Major city · South Korea
Gongju공주
Give Gongju one full day, not a night: the fortress, the royal tombs and the museum sit within a 10-minute walk of each other.
Gongju was the Baekje capital Ungjin from 475 to 538 AD, and its sights are compact: Gongsan Fortress on the south bank of the Geum River, the Songsan-ri burial mounds, and the National Museum a short walk uphill. Most travellers see it as a day trip from Daejeon or as a stop between Daejeon and Buyeo. One night only makes sense if you add Magoksa or a Gyeryongsan hike.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- KRW
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and rain), late Jan–Feb (cold)
- Airports
- ICN · CJJ
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- South Korea ↗Check K-ETA and visa status on the official sites before you fly; the list of nationalities exempted from registering online changes year by year.
- South Korea ↗Google Maps gives poor walking and driving directions in Korea; use Naver Map or Kakao Map for routes.
- South Korea ↗Buy a T-money card (or use a phone-based transit pass) for subway and buses; it also pays at convenience stores and many taxis.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Gongju112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Gongju, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cards work almost everywhere, including taxis, convenience stores and many market stalls; carry ₩30,000–50,000 (≈ US$25–40) in cash for street food…South Korea-wide
- SIM or eSIMSK Telecom, KT and LG U+ sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at airport arrivals; a passport is required, and data-only plans are cheapest.South Korea-wide
- Tap waterOfficially safe from the tap; most people drink filtered water, and restaurants serve it free.South Korea-wide
- TippingRestaurants and cafés: No tip; a service charge appears only in top hotels.South Korea-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.South Korea-wide
- SafetyGongju is a small, low-crime city and feels safe day and night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in every subway station; paper goes in the toilet in new buildings, in the bin where a sign asks.South Korea-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police · 119 fire and ambulance · 1330 Travel helpline (24 h, English) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysPalaces close one weekday (Gyeongbokgung Tuesday, others mostly Monday); national museums open daily but close on 1 Jan, Seollal and Chuseok days.South Korea-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportICN Incheon International (AREX to Seoul then KTX or bus south; about 3–4 h door to door).
- Getting aroundThe historic core is walkable: fortress, burial mounds and museum are within about 10 minutes of each other.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee₩3,000–5,500 (≈ US$3–4)
- Street or quick mealNoodle or rice lunch₩7,000–12,000 (≈ US$6–9)
- Beerdraught / convenience store can₩4,000–6,000 (≈ US$3–5)₩2,000–3,500 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxi₩6,000–9,000 (≈ US$5–7)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus ride₩1,400–1,700 (≈ US$2)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₩10,000–25,000 (≈ US$8–18)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₩20,000 (≈ US$15)
- Mid-range bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per room₩85,000 (≈ US$65)
- High-end bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per room₩150,000 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₩45,000 (≈ US$35) · Mid ₩85,000 (≈ US$65) · High ₩160,000 (≈ US$120)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ICN Incheon International (AREX to Seoul then KTX or bus south; about 3–4 h door to door) · CJJ Cheongju International (Closest airport with limited international flights; about 1 h by car or bus)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid*
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C) low), wettest Jul (14 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Gongju: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
7 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
6 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The historic core is walkable: fortress, burial mounds and museum are within about 10 minutes of each other. City buses (routes #1, #8, #25 and #108 cover the main sights) fill the gaps; there is also a public bike scheme with racks near the burial mounds. Taxis are cheap for short hops.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Buyeo
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Intercity bus from Gongju
The next Baekje capital; pairs naturally with Gongju as a two-stop history day.
Door to door: About 40–60 min
Intercity bus from the old or new terminal
Use it as the transport hub; buses run every 30–50 min.
Magoksa Temple
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
City bus No. 7 toward Magoksa, then about a 20-min walk
Head temple of the Jogye Order on Taehwasan; open 24 h, free entry.
Gyeryongsan National Park
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus or taxi toward Gyeryong-myeon, then trailhead
A half or full day of hiking; check bus times back.
Door to door: About 1 h
Intercity bus or train
Little to add on a short trip unless you are heading further south.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old bus terminal / Gongsan Fortress area
The practical base: the fortress gate, the burial mounds and the museum are all on foot from here, and the old intercity terminal is 200 m south of the main gate.
North bank near the new bus terminal
Where most intercity buses stop; cheaper motels, but you cross the river to reach the sights.
Magoksa or Gyeryongsan area
Temple stays and mountain lodging; only if the temple or the hike is your reason for coming.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₩40,000–70,000 (≈ US$30–55) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₩70,000–130,000 (≈ US$55–95) excl. bed
- High
- ₩130,000 (≈ US$95)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or hotel double room1 × 1 night × ₩85,000 | ₩85,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₩85,000 | ₩170,000 |
| Gongsan Fortress entry2 × ₩3,000 | ₩6,000 |
| Songsan-ri Burial Mounds entry2 × ₩3,000 | ₩6,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₩2,500 | ₩5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₩27,200 |
| Trip total≈ ₩149,600 per person per day, bed included | ₩299,200≈ US$250 |
2026 estimate in won; long-distance transport excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ₩3,000–5,500 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Noodle or rice lunch | ₩7,000–12,000 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Beer: draught / convenience store can | ₩4,000–6,000 (≈ US$3–5) / ₩2,000–3,500 (≈ US$2–3) |
| 5 km taxi | ₩6,000–9,000 (≈ US$5–7) |
| City bus ride | ₩1,400–1,700 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₩10,000–25,000 (≈ US$8–18) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Intercity buses arrive at the terminal on the north bank, not the central old terminal: check which one your ticket uses.
- The tombs themselves are sealed behind doors; you see reproductions and the museum finds, not the chambers.
- Gongsan Fortress is a hill with stairs and uneven ground: allow more time than the map suggests.
- Magoksa needs a bus plus a 20-minute walk from the stop; check the return times before you set out.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 112
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
- Travel helpline (24 h, English)
- 1330
Pocket card
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Gongju공주
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
이 주소로 가 주세요To this address, please
Emergency
- Police112
- Fire and ambulance119
- Travel helpline (24 h, English)1330
Embassy
No embassies in Gongju; most are in Seoul. The US embassy is in Seoul (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Daejeon (Yuseong) → Gongju, intercity bus: about ₩2,900 (≈ US$3), about 20 min
- Seoul → Gongju, intercity bus: about ₩8,600 (≈ US$7), runs every 45 min
- Taxi across town: ₩5,000–9,000 (≈ US$4–7)
Say or show
- 안녕하세요 — Hello (annyeonghaseyo)
- 감사합니다 — Thank you (gamsahamnida)
- 이거 주세요 — This one, please (igeo juseyo)
- 얼마예요? — How much is it? (eolmayeyo)
- 카드 돼요? — Can I pay by card? (kadeu dwaeyo)
- 화장실이 어디예요? — Where is the toilet? (hwajangsiri eodiyeyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Gongju. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and rain), late Jan–Feb (cold) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ICN and CJJ: last trains and buses south, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster map: fortress, burial mounds, museum and Gomanaru as one loop with rescue anchors.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (fortress, tombs, museum, Magoksa) and eat pages with last orders.
- Festival and holiday fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialGongju city official site (English)
- officialGongju National Museum
- officialMagoksa Temple
- secondaryWikivoyage: Gongju, revision 5284353 (CC BY-SA 4.0)