If you are planning a trip to Gyeongju City, located on the southeastern coast of South Korea, be sure to take your time and fully experience its long-standing history as the former capital of the Silla Dynasty. Home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites and cultural properties, a day simply isn’t enough to get a feel for the city’s ancient past. For a truly memorable holiday, stay away from the Gyeongju hotels and opt for accommodation in a traditional hanok instead. Keep reading for our list of some of the best hanoks to stay in Gyeongju, South Korea.
1 Yettle Hanok Stay
At Yettle Hanok Stay, you can experience living in a traditional Korean house. Take a leisurely stroll by the garden or enjoy the early morning sun from the terrace. To get a real authentic experience, the exterior and furnishings are of traditional style, with futons or mattresses on the floor and low tables for dining and drinking. A shared kitchen is also available if you’re in the mood for a snack.
Additional Information
- Name: Yettle Hanok Stay
- Address: 9, Balgeunmaeul-gil 19.23 km from Yangdong Folk Village
- Services:
- Parking
- Garden
- Terrace
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Internet services
- Heating
- WiFi Available
Booking Links
2 Cheonggong Hanok Stay
Make sure you visit the popular Bulguksa Temple, only 2.8 kilometers (1.74 miles) away, especially the Seokguram Grotto, which is a part of the temple complex. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from the gardens of this traditional Korean hotel, which features several spots perfect for sitting around and enjoying each others company or solitude. The hotel offers rooms with a kitchenette, a low table, and futon mattresses. Other nearby attractions include the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village and Gyeongju National Museum.
Additional Information
- Name: Cheonggong Hanok Stay
- Rating: 4.0/5
- Address: Cheonggong Hanok Stay
Booking Links
3 Hyangdan House ( - ) at 121-83, Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si
If you’re looking for locations of hanok guesthouses that aren’t too urbanised, how does a stay at the Hyangdan House in Gyeongju Yangdong Village ( ), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, excite you? Built in 1543 and designated as the 412th National Treasure on 14th November 1964, the structure of the house is unique compared to the other nearby hanok houses. It is said that King Jungjong, moved by Gyeongsang Provinces inspector Yi Eon-jeoks filial piety, built it this way so his mother could move around more easily. Guests will be able to take in the scenic natural surroundings and traditional culture of Korea’s largest traditional village, as well as the 160 old houses and 500-year-old thatched-roof cottages, 54 of which are over 200 years old, all nestled within the valley. Although the price is around 160,510 KRW (140 USD) for a twin-sharing room per night, it definitely would be worth it for those who want to have an unforgettable experience staying in a National
Additional Information
- Name: Hyangdan House ( - ) at 121-83, Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si
- Rating: 8.7/5
- Address: 135 Yangdong-ri, Gangdong-myeon (121-83 Yangdongmaeul-gil), Angang-eup, Gyeongju-si, South Korea, 780914 674 m from Yangdong Folk Village
Booking Links
4 Sarangchae Traveler's Inn ( ) at 238-1, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si
Proud to be the first Gyeongju guesthouse opened in Korea when the concept of dormitory-style guesthouses was still fairly foreign, Sarangchae Travelers Inn has come a long way and remains one of the most highly-recommended hanok guesthouses in Gyeongju city. This traditional house may have been around for more than a century, but its interiors are still well-maintained without losing its old-school charm..Location-wise, Sarangchae is in the same centralised area as Lucky Won, but is also blessed with quiet surroundings for an undisturbed rest at night. Its friendly owner, Mr An, is fluent in English and Japanese, and is always willing to offer you detailed information on what you can do in Gyeongju. A complimentary breakfast comprising toasts with jam or margarine, eggs, and coffee or green tea is provided. You will also have the opportunity to try on traditional Korean clothes called the hanbok here. .In addition, the main attraction of the inn is none other than the native Korean dog breed known as Sapsaree Dog of Gyeongsan. Since the Japanese Occupation (1910 – 1945), the Sapsaree became a source of leather and consequently became in danger of becoming extinct. Therefore, it is now designated and protected as a Natural Monument in the country. Characterised with long hair covering its eyes and body and drooping ears, the dog is loyal to its owner and believed to expel evil and misfortune. Dog-lovers can spend some time playing with Choko and her daughter Candy while staying in this century-old hanok..Depending on your budget, you can choose to stay in a room with private bathroom or shared bathroom facility. A double or twin-sharing room with private bathroom costs 45,000 KRW (39.10 USD) per night. It may be double the price of that in Lucky Won, but considering the opportunity to stay in such an ancient but well-maintained traditional house, its still pretty reasonable!.
Additional Information
- Name: Sarangchae Traveler's Inn ( ) at 238-1, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si
- Address: 133-2, Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu 267.42 km from Yangdong Folk Village
- Services:
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Laundry
- Family rooms
- Internet services
- Currency exchange
- Car hire
- Heating
- Fax/photocopying
Booking Links
5 Sillabang Guest House () at 323, Seongdong-dong, Gyeongju-si
Sillabang Guest House, conveniently located in Gyeongjus city centre just 5 minutes walk from Gyeongju Station, is ideal for guests travelling to other parts in the country as it offers easy access to other parts of Korea by train. You can also find the Large-size Mart and many restaurants and shops nearby, while tourist attractions such as the Gyeongjueupseong Ruins are within close proximity. On the other side of Gyeongju Station to the east lies the largest traditional market in Gyeongju – the Seongdong Market (), with around 300 stores and 30 street vendors selling the authentic Hwangnam Bread, a Gyeongju speciality popular with both locals and tourists. Just like other hanok guesthouses, Sillabang boasts a shared kitchen, lounge and garden, plus the added bonus of charcoal fire cooking facilities, a tea room and calligraphy room, where guests can learn more about the Korean traditional culture. Furthermore, Sillabang also houses the biggest guest rooms in the city, so space won’t be a concern! Prices start from 45,000
Additional Information
- Name: Sillabang Guest House () at 323, Seongdong-dong, Gyeongju-si
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Address: 323 Seongdong-Dong 17.68 km from Yangdong Folk Village
Booking Links
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average price for staying in a Hanok in Gyeongju?Staying in a traditional hanok is an experience you must have in Gyeongju. A stay in a hanok is relatively affordable and can cost you around 99 USD per night.
- Which hotels in Gyeongju have parking?Yettle Hanok Stay, Cheonggong Hanok Stay & Hyangdan House ( - ) at 121-83, Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si all have parking available. Take day trips to nearby areas to fully immerse in Korean culture!