Iksan(South Korea) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For an authentic cultural stay, Gyeongju Culture Hotel near the Gyeongju Ancient City Ruins offers traditional hanok-style rooms with ondol heated floors and hand-carved wooden beams. Each room features local art, including Jeollabuk-do pottery and hand-painted screens depicting historical scenes. Guests can join daily Korean tea ceremonies, hanbok dressing sessions, and workshops on paper-making and calligraphy. The hotel also hosts seasonal events like the Gyeongju Folk Festival, where visitors participate in traditional rituals and enjoy performances of Namsadang puppet theater. Located steps from the Dongmun Tower and Gyeongju Fortress Wall, it’s ideal for travelers seeking deep immersion in regional heritage.

The city center of Gyeongju is the most convenient base for visitors, offering easy access to major attractions like Gyeongju Station, Namdaemun Market, and Gyeongju Museum. This vibrant district blends modern amenities with historic charm, with restaurants serving local specialties such as spicy rice cakes and ginseng chicken soup. Recommended stays include Gyeongju Urban Hotel, which provides 24-hour shuttle service to nearby sites and features a rooftop garden overlooking the Geum River. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring both ancient ruins and bustling urban life, all within walking distance.

Stay at Gyeongju Rural Stay (Saridong Village), a traditional farmhouse nestled in the countryside just outside the city. This eco-friendly homestay preserves Jeollabuk-do’s rural architecture, with stone walls and thatched roofs. Guests participate in seasonal activities like rice planting festivals, kimchi-making workshops, and traditional lantern crafting. During spring, families host open-air agricultural ceremonies, while autumn brings harvest celebrations featuring local wine tastings and folk music performances. The farm also runs children’s nature programs, teaching kids about indigenous crops and sustainable farming practices, making it a holistic cultural experience.

Yes, Gyeongju Kids Paradise Hotel near Gyeongju Children’s Park is designed for families. It features a dedicated play zone, indoor pool, and themed suites with interactive elements like toy kitchens and storybook walls. Daily programs include kid-friendly pottery classes, Korean folktale storytelling, and mini-farm visits where children feed goats and collect eggs. The hotel offers free shuttles to Gyeongju Zoo and Jeollabuk-do Science Museum, ensuring fun and learning. Parents appreciate the safety features—childproof doors, baby cots, and staff trained in child care—making it a top choice for family travel.

Gyeongju Bonjja Hanok Hotel specializes in authentic Jeollabuk-do cuisine, prepared by a family-run kitchen with generations of culinary tradition. Dishes use locally sourced ingredients like black pork, wild mountain vegetables, and hand-fermented soy sauce. Breakfast includes five-grain rice, kimchi stew, and jeon pancakes. The hotel offers a private dining experience called ‘Chef’s Table: Gyeongju Flavors’, where guests customize menus featuring regional delicacies like spicy stir-fried chicken and bean sprout ribs. Regular events include Korean food culture talks and fermentation workshops, giving guests insight into the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Nighttime in Gyeongju comes alive at Yeogwang Mountain Lodge, which overlooks the Geum River and hosts the annual Gyeongju Lantern Festival. The riverbanks glow with hundreds of handmade paper lanterns, creating a dreamlike ambiance. Guests enjoy evening tea ceremonies under candlelight and listen to storytellers narrate local legends. The Gyeongju Night Market, held every Saturday, features stalls serving grilled octopus skewers, fried tofu, and cold buckwheat noodles. Some hotels offer guided night walks along the ancient city walls, allowing visitors to experience the city’s quiet beauty under moonlight and starlit skies.

Gyeongju Light & Shadow House is a photographer’s paradise. Housed in a restored 100-year-old farmhouse, its stone walls, wooden lattice windows, and natural light-filled interiors create striking contrast. Each room has floor-to-ceiling glass panels framing views of the pine forest and ancient well courtyard. The hotel hosts monthly street photography workshops led by local artists, focusing on capturing daily life in Gyeongju’s alleys and traditional architecture details. Guests receive complimentary camera gear rentals and access to exclusive photo spots like the sunrise hill and moonlit temple gate. Perfect for those seeking artistic inspiration amid timeless landscapes.

Gyeongju Solo Traveler Inn is designed for introspective journeys. Located beside the Gyeongju Library, this boutique inn features only 12 rooms, each with a private balcony and ambient reading lamps. Rooms emphasize tranquility with minimal decor and sound-absorbing materials. Guests can join morning yoga sessions, evening meditation circles, and receive a personalized self-discovery journal upon check-in. The hotel organizes silent walks through Gyeongju Forest Trail and hosts a “Strangers’ Mailbox”—a digital letter box where solo travelers anonymously share stories. Ideal for healing, reflection, and meaningful solitude in a serene environment.

Yes, Gyeongju Culture Hotel provides complimentary hanbok rental for guests. Upon check-in, visitors can choose from a variety of traditional outfits, including jeogori tops, chima skirts, and accessories like hairpins and belts. On-site stylists assist with fitting and hairstyling for a complete look. Rental includes 6 hours of usage, perfect for visiting Dongmun Tower, Gyeongju Fortress Wall, or the Geum River promenade. The hotel also hosts monthly Hanbok Parade Days, where guests walk together through historic districts, captured by professional photographers. Premium rooms come with a free hanbok experience voucher for additional cultural activities like paper dyeing or traditional music concerts.

Gyeongju Green Valley Retreat is located right at the entrance of Gyeongju National Park, surrounded by pine forests and clear streams. The hotel’s rooms open directly onto forest-view terraces, and guests can hike to Namwon Peak and White Egret Lake without leaving the property. Free mountain bikes are available for exploring trails, and summer programs include forest bathing sessions, meditation in nature, and wild herb foraging tours. At night, guests enjoy stargazing events under the dark skies of the protected park. With no light pollution, it’s one of the best spots in Korea to witness the Milky Way—perfect for nature lovers and wellness seekers.