Top 10 Cities to visit in Gyeongsangbukdo
Gyeongsangbuk Do is a province of South Korea and is home to prominent cities where you do not run short of things to do. It is also known as North Gyeongsang Province and lies in the mid-eastern part of the country. It is also largely populated.
Gyeongsangbuk Do is rich in historic places and symbols, including temples, ancient tombs, pagodas, and Buddha statues. Everything has historical relevance. There are countless beautiful spots and activities to keep you excited and occupied. The area is equally known for some delicacies like jjimdak, ureongi, ssambap, etc.
Each city in the province has something spectacular about it, and we will take a look at ten of them. You can begin your tour of the province in any of these cities.
- POHANG
- GYEONGJU
- ANDONG
- GUMI
- GIMCHEON-SI
- MUNGYEONG
- YEONGCHEON
- SANGJU
- YEONGYANG-GUN
- CHILGOK-GUN
1. POHANG
Photo Credit: Hotels
This is one city where you do not tire of admiring the ocean and mountains. If you love seafood then Pohang is the place for you. You have a variety of seafood to choose from at the eateries and local markets. Watching the sunrise or taking a stroll along the beach are cool experiences that you must have.
Here are a few places to check out when visiting the city:
- Yeongil Bridge
The bridge is found close to the end of the beach and a spectacular feature of this bridge is that it has a classic Korean edifice on top of it. From there you can have an incredible view of the vicinity. Sunset is a great time to appreciate the ocean and the sky from this view.
You can also take a walk on the beach before you get to the bridge. A lot of people take a stroll on the beach before having dinner in any restaurant around. The entrance to the bridge is free.
- Cheongsong Ice Valley
This Valley is a beauty to behold. Getting into this area it’s not possible with the use of public transport. To visit here, you will have to rent a car or hire a bus with a group of people. The road that leads up to this valley is winding but yet it does not ruin the beautiful and calm view of the mountains surrounding it.
If you are a Disney fan you would probably feel like you were in a scene from “Frozen”. This valley is a must-visit in winter. Entry fee to this beauty is at no cost.
The ice valley is located at 228 Palgaksan-ro, Juwangsan-myeon, Cheongsong-gun, and Gyeongsangbuk-do.
- Igari Anchor Observatory
You cannot complete your visits to Pohang without going to the Igari Anchor Observatory. It got its name because it takes the shape of an anchor. This is only visible when viewed from above.
Nighttime is also a great time to visit the observatory. This is because the railings of the structure are all lit up with countless colourful lights.
The observatory is located at 67-3 Haean-ro, Iga-ri, Cheongha-myeon, Buk-gu, Pohang, and Gyeongsangbuk-do. The entry fee is free.
2. GYEONGJU
Photo Credit: Agoda
This is a beautiful coastal city found in the Southeastern part of Gyeongsangbuk. It is among the most astounding cities and visiting it is a must. Interestingly, Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are nice and fun places to visit here and we will take a look at them.
- Gyeongju National Museum
It is a fascinating museum where you get to understand ancient Korean culture. This is because Gyeongju was the capital of their ancient Silla Dynasty.
Here, you will see ancient necklaces, structural artifacts, crowns, etc. There is so much to keep you exploring the museum. If you are a history enthusiast then rest assured that you are in for a good time.
The Museum is located at 186, Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
- Yangdong Folk Village
As a unique traditional village, it showcases the incredible architecture of the Joseon era. When you pay a visit to the village, you will see a lot of houses that still have their roofs preserved from that period.
You will also get to appreciate the beauty of nature when you visit because there are incredible mountains, trees, and hills surrounding the city.
The village is located at 93, Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
- Woljeonggyo Bridge
It is a beautiful bridge that attracts visitors both during the day and at night. The view at night is spectacular. It is a perfect spot to take pictures.
It is located at Gyeongju-si Gyo-dong 274 and it is always open from 9 am to 10 pm. Guess what? Entry is free!
3. ANDONG
Photo Credit: Trip101
This is a beautiful historical city surrounded by two prominent mountains. Andong is popular for its tradition and cultural preservation. Some traditions are about 5000 years old and known to this city.
The city doesn’t usually interact with an influx of outsiders so this has helped to preserve the uniqueness of the city’s cultural heritage. You will not run short of where to go, what to do, or what to eat.
Here are fun things to do and places to visit in Andong:
- Andong Soju Museum
There are different amazing things to try out in this area and Soju is a great start. You can get original and locally distilled Soju in Andong. The history of this incredible drink goes back as far as the 13th century and it is made out of fermented rice and grains.
Soju is usually taken with a lot of meals in South Korea so you can get some for yourself while eating at any restaurant.
If you want to get a detailed history of this exotic drink then you need to pay a visit to the Andong Soju Museum. You will not only learn about the drink but also be able to collect some samples for your consumption. This is an exciting activity to carry out with your friends but remember that consuming it a lot might be intoxicating.
- Andong Mask Dance Festival
This is one festival that brings together a lot of tourists from all around the world. It is an event that showcases the cultural heritage and beauty of Andong. You can tell a lot about Korean culture and tradition by watching this dance.
The festival is held in September or October and it portrays Talcum, the traditional mask dance of the people. Here, the dancers tell a story using the dance.
- Bongjeongsa Temple
This is an old Buddhist temple sitting beautifully in the city. Meditation and serenity are best experienced in this temple.
It is popular because of its wooden architectural nature. It ranks second as the oldest wooden building in the country.
- Andong Folk Village
You do not have to skip visiting this incredible village if you want to experience the beauty of Andong. The Hahoe Folk Village is as old as 600 years. There is a lot of history lying about here and it will take you close to a day to explore the entire area.
The village attracts a lot of tourists because it isn’t lacking in modern amenities and each of the houses still has a rural feel to it.
4. GUMI
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
Gumi is among the largest cities in Gyeongsangbuk Do and is loaded with amazing features and places that will give you an amazing experience.
You can refer to the city as an industrial hub due to the presence of different reputable companies such as LG and Samsung.
Among the incredible places to visit here include:
- Geumosan Reservoir
It is a stunning reservoir that has amazing trails surrounding it. You will spend about 35 to 40 minutes taking a walk around it. Do this while enjoying the view of the lake.
For mountain lovers, there is a mountain for you to hike or you can ride the cable car. The area is calm and serene, making it the ideal spot to enjoy a great day.
- Geumosan Provincial Park
Enjoy the best of nature here at this park. The astounding mountain (Mount Geomosan) and the trees surrounding this park are a must-see. There are also beautiful waterfalls, a shrine, caves, old fortresses, and historic temples. These are incredible spots to take pictures.
You can equally take a walk around Geumosan Lake. You will also see different restaurants, cafes, camping facilities, etc where you can have a decent meal.
Other great places to visit in Gumi include:
~ Gumi Eco Land. The address is 196, Indeok 1-gil, Sandong-myeon, Gumi, Gyeomsangbukdo.
~ Gumi Science Center
~ Cheonsaeng Sanseong Fortress
~ Silla Buddhist Chojeonji
5. GIMCHEON-SI
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
This city is found in the Northern part of the country. During ancient times, it was popular for the 3 mountains to its name – Daedeok, Hwangak, and Geumo. It was quite popular during the Chosun Era.
Gimcheon has historical sites and exciting places to visit, making it one of the top cities in Gyeongsangbuk Do. Some of these places include:
~ Jikjisa Temple : This is one of the largest temples in the country and has been standing for centuries now. It is found at the foot of Mount Hwangak.
The serenity of the environment makes it ideal for meditation. There is a stream close by and is equally surrounded by other natural elements. You will also see many ancient artworks and statues that will give you insight into Korean tradition. The staff at the temple are very friendly and helpful, they will make your visit pleasant.
