Welcome to Gyeongju, a mystical city full of wonders that transcend time. Walking through the streets of what once used to be the capital of a past kingdom, one can take a glimpse at the classical beauties that encompass the spirit of ancient times. For the December issue of The Granite Tower (GT), GT presents a travel piece by visiting the beloved city of Gyeongju. Explorations of some of Korea’s best tourist destinations are to be continued in future issues.

Gyeongju is a city in the southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang Province and is most famous for being the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57BC-935AD). The city is popular for its ancient wonders as tourists can fully immerse themselves in the rich Korean culture as they visit well-preserved historical heritages. Although Gyeongju is widely known as a historical destination, it is still a big bustling city, being the second largest city in the province. The meticulous mix between modern Korea and ancient Silla creates an unforgettable experience for its visitors.

A Museum Without Walls

Being the capital of a prosperous ancient kingdom of almost one thousand years, Gyeongju is sometimes referred to as “a museum without walls.” Gyeongju is home to more temples, tombs, palaces, and pagodas than any other city in Korea. Although it would be hard to choose a favorite, some of the best places to visit would be the Dareungwon Tomb Complex, the Cheomseongdae Observatory, Bulguksa, and the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

To begin with, the Dareungwon Tomb Complex consists of 23 large ancient tombs of Silla’s kings and queens. One of the most famous tombs within the complex is Cheonmachong, in which the one and only artwork of the Silla era was excavated. The tombs look like small hills from the outside, covered with grass. Near the Daureongwon Tomb Complex there is the Cheomseongdae Observatory, known as the oldest Asian astronomical observatory, built in the 7th century. Cheomseongdae is surrounded by groups of flowers and trees, creating beautiful scenery, especially in the summer and fall.

Another popular tourist destination is Bulguksa, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage. Bulguksa is home to seven national treasures of Korea, including the famous Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas. Those who want to appreciate ancient Buddhist art and architecture should visit Bulguksa as it well preserves the historic beauty of Buddhist culture.

The tourist spots mentioned above are usually visited during the daytime, but Gyeongju is also beautiful at night. One of the best spots to visit during the nighttime is the Donggung Palace and Wolji. The palace consists of three buildings with a huge pond, Wolji, at its center. At night, the palace glows with golden lights projected onto the walls, along with reflections shimmering on the surface of the pond. Visitors are mesmerized by the breathtakingly beautiful scenery of the palace.

Must Do List for Gyeongju

Other than its historical heritage, Gyeongju has several destinations tourists must visit. One would be the Hwangridan-gil, an alleyway with traditional Hanok cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, photo studios, and other little shops. Hwangridan-gil is one of the most popular spots, especially for young people, as the road is always crowded with excited tourists wearing colorful traditional Korean Hanbok.

For those seeking excitement and thrill, Gyeongju World Amusement Park would be the right place to go. Gyeongju World Amusement Park features fun rides and thrilling rollercoasters that will create unforgettable memories. The theme park would be a good choice for families who are visiting Gyeongju as it is full of adventures that everyone can enjoy from children to adults.

Gyeongju is also famous for its variety of food. On the top of the list, there is Gyeongju bread, which is a small, sweet pastry with red bean paste inside. There is also the ten won bread which resembles the shape of a Korean ten won coin that has a print of the Dabotap pagoda. The sweet crispy bread and soft mozzarella cheese inside make it the perfect snack while you walk through the streets of Gyeongju. For international tourists, Gyeongju is also the right place to try traditional Korean dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi along with authentic street food. Almost every restaurant, café, and bakery you walk into in Gyeongju will provide a variety of delicious menus and dishes.

Tips for Trips

If you are planning to visit some of the main tourist spots of Gyeongju, you can participate in the ‘Stamp Tour’. You can either collect stamps in person by visiting the tour guide offices or download the Stamp Tour application on your phone after visiting major destinations in Gyeongju. You may receive gifts after collecting a certain number of stamps, which will add some more fun to your trip. For international tourists, 18 main Gyeongju historic sites provide guided tours in English, Japanese, and Chinese for free. If you want to learn more about Korean culture and its history, make sure to make reservations when planning your visit.

During your trip to Gyeongju, it is best to use public transportation rather than taking a car as there are not as many parking lots at some destinations. Taxis and buses are most frequently used by visitors to travel around the city. However, when planning to take the bus, it is important to check the bus schedule beforehand, as some only come every 30 to 40 minutes or even as long as one hour. For those who want to fully enjoy Korean ancient culture, there are many traditional Hanok guesthouses and hotels near the central part of Gyeongju wherein you can make reservations.

Gyeongju is a city where the past and present, urban and rural coexist, leading tourists to a memorable experience no other place can offer. If you are looking for a place to visit this winter, why not go to Gyeongju?