Things To Do
in Gyeongsan

A nutritious bowl of rice topped with vegetables, egg and chili paste—easy to find at casual restaurants and university eateries.

Must-Try!

Grilled meats served at many family-style restaurants; a social dining experience popular with students and locals.

Comforting stews like kimchi jjigae or doenjang-jjigae—served in most traditional restaurants, especially on cooler days.

Available in market zones and near evening hotspots: spicy rice cakes, sweet filled pancakes, and handheld seaweed rice rolls.

Small traditional markets and street stalls near transport hubs and university districts where you can sample tteokbokki, odeng and seasonal treats.

Evening stalls and low-cost eateries catering to students—great for late-night snacks and casual dining.

Show deference to older people in greetings and when offering or receiving items—use both hands or support with one hand under the elbow.

Remove shoes when entering traditional homes, some guesthouses and certain restaurants; look for shoe racks at the entrance.

Keep noise moderate on public transport and in public spaces; loud phone conversations are generally frowned upon.

Wait for elders to start eating, pour drinks for others (use two hands for elders), and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice.

Tipping is not customary in Korea and is generally unnecessary; exceptional service at upscale hotels or tour guides may be acknowledged but is not expected.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but small vendors and rural businesses may prefer cash. Mobile payments (KakaoPay, Naver Pay) and prepaid T-money cards for transit are common.

Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms or spring flowers around campus and parks make spring a pleasant time to visit; occasional rain is possible.

Hot and humid with a monsoon/busy rainfall period typically in June–July; bring light clothing, rain gear and be prepared for sticky weather.

Clear skies, comfortable temperatures and vivid foliage—ideal for hiking Palgongsan and outdoor photography; often considered the best season to visit.

Cold and dry with occasional snow; layers and warm outerwear are necessary for hikes and evening outings, and some mountain trails can be icy.

The closest airport offering domestic flights and some international routes—about a short drive from Gyeongsan with bus and taxi connections.

A smaller regional airport to the east with limited domestic flights; reachable by road from Gyeongsan if routes align with your travel plans.

Major regional airport serving Busan and the southeast; farther away but useful for more international connections—reachable by intercity transport.

South Korea’s main international gateway near Seoul—several hours by train/bus but offers the widest selection of international flights.

A significant portion of the population is made up of university students, shaping the city’s economy, cafés and nightlife.

Family households live in residential neighborhoods and support local schools, markets and community life.

Outlying areas have farmers and seasonal workers tending fields—these communities maintain rural traditions and local produce.

As in many parts of Korea, there is an aging population component in the city and surrounding villages.

Vegetarian options are available but limited; choose vegetable bibimbap (ask for no meat), tofu stews and vegetable side dishes. Carry a translation card explaining dietary needs (no meat, no fish stock) to show staff.

Vegan dining can be challenging due to common use of fish-based broths and sauces—look for specialty cafés in nearby Daegu or prepare to ask specifically about ingredients.

Soy sauce and wheat-containing sauces are common; rice-based dishes like plain bibimbap and grilled meats are safer choices but always confirm ingredients.

Halal-certified restaurants are limited; Muslim travelers often find vegetarian options or travel to Daegu for a wider selection of halal eateries.