One of the most well-known cities in South Korea, Gyeongju is renowned for its significant cultural and historical significance to the Korean peninsula. For more than a thousand years, the city served as the seat of government for the Shilla dynasty. The Shilla kingdom was founded around the start of the first millennium and governed the majority of the nation throughout the seventh through ninth century. Because Gyeongju is home to hundreds of historically significant structures and artefacts that date back to that period and have been carefully preserved, the city is sometimes referred to as a “museum without the walls.”
The current city of Gyeongju has a population of somewhere between 300 thousand and 400 thousand people. The total land area of the city is about 1,323 square kilometres. There are a few of the Taebaek range’s gentle slopes scattered across the city. During the months of April, May, September, and October, Wolseong Park hosts a wide variety of free outdoor performances of music and dance for visitors to enjoy. Bomunho also plays host to traditional dance performances during the months of April through November.
Main Tourist Attractions of Gyeongju, South Korea
Cheomseongdae Observatory
This is the oldest observatory in Korea, and it exemplifies how dependent the nation has been on astrology from the country’s earliest periods. It was built in the year 634 AD, under the reign of Queen Seonduk, who was in charge when construction began. At its lowest point, it has a width of 5.7 metres, and it may grow to a height of 9.4 m. It is made up of 27 layers of granite that has been sliced into little bricks for the construction. Bricks are arranged in a circular pattern, and at the top of that pattern are 12 rectangular bars that are arranged to form a square.
Tumuli Park
Because it has over 20 burials from the Shilla era, Tumuli Park is more accurately referred to be an old cemetery. This is because the Shilla people used to inhabit this area. It is stated that the tombs belonged to the monarchs and courtiers of the Shilla dynasty while they were alive. Tombs are constructed out of dirt and have the appearance of mounds. The tomb of King Michu, often referred to as Chukhyonnung, is one of the most well-known of these sites.
Heavenly Horse Tomb
It was constructed during the Shilla period, somewhere between the 5th and 6th centuries, and is also known as the Cheonmachong Tomb. The tomb was discovered to have a diameter of 154 feet when excavations were conducted in 1973. Inside was a coffin there as well as a wealth of riches in the shape of jewels, beads, crown swords, shoes, and belts made of gold among other items. Because it has a picture of a horse running at full speed, the monument is also referred to as the “Heavenly Horse Tomb.”
Gyeongju National Museum
The relics on display at the Gyeongju National Museum date back to the Shilla dynasty as well as the dynasties that came before it. This museum is a veritable treasury. The majority of the museum’s objects are shown in the open air, dotting the area around the main structure of the museum. During the excavation of Anapji pond in the 1970s, a large number of items were discovered. The Scared Bell of King Songdok, also known as the ‘Emile Bell,’ which is positioned directly in front of the entrance, is one of the most well-known displays in the museum.
Anapji Pond and Gardens
Anapji was a gorgeous resort garden that held rare plant and animal species. It was established in 674 AD by Ruler Munmu, the 30th king of the Shilla dynasty, and was named after him. The remnants that are still standing now are only a tiny part of the original location. It was initially planned out in a way that prevented anybody from getting a comprehensive view of the whole pond at once. The National Museum was fortunate enough to acquire a significant quantity of priceless items that were uncovered during excavations in the 1970s.
Punhwangsa (Bunhwangsa) Pagoda
This pagoda is a brick pagoda, which is a style that is exclusive to the Shilla dynasty. It can be seen at the Punhwangsa Temple. Around the time when Queen Seondeok was ruling the area in the 7th century, construction began on this structure. In its current incarnation, the pagoda is a three-story edifice. On the other hand, taking into consideration the quantity of stones that were discovered strewn about the structure, it is estimated that the building has at least five stories.
Oreung Tombs
The Oreung Tombs may be found in the southern section of the city, across the river from whence they are named. There are five graves to be discovered in this area, all of which belonged to the ancestors of the Shilla dynasty. These five tombs were built for the founder of the Shilla dynasty, his wife, the second, third, and fifth kings of the Shilla dynasty, respectively. The people who live in Gyeongju have a reverence for this location and see it as a holy site.
Tomb of King Muyeol
The location of Muyeol’s Tomb may be found on Mount Sondosan. The height of the tomb is estimated to be 36 feet, and its circumference is 361 feet. It is enclosed on all sides by pine trees. Behind this tomb of the king are a number of other, smaller graves that are said to belong to members of the monarch’s family. It is reported that a eulogy to the king was carved on a sculpture of a tortoise that is located in front of the monarch’s grave. The eulogy was written by In-mum, who was a prominent poet at that time period.
Yongdam Jong Pavilion (Yongdam Folk Village)
In addition to being an important part of Korean culture, the Yongdam Folk Village is also renowned as the Home of Nobility. This area is home to classic aristocratic residences that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries and were unique to the Korean nobles at that time. An authentic taste of the aristocratic lifestyle of the Korean nobility may be had right here. The mansions have been properly preserved, and they still flaunt the antique style tiled roofs that are distinctive of residences belonging to upper classes.
Pulguksa Temple
This temple is considered to be both one of the oldest and the most prestigious Buddhist temples in the nation. The term “the land belonging to Buddha” may be found in the local tongue under the name “Pulguksa.” The construction of this temple took place during the beginning of the 6th century under the reign of King Pophung. The architectural design of the temple is a prime example of the Shilla dynasty’s contribution to the world of architecture. It is famous for having the oldest stone bridges and two pagodas built without using mortar. Amitabha and Vairocana are the names of two Buddha sculptures that date back to the eighth century and may be seen at the temple.
Underwater Tomb of King Munmu
It is well known that King Munmu of the Shilla dynasty was a great and daring monarch who is famed for bringing together three separate kingdoms. On a little rocky islet is where his grave may be found. The islet is cut in two by a channel that is fashioned like a cross. In addition to this, it creates a pool in the centre of the islet. Under the granite block, the remains of the King lie buried. The fall season is when the natural beauty of the location really shines through.
Gameunsa Temple Site
King Munmu of the Shilla dynasty was responsible for the construction of this shrine. The monarch had the misguided belief that with the help of Buddha, he would be able to rid the nation of the threat posed by Japanese pirates. Unfortunately, the king passed away before the construction of the temple could be finished. After succeeding his father as monarch, Sinmun, Munmu’s son, finished constructing the temple. He gave the structure the name Gameunsa Temple. The phrase “gameunsa” translates to “valuing the affection for parents” in the local language. The pagodas within of the temple are renowned for their impeccable symmetry and are among the most stunning aspects of the building.
Sokkuram Grotto
This grotto is constructed inside a dome-shaped cell that is covered by soil, giving it the appearance of being more like a cave. It is located around 9 kilometres away from the Pulugksa Temple. It was constructed in the year 751 AD, and within you’ll find a magnificent statue of Buddha known as the Sakyamuni Buddha. Granite with a white colour was used to construct it. The hall’s walls are exquisitely carved with representations of Buddha’s pupils, devas, and monarchs. These images are skillfully harmonised to convey a genuine sense of philosophy, art, and science.
Kayasan National Park
Around the Sobaek Mountain range is where you’ll find Gayasan National Park, sometimes known as Kayasan. In 1966, it was given the status of a scenic site, and in 1972, it was elevated to the level of a national park. This beautiful national park is protected from natural hazards like as floods, hurricanes, and fires. It is well-known all across the nation for its stunning beauty and the famous historical landmarks that can be found there, such as Swangwangbong mountain, the Haeinsa Temple, Yongmun waterfalls, and the Honglyudong valley.
