Gyeongsan is a city of 240,000 people in North Gyeongsang. It is a suburb of Daegu.
Understand
[edit]Gyeongsan (Korean: 경산; Korean pronunciation: [kjʌŋ.san]) is satellite city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Its western border abuts the metropolitan city of Daegu, and much of Gyeongsan lies within the Daegu metropolitan area.
History
[edit]Geography
[edit]Gyeongsan City is in the southern central region of Gyeongsangbuk-do. Gyeongsan City, at the eastern end of the Daegu Basin, is a key point for traffic passing through the Gyeongbu Line, Daegu Line Railroad, Gyeongbu Expressway, and National Route 4 (Industrial Road).
Therefore, it serves as a gateway to Daegu from the southeastern regions of Pohang, Gyeongju, Ulsan, and Busan. In addition, Gyeongsan City has a strong character as a suburb of a large city within the daily living area of Daegu as it is connected with Daegu Metropolitan City.
Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]- You can reach Gyeongsan by intercity or local buses from nearby cities such as Daegu or Gyeongju. From Daegu, take local city bus No. 840, which runs frequently and connects central Daegu with Gyeongsan via Kyungil University. From Gyeongju, intercity buses to Gyeongsan operate several times a day, taking about 1 hour and costing approximately ₩6,000 (Oct 2025). For the most accurate and up-to-date schedules, check local bus terminals or regional transportation websites.
By train
[edit]- Gyeongsan Station is served by KTX (high‑speed rail) and some regional train services. From Seoul, KTX trains depart Gyeongsan and the journey typically takes around 2 hours 6 minutes on the fastest services.
By plane
[edit]- The nearest airport to Gyeongsan is Daegu International Airport (TAE), located about 10–15 km from the city center. There are domestic flights from Incheon (ICN) and Jeju (CJU) to Daegu, as well as some international routes. From the airport, you can reach Gyeongsan in approximately 30 minutes by car, taxi, or local bus.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Gyeongsan
By nus
[edit]Gyeongsan is served by several local bus routes including 100, 399, 509, 911, 918, 990, Gyeongsan 1‑1, Gyeongsan 2‑1, Namsan 1, and Apryang 1 that connect city districts and tourist spots.
You can check real‑time arrival times using the “Gyeongsan Bus Smart” app, which supports live bus tracking and schedule alerts.
By taxi
[edit]- Taxis in Gyeongsan use a meter. As of February 2025, the base fare for a mid-size taxi in the nearby Daegu region, which also applies to Gyeongsan, is ₩4,500 for the first 2 km.
See
[edit]- 1 Bulgu-sa Temple (불굴사), 205, Bulgulsa-gil, Wachon-myeon, ☏ +82 538540440. Bulgu-sa is a Buddhist temple on the slopes of Palgongsan Mountain in Gyeongsan. It is believed to have been founded by Monk Wonhyo during the Silla Dynasty. The temple is known for its Three-story Stone Pagoda, designated as a Treasure, and the Jeokmyeolbogung Hall, which enshrines a sacred relic of the Buddha. It offers a peaceful atmosphere harmonized with traditional Korean architecture and nature.
- 2 Nammaeji Pond (남매지), 643, Dongbu-dong. Nammaeji is a small artificial pond located in Namsan-myeon, Gyeongsan. It is known for its beautiful scenery throughout the year, especially the cherry blossoms in spring and lotus flowers in summer. With surrounding walking trails and a traditional pavilion, it is a popular spot for relaxation and photography.
- 3 Bangokji Pond (반곡지), 246, Bangok-ri, Namsan-myeon. This small and beautiful lake is surrounded by well-maintained walking trails, with flowers and trees that bloom differently each season.
- 4 Gatbawi Buddha of Palgongsan Mountain (경산 팔공산 갓바위), 595 Gatbawi-ro, Wachon-myeon. Gatbawi, officially known as Gwanbong Seokjo Yeorae Jwasang, is a stone seated Buddha located at the top of Palgongsan Mountain in Gyeongsan, South Korea.
It is famous for the flat stone hat (gat) on its head and is believed by many pilgrims to grant one sincere wish. - 5 Samunghyeon Historical Cultural Museum (삼성현역사문화관), 59 Samseonghyeon-gongwon-ro, Namsan-myeon, ☏ +82 053-804-7320. Samseonghyeon History and Culture Museum is a multifaceted exhibition space in Gyeongsan dedicated to the lives and achievements of the three local sages—Wonhyo, Seol Chong, and Il‑Yeon.
- 6 Gyeongsan Traditional Public Market (경산공설시장), 19, Gyeongan-ro 31-gil, ☏ +82 053-816-9933. Gyeongsan Public Market (Gyeongsan Gongseol Market), established in 1956, continues the legacy of traditional markets and serves around 10,000 visitors daily. Thanks to modernization efforts, it now features an arcade roof that makes shopping possible even in rain or snow.
- 7 Gyeongsan Municipal Museum (경산시립박물관), 46 Bangmulgwan-ro, ☏ +82 053-804-7314. The Gyeongsan Museum is a museum opened to develop local culture and promote citizens' cultural nostalgia. It introduces the history and culture of Gyeongsan from prehistoric times to modern times. It has a lifelong learning function that allows you to comprehensively and systematically study and preserve the cultural heritage of Gyeongsan from ancient times to modern times, and experience and learn excellent Korean culture and history. It has two permanent exhibition rooms and consists of an ancient culture room and a historical culture room. In addition, there are a special exhibition room, a children's experience learning room, and an outdoor exhibition hall. free.
- 8 Yeungnam University Love Road (영남대학교 러브로드), 280 Daehak-ro, ☏ +82 053-810-2114. Yeungnam University’s “Love Road” is a scenic 700 m tree‑lined walkway on the campus in Gyeongsan, famous for its cherry blossoms each spring. It’s often described as a romantic space where the name “Love Road” reflects the path’s symbolic association with youthful affection.
Do
[edit]- Gyeongsan City Tour (경산시티투어), 1, Jungang-ro, ☏ +82 53-819-0300. This program introduces tourists to the city’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and traditional markets. Wish-Fulfillment Tour: Operates on the second Thursday of every month. Samseonghyeon Premium Tour: Operates on the fourth Saturday of every month. Operating hours: usually from 09:30 to 17:20 (may vary by course). Fee: ₩3,000 per person (experience programs and meals are not included).
- 1 Noru Climbing (노루 클라이밍), 1F, 24 Cheongun-ro. Noru Climbing, located at 1F, 24 Cheongun-ro, Gyeongsan, is a bustling bouldering gym near Yeungnam University, popular among students and local climbers. It operates daily (12:00–23:00 on weekdays, and 12:00–19:00 on weekends/holidays) and maintains a lively atmosphere full of youthful energy.
Festivals
[edit]- 2 Gyeongsan Gatbawi Wish-Fulfillment Festival (경산 갓바위소원성취축제), 595 Gatbawi-ro, Wachon-myeon. A representative local event that carries on the tradition of faith in the Gatbawi Buddha—believed to grant any single earnest wish—combining prayer, culture, experiences, and performances.
- 3 Gyeongsan Jain Danoje Festival (경산자인단오제), 80, Gyejeong-gil, Jain-myeon, ☏ +82 538565765. A centuries-old traditional folk festival held in the Gyejeong Forest area, Jain-myeon. It features ritual ceremonies to honor “Han General,” processions, traditional dances such as Yeowonmu, mask dance performances (Pal-Gwangdae), folk games, and a grand Dano ritual — blending local history, faith, and community celebrations.
- Gyeongsan Café Festival (경산카페축제). The Gyeongsan Café Festival, held in late June and early July, showcases about 20 local cafés across Gyeongsan, with a special focus on the region’s signature Sinbi peach. Visitors can enjoy themed drinks and desserts using peaches, attend exhibitions, performances, and hands-on workshops, and take part in free peach tastings and special discount offers. The festival aims to fuse café culture, local produce, art, and community engagement in a citywide event that goes beyond just coffee.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 Don Ori Jeju Ogyeop (돈오리제주오겹전문점), 748-8, Oksan-dong, ☏ +82 053-815-7604. It’s a popular restaurant in Gyeongsan that specializes in various duck dishes, such as stewed or roasted duck.
- 2 Dong Dong Kalguksu (동동칼국수), 170-1, Oksan-dong, ☏ +82 0507-1396-9197. A popular kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) restaurant in Gyeongsan that also serves dishes like pajeon (Korean scallion pancake).
- 3 Baekjasan Sikyuk Restaurant (백자산식육식당), 1F, Baekjasan Sikyuk Restaurant, 516 Samseonghyeon-ro, ☏ +82 0507-1389-3759. It’s a popular restaurant in Gyeongsan specializing in premium Korean beef (Hanwoo).
- 4 Yongseong Eotang (용성어탕), 7-1 Jain Sijang-gil, Jain-myeon. It is a Korean restaurant specializing in eotang (spicy fish stew), with eotang-guksu (fish stew with noodles) and eotang-gukbap (fish stew with rice) as its most popular dishes.
- 5 Janggun Jjimdak (장군찜닭), 6-1 Cheongun 1-ro. It is a popular Korean restaurant located near Yeungnam University, offering dishes such as jjimdak (braised chicken), jeyuk (spicy pork), and osam bulgogi (stir-fried squid and pork) at reasonable prices.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Hands Coffee Hayang (핸즈커피 하양점), 232 Hayang-ro, Hayang-eup. Hands Coffee Hayang Branch serves espresso drinks, waffles, frappés, and seasonal desserts.
- 2 Chales Ano (찰스아노), 9 Samseonghyeonmunhwa-gil, Namsan-myeon. Chales Ano is a Blue Ribbon-listed café in Gyeongsan, known for its spacious interior and open-air terrace.
- 3 Coffee Myeongga (커피명가 본), 230 Imdang-ro, Amnyang-eup. A café listed in the Blue Ribbon Guide for three consecutive years. It offers a variety of coffee and also hosts one-day hand-drip brewing classes.
- 4 Siin gwa Chonjang (시인과촌장), 76-1 Hayang-ro, Hayang-eup. A stylish bar offering a wide variety of cocktails. Visitors can also enjoy pocket billiards and darts in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 The Land Hotel Hayang (더랜드호텔 하양점), 3 Jisiksaneop-ro 4-gil, Hayang-eup, ☏ +82 0507-1365-9949.
- 2 Hotel Crape Gyeongsan (호텔크라페 경산점), 7 Jangsan-ro 23-gil, ☏ +82 0507-1437-0653.
- 3 Brown Dot Hotel Gyeongsan City Hall (브라운도트호텔 경산시청점), 40 Jungang-ro 19-gil, ☏ +82 0507-1329-9323.
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit]- Daegu — From Gyeongsan Station, you can take either the Korail Mugunghwa or ITX-Saemaeul train to Daegu Station. The ride takes about 15 to 17 minutes. Fares are ₩2,600 for Mugunghwa and ₩4,800 for ITX-Saemaeul.
- Gyeongju — Intercity buses run from Gyeongsan Intercity Bus Terminal to Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal. The trip takes about 1 hour, and the fare is ₩6,000.