A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Gyeongju, South Korea

A living museum under open skies, Gyeongju weaves together ancient tombs, tranquil temples, and quiet hanok-lined streets — all bathed in soft natural light, perfect for film photography. This guide uncovers the city’s most photogenic corners and cultural gems, curated for analogue lovers, slow travelers, and visual explorers alike.

A serene space filled with artifacts from the Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju National Museum offers a quiet window into Korea’s ancient past. The outdoor grounds are beautiful year-round, with ever-changing light and seasonal blooms adding a natural frame to every shot. Photo by wallflowersforjane

186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Located inside Gyeongju Expo Grand Park, Solgeo Art Museum is a calm and contemporary space nestled in nature. The large glass window reflecting Apyeongji Pond is a favorite among local photographers. Visit in spring for unexpected cherry blossoms and gentle, dappled light.

South Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju, 보덕동 109

Surrounded by nature, Bomun Lake is a peaceful setting for a photo walk or bike ride. It's especially beloved for cherry blossoms in spring and fiery foliage in autumn. Load up a roll of LomoChrome Turquoise to give the seasonal scenery a surreal, otherworldly twist — perfect for creative color play and dreamy contrasts. Photo by zehnten

South Korea, 경상북도 경주시 보덕동

Located just outside Gyeongju’s city center, Dori Village Ginkgo Forest transforms into a golden wonderland every autumn. Its tall ginkgo trees create a glowing canopy of yellow — perfect for soft-focus portraits and dreamy, backlit film frames. A seasonal gem well worth timing your visit around. Photo by dahee9119

954-3 Do-ri, Seo-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Hwangridan-gil is where Gyeongju’s old-world charm meets modern culture. This stylish stretch of road is filled with hanok cafés, curated boutiques, and indie shops — perfect for street shots and spontaneous film portraits.Photo by bbangshong

South Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju, 황남동 Poseok-ro, 일대

Dating back to the 7th century, Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Its distinct stone structure stands out against the surrounding garden — especially beautiful at sunset or with a roll of LomoChrome Purple. Photo by ilcoconauta

839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Nestled near Bomun Lake, Wooyang Museum is a peaceful space for those who enjoy clean lines, nature, and quiet contemplation. With its minimalist design and rotating exhibitions, it’s a calm stop on any Gyeongju itinerary.

484-7 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Jungang Market is a bustling hub loved by both locals and visitors. From fresh street food to daily essentials, it’s a great place to soak in local flavor — literally and culturally. Don’t miss the night market, open from Wednesday to Sunday, where stalls come alive with sizzling snacks and vibrant photo ops. Nearby markets like Seongdong and Hwangnam are also worth exploring. Photo by bogat23k

South Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju, Geumseong-ro, 295 KR

Gyeongju, once the capital of the Silla Dynasty for a thousand years, is a city where timeless heritage and tranquil landscapes exist in quiet harmony. From iconic sites like Cheomseongdae Observatory, Bulguksa Temple, and the Daereungwon Tomb Complex to lakeside paths and seasonal walking trails, every corner invites slow exploration and reflection. Encounters with kind-hearted locals only deepen the experience. Quiet, yet full of stories, Gyeongju is a must-visit for anyone seeking analogue beauty and a peaceful escape through the lens.

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Gyeongju

We’ve curated a list of our favorite art galleries, museums, and cultural landmarks in Busan — ideal for film photographers, creatives, and analogue adventurers looking to dive deeper into the city’s artistic spirit.

OAR Museum
Opened in 2025, OAR Museum is a contemporary art space set against the historic backdrop of Gyeongju. Through its windows, visitors can glimpse ancient burial mounds — a quiet, striking contrast that feels almost like a living painting. A thoughtful stop for those drawn to quiet, contemplative encounters with art and history.

Gyeongju National Museum
A serene space filled with artifacts from the Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju National Museum offers a quiet window into Korea’s ancient past. The outdoor grounds are beautiful year-round, with ever-changing light and seasonal blooms adding a natural frame to every shot.

Gyeongju Solgeo Art Museum
Located inside Gyeongju Expo Grand Park, Solgeo Art Museum is a calm and contemporary space nestled in nature. The large glass window reflecting Apyeongji Pond is a favorite among local photographers. Visit in spring for unexpected cherry blossoms and gentle, dappled light.

Wooyang Museum of Contemporary Art
Nestled near Bomun Lake, Wooyang Museum is a peaceful space for those who enjoy clean lines, nature, and quiet contemplation. With its minimalist design and rotating exhibitions, it’s a calm stop on any Gyeongju itinerary.

Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Gyeongju

The wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from the Lomography Community is simply unrivaled. In this section, we share some of our Community's top tips about the city of Gyeongju. This includes their favorite locations for visiting and photographing, and some invaluable tips on shooting in analogue. We will also showcase some of our most inspiring Gyeongju-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Hwangridan-gil
This stylish stretch of road is where Gyeongju’s old-world charm meets modern culture. Hwangridan-gil is filled with hanok cafés, curated boutiques, and indie shops — perfect for street shots and spontaneous film portraits.

Bomun Lake
Surrounded by nature, Bomun Lake is a peaceful setting for a photo walk or bike ride. It's especially beloved for cherry blossoms in spring and fiery foliage in autumn. Load up a roll of LomoChrome Turquoise to give the seasonal scenery a surreal, otherworldly twist — perfect for creative color play and dreamy contrasts.

Dori Village Ginkgo Forest
Located just a short distance from Gyeongju’s popular tourist spots, Dori Village is a hidden gem that comes alive every autumn. As the season changes, this quiet village turns into a festive destination, drawing visitors with its vibrant fall colors. Don’t miss the breathtaking view of the tall ginkgo tree forest glowing in golden yellow.

Jungang Market
As Gyeongju’s largest traditional market, this market is a bustling hub loved by both locals and visitors. From fresh street food to daily essentials, it’s a great place to soak in local flavor — literally and culturally. Don’t miss the night market, open from Wednesday to Sunday, where stalls come alive with sizzling snacks and vibrant photo ops. Nearby markets like Seongdong and Hwangnam are also worth exploring if you're in the area.

Bulguksa
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bulguksa is one of Korea’s most iconic temples. With its centuries-old stone pagodas and wooden architecture, it’s a dream to shoot in golden hour light. Come early to avoid crowds and catch quiet moments of stillness.

Cheomseongdae Observatory
Dating back to the 7th century, Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Its distinct stone structure stands out against the surrounding garden — especially beautiful at sunset or with a roll of LomoChrome Purple.