Ancient capital with UNESCO-protected sites, Buddhist temples, and historic museums. Known for vibrant student life, local microbreweries, and delicious squid dishes.
Gyeongju-si, once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, is home to numerous archaeological sites and cultural treasures. You can explore the grand Bulguksa Temple, climb the ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory, or wander through the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. The city is surrounded by forested mountains, and you can visit traditional villages or relax by calm lakes.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
In 2000, UNESCO designated the Gyeongju Historic Areas as a World Heritage Site. This designation includes five areas: Mount Namsan Belt, Wolseong Belt, Tumuli Park Belt, Hwangnyongsa Belt, and Sanseong Fortress Belt. Each area contains important historical and cultural sites from the Silla period. The Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, added to the UNESCO list in 1995, are also significant parts of Gyeongju's cultural landscape.
Buddhist Temples and Relics
Bulguksa Temple, built in the 8th century, represents Buddhist art from the Silla Kingdom's golden age. The temple complex has seven National Treasures of South Korea, including two stone pagodas. Nearby, you'll find the Seokguram Grotto, which houses a large statue of the Buddha looking out to sea, surrounded by carvings of disciples and guardians. These sites show how Buddhist culture developed in Gyeongju during the Silla period.
Royal Tombs and Burial Mounds
At the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, also known as Tumuli Park, you can see 23 large burial mounds of Silla monarchs and nobles. The park has grass-covered mounds that look like small hills. You can enter Cheonmachong, or "Heavenly Horse Tomb," to see a reconstruction of its interior and some of the over 11,500 artifacts found inside. These tombs give insight into Silla burial customs and the kingdom's wealth.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Gyeongju National Museum has a large collection of Silla artifacts, including the famous Emille Bell and the Golden Crown of Silla. The museum's exhibits cover various aspects of Silla culture and history. Another important site is the Cheomseongdae Observatory, thought to be the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. Queen Seondeok had it built in the 7th century, and its design shows the scientific knowledge of the Silla period.
Traditional Villages
In Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can experience a well-preserved Joseon-era village. As you walk through the village, you'll see traditional houses and learn about daily life in historical Korea. You can even stay overnight in some of the homes, giving you a chance to experience traditional Korean culture firsthand.
Local Cuisine
Gyeongju offers various local foods for you to try. Gyeongju bread, a small pastry filled with red bean paste, is a common snack and souvenir. The city has many restaurants serving traditional Korean cuisine, including ssambap (rice wrapped in leaves) and hanjeongsik (Korean table d'hôte). These meals often come with many side dishes, showing the variety of the region's agriculture.
Getting There and Around
You can take a train to Gyeongju from major cities like Seoul and Busan. The KTX (Korea Train Express) is the fastest option, with travel times of about two hours from Seoul. In Gyeongju, you can walk to many historical sites in the city center. For more distant places, you can use local buses and taxis. Many visitors also rent bicycles to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) have mild weather that's comfortable for outdoor exploration. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the historical sites. In autumn, you'll see colorful foliage, especially in areas like Mount Namsan. Summer can be hot and humid with some heavy rains, while winter is cold but often clear, giving you a different view of the city's ancient landscapes.
Historical Significance of Gyeongju
Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Dynasty from 57 BC to 935 AD, making it one of the longest-serving capital cities in Asian history. During its peak in the 7th to 9th centuries, Silla controlled two-thirds of the Korean Peninsula. This long period of rule left many archaeological sites and cultural relics in the city and surrounding areas.
