Gyeongju Travel Alert: APEC Roadwork Updates for Your Trip!
Gyeongju's APEC Preparations: What Visitors Need to Know About Road Impacts
However, if you're visiting before August 2025, there's something important to keep in mind: major road construction is underway to prepare for the 2025 APEC Summit. These vital upgrades will make Gyeongju even better, but they might affect your travel plans. Don't worry, we've got you covered!
Gyeongju's Major Road Improvements for APEC 2025
Gyeongju City is investing 24.7 billion KRW into a large-scale road maintenance project on five key routes, spanning 63.5km. This aims to enhance the city's infrastructure and ensure smooth traffic flow for the upcoming APEC Summit.
What's being done?
- Road Repaving: Smoother rides on major roads like Industrial-ro (Yonggang-Oedong section), Bobul-ro, Bomun-ro, Bulguk-ro, Gyeonggam-ro, and Seorabeol-daero.
- Safety & Signage: Upgrades to safety facilities and signposts for clearer navigation.
- Pedestrian & Cycling Paths: Improvements to sidewalks and bicycle paths, especially for those exploring on foot or by bike.
- Lighting: New streetlights (300 in Bomun Tourist Complex) and park lights (400) are being installed to brighten up your evenings. Seorabeol-daero and areas near the museum will also get enhanced night lighting.
- Traffic Flow: The Bomungyo Samgeori (intersection) is getting a 110m right-turn lane expansion to ease congestion.
All administrative procedures will be completed by March 2025, with roadwork scheduled to finish by August 2025. During this period, you might experience partial road closures or traffic delays on these affected routes.
Tourist Hotspots That May Be Affected
Since the roadworks are focused on major arterial roads connecting and passing through Gyeongju's core tourist areas, many popular attractions might see some impact. Be prepared for potential traffic or temporary diversions when visiting these sites:
Areas Near Bomun-ro, Bobul-ro, Bulguk-ro, and Gyeonggam-ro
These roads are central to the Bomun Tourist Complex and the Bulguksa Temple area, meaning most attractions in these vicinities could be affected.
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Bomun Tourist Complex: This area, centered around Bomun Lake, is densely packed with accommodations, leisure, and cultural facilities. Expect direct impacts on routes leading to:
- Bomun Lake and its walking trails
- Gyeongju World (Amusement Park)
- Gyeongju Luge World
- Gyeongju Bomun Coliseum
- Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park (site of various events and exhibitions)
- Gyeongju World Automobile Museum
- Bomun Lake Floating Performance Hall
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Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto: As UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these are must-visit destinations for global tourists. Access via Bulguk-ro and Bobul-ro, which are part of the maintenance plan, might experience delays.
Areas Near Seorabeol-daero
Seorabeol-daero serves as the main gateway from Gyeongju IC into the city center. Tourists arriving by highway and heading to downtown historical sites will likely use this road.
- Daereungwon Ancient Tombs Area (Hwangnam-dong, Sajeong-dong): This is the core of Gyeongju's downtown tourism, including:
- Daereungwon (Cheonmachong Tomb)
- Cheomseongdae Observatory
- Hwanglidan-gil Street: Gyeongju's iconic street, popular for its cafes and shops, often accessed on foot from the Express Bus Terminal.
Areas Near Wonhwa-ro, Yangjeong-ro, and Bunhwang-ro
These roads run through densely populated tourist areas around the National Gyeongju Museum.
- National Gyeongju Museum: Home to a vast collection of Silla artifacts.
- Bunhwangsa Temple: Famous for its National Treasure, the Stone Pagoda.
- Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (formerly Anapji Pond): Especially popular for its beautiful night views.
- Woljeonggyo Bridge and Gyochon Traditional Village: Often visited together, Woljeonggyo Bridge is another stunning night view spot.
Tips for a Smooth Gyeongju Trip
While Gyeongju is undergoing these exciting improvements, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check Real-time Traffic: Before heading out, use navigation apps (like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps in Korea) to check for real-time traffic conditions and potential detours.
- Public Transport: Consider using local buses or taxis, especially for shorter distances, to avoid driving through congested areas.
- Flexibility: Be flexible with your itinerary. Allow extra travel time, especially when moving between major tourist clusters.
- Walk & Bike: Many of Gyeongju's downtown attractions are walkable, and some areas have well-maintained bicycle paths. Embrace slow travel where possible!
We hope this information helps you have a wonderful and smooth trip to Gyeongju! These temporary inconveniences will lead to an even more beautiful and accessible city for all to enjoy.
