Hwangnamdaechong Tomb Gyeongju
Majestic ancient royal tombs forming a unique, serene landscape in Gyeongju, a must-visit for history and K-drama fans.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Hwangnamdaechong Tomb Gyeongju
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic ancient royal tombs forming a unique, serene landscape in Gyeongju, a must-visit for history and K-drama fans.
"These aren't just hills, they're tombs of Korean kings, offering a beautiful and fascinating glimpse into history."
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning to avoid long queues for photos.
📸 Drama Location Hunt
Spot filming locations from K-dramas like 'Family By Choice'!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Burial Mounds
Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Park
Vast, grass-covered mounds that are actually ancient royal tombs. A truly unique and serene landscape.
Filming Location Charm
Various locations within the park
Discover spots made famous by K-dramas like 'Family By Choice'. A must-see for fans!
Golden Hour Glow
Throughout the park
Experience the magical light of sunset casting a warm glow over the ancient tombs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Photos
Respect the Royal Tombs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning to avoid long queues for photos.
📸 Drama Location Hunt
Spot filming locations from K-dramas like 'Family By Choice'!
🚶♀️ Free to Explore
Enjoy a peaceful walk through history; entry is free!
👑 Respect the Royal Past
These are ancient tombs, so be mindful and follow any rules.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning to avoid long queues for photos.
📸 Drama Location Hunt
Spot filming locations from K-dramas like 'Family By Choice'!
🚶♀️ Free to Explore
Enjoy a peaceful walk through history; entry is free!
👑 Respect the Royal Past
These are ancient tombs, so be mindful and follow any rules.
✨ Golden Hour Magic
The light at sunset is breathtaking for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Hwangnamdaechong Tomb and the surrounding Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Park to be a beautiful and historically significant free attraction. Many appreciate the unique landscape and its connection to K-drama filming locations, making it a popular spot for dates and photography. However, some note that more historical signage would enhance the visitor experience, and crowds can be an issue during peak times.
"Here you can see the beautiful burial mounds / tombs of some of the Korean kings; or as my friends say… beautiful hills.
There’s a really large garden / historical site that you can walk through on both sides of the road (north and south). There’s southern one (this review) doesn’t allow food or drinks, but people were picnicking in the northern one.
Walking around here was beautiful and great for a date night~"
Queen Bee
"The story and history behind these tombs are so interesting and fascinating. For decades local people kept thinking that these are just small hills while on excavating one of these it turned out to be treasure troves of secrets, money and gold. Gyeongju is a must visit place to know more about the history of South Korea 😊"
Subhankar Dutta
"A very cool area worth a visit.
It's free to enter and it's nice to just walk around and take it all in.
Would be nice with more signs for tourists that explained the history of the graves and the area."
Hanne Heingård
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hwangnamdaechong Tomb is located within the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Park in Gyeongju. You can reach Gyeongju by KTX train from major cities like Seoul or Busan. Once in Gyeongju, local buses or taxis are readily available to take you to the park entrance. Many visitors find it convenient to explore the area on foot or by renting a bike.
Yes, the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Park, which includes Hwangnamdaechong Tomb, is well-served by local buses in Gyeongju. It's also a popular area for cycling, making it accessible for those who prefer to explore on two wheels.
Depending on your starting point, it might be a pleasant walk. The tomb complex is quite central within Gyeongju, and many visitors enjoy strolling through the historic district to reach it.
The tomb complex is best explored on foot to truly appreciate the scale and atmosphere. For longer distances within the park or to cover more ground, consider renting a bicycle.
Yes, there are parking areas available near the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Park. However, during peak seasons or weekends, these can fill up quickly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Park, including Hwangnamdaechong Tomb, is free to enter. This makes it a very accessible and popular attraction for all visitors.
The Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Park is generally open from early morning until late evening. Specific hours can vary slightly by season, but it's typically accessible throughout daylight hours and into the early evening.
Since entry is free, no advance booking is required for Hwangnamdaechong Tomb or the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Park. You can visit anytime during opening hours.
