November 26, 2024
SEOUL – Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC–935 AD) in today’s North Gyeongsang Province in the southeastern Korean Peninsula, is sometimes called a “roofless museum” for its centuries-old temples, palaces, royal tombs and treasures scattered around different areas of the city.
With great accessibility to Silla’s legacy along with a blend of nature, history and culture, the city enjoys a reputation among Koreans as a must-visit tourist destination.
The ancient city is to host the 2025 APEC Summit next fall, following in the footsteps of Busan, another southeastern city with a proud history and culture, which hosted the country’s last APEC Summit in 2005.
The abundance of hanok, stone pagodas and Buddhist statues and presence of diverse cultural heritage can be felt in every corner of Gyeongju, with iconic attractions such as Cheomseongdae — Asia’s oldest extant astronomical observatory.
The old
Daereungwon, home to 23 ancient tombs of the Silla period, is a popular site for both local and overseas travelers.
Located in central Gyeongju, Daereungwon consists of two tombs – Hwangnam Daechong and Cheonmachong – where the National Treasure-designated Queen’s Gold Crown, Belt and “Jangni Cheonmade” (“Painting of Heavenly Horse on a Saddle Flap”) were found.
View of Daereungwon in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. PHOTO: KTO/THE KOREA HERALD
While the crown and belt are now kept at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, the horse painting lies within Cheonmachong, making the tomb tour all the more exciting.
The tomb complex is surrounded by swaying pine trees, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in its tranquil nature.
The stone wall path running along the wall of Daereungwon Park is also a top cherry blossom site, with cherry blossom trees on either side of the road creating a stunning tunnel, painting the city pink and white in spring.
Tourists stroll among falling pink and white cherry blossoms near Daereungwon in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. PHOTO: KTO/THE KOREA HERALD
A two- to three-minute walk from Daereungwon brings visitors to Cheomseongdae, Asia’s oldest surviving astronomical observatory, and Gyerim Forest or the picturesque bridge Woljeonggyo.
Gyerim Forest is a thick forest of zelkova and willow trees, which have been standing here since the Silla Kingdom.
The serene vibe from Daereungwon to Woljeonggyo adds a magical ambiance to Gyeongju.
But, the city shines brighter at night. The colorful lights illuminating Cheomseongdae and Woljeonggyo with its stunning reflection in the water leave many travelers speechless.
Woljeonggyo. PHOTO: KTO/THE KOREA HERALD
The nightscape of this roofed bridge can be enjoyed from inside the bridge, but many prefer to head to the stepstone bridge to be awed by the sight.
The nearby benches are great places to wrap up the day in this historical city, with the sound of the gently flowing river under the shimmering bridge and moonlight.
Those who wish to experience the cradle of Korea’s Buddhist culture should head over to eastern Gyeongju, where you can get a glimpse of Silla’s aesthetics and religious art at the Seokguram Grotto — one of South Korea’s greatest tangible treasures — and temple Bulguksa. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Seokguram Grotto. PHOTO: KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE/THE KOREA HERALD
Oksan Seowon, one of nine seowon inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019, is located at the northernmost tip of the city and worth a visit.
Seowon are Confucian academies of the Joseon era (1392-1910) considered to be like an educational facility akin to a library, publishing house and venue for discussing social and political matters.
The new
Gyeongju not only draws the attention of history buffs and families trying to make memories and time travel to the past, but also vacationers following the latest travel trends.
Hwangridangil, or Hwangridan Street, has become a hot spot for visitors over the past several years, beckoning people with a “newtro” vibe.
Newtro is a combination of “new” and “retro,” meaning a new interpretation of vintage elements.
Old and worn-down buildings from the 1960s and 1970s are now home to trendy shops, popular dessert cafes, stationery stores and self-photo studios for youngsters and the young at heart.
This is a street where visitors can explore the city dressed in hanbok — traditional Korean attire — and capture the moment with friends.
Hwangnam Bread shop at Hwangridangil in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. PHOTO: KTO/THE KOREA HERALD
A tourist wearing hanbok walks along Hwangridangil in Gyeongju. PHOTO: KTO/THE KOREA HERALD
Visitors can enjoy window shopping for Gyeongju-themed merchandise in countless small gift shops, while enjoying the city’s iconic street foods such as 10 Won Bread — a soft, pancake-style specialty — and Hwangnam Bread, which is filled with sweet red beans.
Buddhist monks at Bulguksa. PHOTO: KTO/THE KOREA HERALD
Four Gyeongju-based Buddhist temples — Golgulsa, Kirimsa, Bulguksa and Gamsansa — present Templestay opportunities featuring individual hands-on activities like “seonmudo,” or a Korean Buddhist martial art, and yoga sessions for visitors to experience an emotional refuge from hectic everyday life and find their “true selves.”