This blog provides travel information about the culture and nature of Korea.
Gyeongju Hwangridan-gil Tour & Daereungwon Stroll
Are you planning a trip to Gyeongju? If so, you absolutely cannot miss Hwangridan-gil, where the past and present blend beautifully. From famous photo spots I visited myself to essential info on Daereungwon and Cheonmachong, let me guide you through this must-visit destination.
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| Travel Gyeongju: Where Tradition Meets Modern Vibes at Hwangridan-gil |
Hwangridan-gil: A Mix of Old and New
I took a stroll through Hwangridan-gil, where Gyeongju’s tradition and modern trends harmonize perfectly. Interestingly, this area in Hwangnam-dong used to be called "Hwangnam Keungil" (Hwangnam Main Road).
Centering around the Hanok village next to Daereungwon, it has transformed into a vibrant street lined with trendy cafes, charming prop shops, and unique restaurants. With Poseok-ro as the main road, every alley is filled with character, making it an essential hotspot in any Gyeongju itinerary.
Since it’s right next to Daereungwon (home to Cheonmachong and Hwangnamdaechong) and near Cheomseongdae, it’s a perfect landmark to include in your travel plans.
🚩Location & Parking Guide
The alleys around Hwangridan-gil are narrow, so parking can be quite tricky. I used the Hwangnam Public Parking Lot, which is great for those exploring on foot.
The fees are relatively cheap, and its proximity to the main street makes it very convenient. However, the lot fills up quickly in the afternoon, so I recommend visiting in the morning if you want a more relaxed experience.
- Location: 1080, Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Parking: Nodong Public Parking Lot (767, Taejong-ro / Paid), Hwangridan-gil Public Parking Lot (157-4, Hwangnam-dong / Temporarily Free)
A Street Full of Things to See
I wondered why Hwangridan-gil was so popular, and after walking through it, I totally understood. The natural blend of traditional Hanok houses and modern shops creates a space that younger generations—and everyone else—can't help but love.
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| Hwangridan-gil Sketch Map |
🚩 Into the Alleys of Hwangridan-gil
As expected of Gyeongju, the city of history, you can easily find old houses and tiled roofs everywhere. Many cafes and restaurants have preserved the Hanok structures, making the entire street feel like a scenic landscape.
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| A Blend of Past and Present |
You'll often see tourists wearing Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) rented from nearby shops. If the weather were a bit cooler, I’m sure there would have been even more people enjoying this time-traveling experience!
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| A Timeless Walk: Hanbok Tour in Gyeongju |
🌿 Photo Spots & Filming Locations
The front of Daereungwon Selfie Studio, known as a filming location for the popular TV show 'I Live Alone', is a major photo spot. Photos of the celebrities who visited are on display, and many people were queuing up to take pictures here. |
| Hwangridan-gil Photo Zones, Daereungwon Photo Studio |
💦 Prop Shops & Street Food
You’ll find plenty of prop shops selling adorable souvenirs and accessories. While the items might not be incredibly rare, browsing through them is a fun experience you shouldn't miss.Popular Hwangridan-gil Eats:
- Hwangnam Jjondeugi (Chewy snack)
- 10-Won Bread (Sib-won-ppang)
- Various Ice Creams
- Note: The ice cream in the animal-shaped cups was so cute I almost felt bad eating it! But to be honest, Hwangnam Jjondeugi wasn't really my thing—it didn't taste that special.
The 1,000-Year History: Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Right next to Hwangridan-gil lies the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, a place many remember from school field trips. It houses representative tombs of the Silla Dynasty, including Cheonmachong, Hwangnamdaechong, and the Tomb of King Michu.
You can also see the Son Siyang Memorial Stone, the excavation site of the Golden Sword, and the famous five Metasequoia trees nearby.
- Daereungwon: Free Entry
- Cheonmachong: Paid Entry
- Adults: 3,000 KRW
- Youth/Soldiers: 2,000 KRW
- Children: 1,000 KRW
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| Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheonmachong: The Ancient Capital of a Thousand Years |
Cheonmachong is a tomb that was excavated intact (never looted) and has been restored so visitors can see the interior. It is an essential stop for any history-themed trip to Gyeongju.
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| Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheonmachong: The Ancient Capital of a Thousand Years |
"A Journey to Gyeongju: The Thousand-Year Capital"
With its fun shops, Instagrammable spots, and diverse street food, Gyeongju Hwangridan-gil is a place I highly recommend. It’s where the classical beauty of an old street meets modern sensibility.
Take a slow walk and immerse yourself in the special atmosphere that only Gyeongju can offer!