~ Jikji Culture Park
~ Hwangaksan: This is a mountain with simple hiking trails.
~ Samyeongdaesa Park
~ Mugunghwa Park
~ Gimcheon Gymnasium
~ Jikji Munhwa Gongwon
6. MUNGYEONG
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Mungyeong has a long history and is also known for its various tourist attractions scattered all over the city.
The city still maintains its traditional heritage. You will still find rural areas that practise Confucianism. The art peculiar to this region is a ceramic craft. They have practised this since the Joseon era.
Mungyeong isn’t left out when it comes to having delicious meals as well. You will find their chicken and noodle dishes very delicious.
Incredible places to visit here include:
~Seonyudong Valley
~ Mungyeong Museum of Coal
~ Daeseungsa Temple
~ Museum of old roads
~ Mungyeong Saejae Open Set
~ Buljung Natural Recreation Forest
7. YEONGCHEON
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
This is a stunning city of incredible things. You get a clear view of the stars, rivers, and mountains. If you love grapes and peaches then you are in luck because they are in abundance here.
The city is a blend of urban and rural features. It is also the hometown of so many loyalists and patriots. So you will feel at ease when you are here.
Here are places to check out while visiting the city:
~ Yeongcheon Manbulsa Temple : This is a quiet temple with a lot of Buddha statues of different sizes. It’s a nice place to spend your day.
~ Yeongcheon Battle Memorial Park
~ Unju Mountain Recreational Forest
~ Chisan Tourist Site Trail
~ Imgo Riverside Park
~ Eunhaesa Temple
~ Palgongsan Provincial Park
~ Yeongcheon Oriental Medicine Village
~ Chisan Tourist Site Trail
~ Dolhalmae Park
~ Manbulsa Temple
Some festivals are held here that would interest you such as the Bohyeonsan Starlight Festival and Yeongcheon Herbal Medicine Festival.
8. SANGJU
Photo Credit: Sangju
Sangju City is unarguably a beautiful city with an admirable culture.
Check out these incredible places when you visit:
~ Munjangdae: This is a mighty rock surrounded by other mountains. The size of the rock makes it an incredible sight.
~ Gyeongcheondae: An area of natural beauty consisting of pine trees, high cliffs, rivers, etc.
~ Jeong Jae-su Memorial Hall
~ Gyeongsang Comptroller Arrival and Inspection Your March
~ Nagaksan Mountain
~ Sangju Weir Auto Camping Site
~ Imnan Bukcheon Jeonjeokji
9. YEONGYANG-GUN
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Yeongyang-gun is yet another beautiful city on our list. You won’t run out of where to go or what to do.
Here are a few of our favourite places to visit in Yeongyang-gun:
~ Yeongyang Firefly Observatory
~ Heungrimsan Natural Forest
~ Seonbawi Tourist Park
~ Jusil Village
~ Dudeul Village
~ Yeongyang Eumsikdimibang Experience: You get to try out delicious native meals here including dumplings, noodles, lobster meat, etc. Omija and hwajeon tea are also served here.
10. CHILGOK-GUN
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Famous during the Korean War, this is a fine city to visit as well. There was a strong defence point for the Joseon Dynasty during the war. It is located in the southwestern part of Gyeongsangbuk Do.
Check these places out whenever you visit:
~ Gasansanseong Mountain Fortress
~ Chilgok Patriots and Peace Memorial
~ Songnimsa Temple
~ Hill 303 Massacre
~ Gunwi Buddha Triad Grotto
~ Changnyeong Gaeksa
~ Songjeong Recreational Forest
~ Dabudong War Memorial Museum
~ Waegwan War Memorial Museum
We wouldn’t be able to mention all the incredible places in Gyeongsangbuk Do but we believe that the above places will get you started on your tour of the city. Tell us which of the places you will visit first!