Hotels in Gyeongju

All of Gyeongju's high-end hotels are located in the Bomun Lake Tourist complex. One of the best upscale accommodations is the Hotel Hyundai, 477-2, Shinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si (tel. 054/748-2233; fax 054/748-8234), which has standard rooms starting at W220,000 plus 10% VAT and a service charge. For an extra W20,000 you'll get a lakeview room. Also nice is the nearby Gyeongju Hilton, 370, Shinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si (tel. 054/740-1234; fax 054/744-7799; www.hilton.com), with rates starting at W150,000 for a standard room.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the city has some youth hostels, which are located on the street on the way up from the Bulguksa parking lot to the temple itself. One of the larger ones is the Bulguksa Youth Hostel, 530-3 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si (tel. 054/746-0826). In the Bomun Lake area, there is also the Gyeongju Bomun Youth Hostel, San 87, Songok-dong, Bomun, Gyeongju-si (tel. 054/749-5000), about a 15-minute walk from the Chosun Hotel. Most youth hostels have adult rates at W22,000 per person, lower for junior-high and high-school students.

For a more personal touch and family atmosphere, the minbak (homestay) Sarangchae, 238-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si (tel. 054/773-4868; shilla7@chol.com), is conveniently located within walking distance of the bus stop and Tumuli Park. Rates are W25,000 for a single with bathroom or W30,000 for a double, which includes a simple breakfast of toast, eggs, and coffee or green tea.

Most midrange and budget accommodations are scattered throughout the city. Some of them can be found in the western area of downtown, with similar prices and facilities. One of the better ones in the downtown area is the Gyeongju Park Tourist Hotel, San 87, Songok-dong, Bomun, Gyeongju-si (tel. 054/742-8804), with twin rooms starting at W55,000 on weekdays. Prices go up slightly on weekends and a bit more during high season in the summer.

If you're on a really tight budget, you can stay in group sleeping quarters in a jjimjilbang (bathhouse) for about W8,000, which isn't recommended for light sleepers. One to check out is Cheomseongdae Bulhanjeonmak (191 Hadong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do; tel. 054/777-7602), which is open 24 hours and costs W8,000 adults, W5,000 children.