2 Best Hotels in Gyeongju, Side Trips from Busan

Located on the shore of Lake Bomun, the Hilton is Gyeongju's premier hotel and the perfect place to base a visit, with elegant rooms bathed in white, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool (complete with private cabanas). The hotel also has a nice fitness center and squash court, and a number of options for dining and drinks, including Da Vinci, which specializes in Mediterranean fare, Silk Road with great Cantonese and Szechuan food, and Kenji, a Japanese sushi and teppanyaki restaurant with views of the hotel's Japanese garden.

This traditional hanok-style accommodation will have you feeling like you've been transported to the Silla era without having to surrender an ounce of modern comfort. The Soi Hanok stay offers just four guest suites: Challa, Yeojeon, Mongeoru, and Ohsoudang, each with its own charms, making this an ideal destination for both couples and small families. The ornate, wooden exterior of each building stands in contrast to the modern interior, and the property's central location means that many of the city's premier attractions are within walking distance. The complex also has a garden and a small café, where you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere.