful.

4) Woljeonggyo Bridge

• Address: 48 Gyo-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Woljeonggyo Bridge was originally built during the 19th year reign of King Gyeongdeok during the Silla Dynasty, but it was destroyed and what was left was just the stonework of the original bridge. The bridge was reconstructed into what it looks like now. It was also the filming location of the popular K-Drama ‘The King: Eternal Monarch’. The night view of the bridge is stunning as much as it is in the daytime!

5) Geumjangdae

• Address: San 38-9 Seokjang-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Geumjangdae is a spot where you can see the panoramic view of Gyeongju city at a glance. Its name ‘Geumjang’ originated from the name of  Geumjangsa Temple. On the way to Geumjangdae, there is the hottest photo spot, where you can take Instagrammable pictures on the old ferry boat next to the Hyeongsangang River.

6) Hwangridan-gil Road

• Address: 1080 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

If you are looking for a place to eat or enjoy cafe hopping, head to Hwangridan-gil, which is a hipster district in Gyeongju! You can see many trendy cafes that are inside Hanoks (Korean traditional houses).

Book the Best Things to Do in Gyeongju:

[Most Popular Outdoor Activities]

• Tandem Paragliding in Gyeongju
• Hanbok Rental in Gyeongju
• Gyeongju Bike/Electric Scooter/Gas Scooter Rental

[Most Popular Indoor Activities]

• Traditional Soju Making Experience in Gyeongju
• Make Your Own Wooden Cutting Board in Gyeongju
• Authentic Korean Traditional Dessert Making Experience in Gyeongju
• Korean Traditional Sauce (Gochujang / Doenjang) Making Class in Gyeongju
• Paint Traditional Folk Illustrations on Folding Fans in Gyeongju

2. Andong

Andong is another historical destination widely known for its folk culture and tradition where the modern meets the old.

1) Hahoe Folk Village

• Address: 186 Jeonseo-ro, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, Gyeongbuk

Andong Hahoe Folk Village is a well-preserved beautiful old village that gives a glimpse of the traditional Korean culture, architecture, religion, and lifestyle in the 15~16th century. It is also listed on UNESCO World Heritage.

If you want to see a panoramic view of the entire Andong Hahoe Folk Village, head to  Buyongdae Cliff! (Address: 72 Gwangdeoksotbat-gil, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong)

2) Woryeonggyo Bridge

• Address: 569 Sanga-dong, Andong, Gyeongbuk

The Woryeonggyo Bridge is the longest pedestrian overpass made of wood in Korea, opened in 2003. This bridge was built to commemorate a beautiful legend about a wife who made a pair of Mituri (hemp shoes) out of her hair in condolence for her husband who passed away. You can also see the fabulous fountains coming out of the bridge!

Woryeonggyo Bridge is also the filming location of the Korean TV Show, ‘Begin Again Korea’. The famous Korean music artists were busking in front of the bridge. You can also take a ‘Moon Boat’ that literally looks like a dazzling moon!

• Book Andong Moon Boat Experience at Woryoenggyo Bridge

3) Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy

• Address: 386 Byeongsan-gil, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, Gyeongbuk

Byeongsan Seowon is located near Hahoe Folk Village and it’s one of the attractions you must visit in Andong. Seowon refers to a local Confucian academy during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Byeongsan Seowon was established in the early 17th century by a notable Confucian scholar and politician, Ryu Seong-ryong, and this place is still managed by his descendants.

Byeongsan Seowon is also well known for having huge pink Baron Trees, which are exceptionally beautiful!

👉Book Byeongsan Seowon 1 Day Private Tour from Seoul

4) Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy

• Address: 155 Dosanseowon-gil, Dosan-myeon, Andong, Gyeongbuk

Dosan Seowon was established in 1574 by the students of Yi Hwang in memory of his death. Yi Hwang is a representative Korean Confucian scholar and you can also see him on the 1,000 Won Note. The view from Dosan Seowon is just stunning!

5) Gosanjeong Pavilion

• Address: 447 Gasong-ri, Dosan-myeon, Andong, Gyeongbuk

Gosanjeong is a pavilion that was built next to Cheongryangsan Mountain’s cliff by Geum Nan-su, a student of Yi Hwang. It is known that Yi Hwang and Geum Nan-su used to enjoy the picturesque view at Gosanjeong. Why don’t you enjoy the amazing scenery just like these Confucian scholars?

It’s also known as a filming spot of the famous K-Drama ‘Mr. Sunshine’, starred by Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri. They shoot a scene of Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri on the same boat.

6) Manhyujeong Pavilion

• Address: 42 Mukgyehari-gil, Gilan-myeon, Andong, Gyeongbuk

One of the popular photo spots in Andong is Manhyujeong, a pavilion that was built in AD 1500. There is a tree trunk laid as a bridge to Manhyujeong and taking a photo on this bridge is popular among people. Take creative Instagram-worthy pictures and enjoy nature at Manhyujeong!

Manhyujeong is also a filming location of the famous scene in ‘Mr. Sunshine’ Lee Byung-hun confesses his love for Kim Tae-ri.

7) Taesa-gil District

If you are interested in exploring the trendy side as well as the historical side of Andong, going to Taesa-gil district is highly recommended. It’s a neighborhood or a series of alleys filled with hipster cafes, restaurants, and small individual shops. One of the popular cafes in the Taesa-gil district is Cafe Dam, which is located at 20, Taesa-gil, Andong. It’s open every day except Monday.

[Recommended Tours in Andong]

• [Weekend Getaway] Andong Hahoe Folk Village 1 Day/2D1N Tour from Seoul/Busan
• [Weekend Getaway] Andong Hahoe Folk Village & Traditional Fireworks Festival Tour from Seoul/Busan (Oct 7 & 28)
• Andong Hahoe Folk Village 1 Day Private Tour from Seoul
• Andong Hahoe Folk Village 1 Day Private Tour from Busan/Daegu

[Recommended Activity in Andong]

• Andong Moon Boat Experience in Woryeonggyo Bridge
• Jangseung & Sotdae (Traditional Totem Poles) Making Experience in Andong

If you want to explore various sides of Gyeongbuk based on your travel needs, read this article: Top 5 Things to Do in Gyeongbuk Based on Your Travel Needs.

If you’re interested in discovering outdoor adventures in Gyeongbuk, read this article: Fun Fun Outdoor Activities to Do in Gyeongbuk.

Whether it be the coastal or the historical, Gyeongbuk is full of undiscovered fun that international travelers should experience. Make sure you put some of the destinations on your bucket list to Korea, and it will make your trip that much more exciting and memorable.

Don’t forget to browse Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, to find the trendiest and latest things to do on your holiday in Korea!

[Photo Credits]

• Mr. Sunshine Official Page