Themes & Stories

Memories of travel are often captured in small, meaningful souvenirs. In Gyeongju, however, souvenirs are more than just “traces of a trip”—they are cultural artifacts that encapsulate the thousand-year-old city’s history, art, and contemporary sensibility. Gyeongju is home to renowned landmarks, such as Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Cheomseongdae Observatory, an astronomical observatory from the Silla period; and Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, the royal tomb complex. These historical sites serve as key motifs in souvenir design, and Gyeongju’s souvenir stores blend tradition with modern aesthetics, answering the question: “What makes something uniquely Gyeongju?” Below are four must-visit destinations for travelers seeking a tangible connection to the city.

Gyeongju Souvenir Shop: Locally Crafted Keepsakes by Local Artists

The Gyeongju Souvenir Shop is a space that brings together souvenirs personally designed and crafted by genuine local artists from the region. Upon entering, the first thing that catches your eye is a collection of illustrated postcards delicately capturing Gyeongju’s landscapes. These are works reproducing the tranquil paths of Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, the serene silhouette of Cheomseongdae Observatory, and seasonal scenery, each reinterpreted through the unique colors and perspectives of the artists. Signature items include charming character goods “Cheomseong-ssi” and “Daereung-i,” which creatively reimagine Cheomseongdae and Daereungwon in a friendly manner. These two characters are featured on practical merchandise, such as postcards, magnets, keyrings, and notepads, and are widely loved by both children and adults. Mugs and magnets featuring stylized graphics of Gyeongju’s major landmarks are also popular as gifts.

  Recommended for travelers who want to carry a piece of Silla culture and design into their daily lives

---

Daereungwon Art House: Sophisticated Souvenirs Inspired by Gyeongju’s Iconic Landmarks

Located beside the wall of Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, the Daereungwon Art House is a stylish souvenir shop housed in an elegant traditional Korean hanok building. Its exterior harmonizes beautifully with Gyeongju’s scenery, drawing the attention of travelers. This shop features various items inspired by Gyeongju’s landscapes and landmarks. The most basic yet consistently loved items are magnets shaped like Gyeongju’s iconic attractions, such as Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Bulguksa Temple. Among them, what particularly catches the eye are the Cheomseongdae snow globe and the mother-of-pearl-inspired three-dimensional (3D) magnets. The snow globe capturing the scene of snow falling over Cheomseongdae captures Gyeongju’s serene atmosphere in a distinctive way, and the 3D magnets that seem to embody the subtle light of mother-of-pearl are luxurious and have high collectible value. Additionally, canvas tote bags featuring a map of Gyeongju’s major attractions are both practical and stylish, making them suitable not only for travel but also for everyday use. The store also carries fashion accessories like clothing, hats, and bags, setting it apart from other conventional souvenir shops.

  Recommended for travelers seeking sleek, design-forward souvenirs that capture Gyeongju’s essence 

---

Gyeongju Garmsung Shop: Gyeongju’s Face Interpreted by the Young Generation

Located in the trendy Hwangnidan Street, Gyeongju Garmsung Shop offers design products and various souvenirs created directly by emerging local artists. It’s a go-to spot if you are looking for design souvenirs containing Gyeongju’s unique personality and sensibility, as most products are limited-edition items not easily encountered on the market. Here, visitors can find a wide range of items, including handcrafted accessories such as mother-of-pearl mirror keyrings and magnets, wallets, and promotional materials made by a local leather workshop, as well as keyrings, postcards, and pens inspired by Gyeongju’s landmarks. Inside the shop, a book café offers a cozy break for browsing products and engaging in conversations about local art and travel. Additionally, one corner of the store features an exhibition space showcasing award-winning works from a tourism souvenir contest, allowing visitors to vividly experience Gyeongju’s artistic sensibility. Titled “Night of Bulguksa” and “Night of Silla,” the award-winning piece “Gyeongju Night Series Mood Lamp (Artrina - Yoon Jae-min)” beautifully recreates the serene yet majestic nightscape of Gyeongju through lighting and design. It is worth seeing at least once.

  Recommended for trend-savvy travelers looking for unique, artistic interpretations of Gyeongju

---

Baeri Samneung Park: A Space Where You Can Feel Gyeongju’s Scent

Situated near the rear gate of Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, the Baeri Samneung Park souvenir shop is a place that visitors can naturally stop by while strolling through the tranquil ancient tombs. The most popular items here are Gyeongju teas and Gyeongju-themed socks. The 10 tea varieties, all processed locally in Gyeongju, carry a unique name and story. The green tea is called “Cheomseongdae at Sunset,” and the persimmon leaf tea is named “Bulguksa in Autumn,” both evoking the scenery and seasonal sentiments of Gyeongju. Other blends include winged spindle leaf tea, barley tea, and unique fusions, each offering a distinctive aroma and flavor that linger in memory. Gyeongju socks also capture both practicality and fun by incorporating Gyeongju’s attractions and characters in designs, such as “Daereung-i Cheumseung-i Socks,” “Donggung and Wolji Socks,” and “Cheomseongdae Socks.” In addition, various magnets, stickers, notepads, postcards, and keychains designed with motifs of Gyeongju’s major attractions or as cute characters are prepared.

  Recommended for travelers who want to experience Gyeongju through its locally made teas and lifestyle goods

Gyeongju’s souvenir stores are not just retail spaces, but cultural stages where local history, art, and modern sensibilities converge. The process of reimagining traditional patterns into everyday items and blending local artisans’ crafts with the sensibilities of emerging designers connects Gyeongju’s past and present. A small item held in a traveler’s hand ultimately becomes a unique symbol of their “own personal Gyeongju.” In the end, shopping in this city is not the end of the journey but the beginning of another story.