Yes, some areas, particularly the southern side of the park, prohibit food and drinks to preserve the historical site. It's advisable to check for signage upon arrival.
While the park is generally open until late evening, it's best to check the exact closing times. Visiting during daylight hours, especially around sunset, is recommended for the best experience and safety.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour, just before sunset, offers stunning light for photography, creating a magical atmosphere. Early mornings are also excellent for fewer crowds and softer light.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the sweeping views of the mounds from various vantage points. The area is also known as a filming location for K-dramas, so fans might seek out those specific spots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and cultural sites to protect them and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
You can capture serene landscapes of the ancient burial mounds, dramatic sunset shots, and potentially recreate scenes from popular K-dramas. The sheer scale of the tombs is impressive.
During peak times, it can be challenging to get photos without other visitors. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays can significantly reduce the number of people.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can wander through the expansive park, admire the ancient burial mounds, learn about the history of the Silla Kingdom, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It's also a popular spot for dates and photography.
Absolutely! The serene landscape, beautiful views, and romantic ambiance, especially during sunset, make it a perfect spot for a date.
While the natural beauty is evident, some visitors have noted a desire for more signage explaining the history of the graves and the area. It's recommended to do some prior research or use a guide for deeper historical context.
You can spend anywhere from 1-3 hours exploring the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Park, depending on your interest in history and photography. A leisurely stroll can easily fill a couple of hours.
Restroom facilities are available within the Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Park. Nearby streets also offer numerous cafes and restaurants, including some popular ones like Cafe Youngsugar.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical significance might be a bit advanced for very young children, the sheer visual appeal of the landscape is engaging. It's a great opportunity for a relaxed outing, and the free entry makes it an economical choice for family fun. Just be mindful of the 'no food or drink' rules in certain sections to keep the site pristine for everyone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim to capture the sweeping vistas of the entire park or focus on the textures and shapes of individual tombs.Consider visiting during the early morning to avoid crowds and capture the serene, misty atmosphere that can sometimes prevail. This also allows for more time to experiment with compositions without feeling pressured. The park's connection to K-drama filming locations also provides opportunities for themed photoshoots, appealing to a niche interest.
❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
The sunset views are particularly breathtaking, casting a warm, romantic glow over the ancient landscape, making it an ideal location for memorable moments and photos. The unique historical backdrop adds a touch of timelessness to any romantic outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Royal Tombs
The sheer scale of these tombs is impressive, with Hwangnamdaechong being one of the largest. The park allows visitors to walk among these ancient structures, offering a tangible connection to Korea's rich past. Understanding that these are sacred burial grounds adds a layer of reverence to the visit, reminding us of the powerful dynasty that once ruled this land.
Exploring Daereungwon provides a unique opportunity to witness the architectural and cultural legacy of the Silla era. The ongoing preservation efforts ensure that these historical monuments continue to stand as silent witnesses to Korea's dynastic history, making Gyeongju a vital destination for history enthusiasts.
Gyeongju as a K-Drama Filming Hotspot
This connection to popular culture transforms the historical site into a more relatable and engaging experience for many tourists, especially international visitors who are fans of K-dramas. It offers a chance to step into the world of their favorite shows and capture memorable photos in iconic settings.
Beyond 'Family By Choice', the serene and ancient atmosphere of Gyeongju, with its tombs and historical sites, makes it a sought-after location for directors looking for a blend of natural beauty and historical depth. This trend continues to draw visitors interested in both Korean history and contemporary pop culture.
Photography Tips for Daereungwon
However, be prepared for potential queues if you're aiming for specific photo spots, as some areas can get busy, with people waiting to take a single picture. Visiting early in the morning is another excellent strategy to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere with softer, more diffused light. This allows for more freedom to explore and find unique angles without feeling rushed.
When composing your shots, consider the vastness of the park and the unique shapes of the tombs. Experiment with different perspectives, from wide-angle shots that capture the scale of the mounds to closer shots that highlight the textures of the grass and earth. Remember that these are ancient royal burial sites, so maintaining a respectful approach while capturing your memories is key.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit