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Gyeongju Attractions
Although it is possible to see most of the major sites in a day, I recommend spending at least a night in Gyeongju so that you have time to properly explore the historic district (the entire city is pretty much one giant national treasure). Sites in the downtown area can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle in 1 day, but should you wish to see sites in Namsan nearby, you'll want to take a bus or taxi. The famous Bulguk Temple and the Seokguram Grotto are a bit far from the central city area as well, but easily accessible by bus or taxi. Not all of these sites have phones, so if you need additional information, call the Gyeongju Tourism Office at tel. 054/779-6087.
Namsan (Mt. Nam)
Located south of Gyeongju city, Namsan (which means "south mountain") is often called a "museum without walls." The mountain ranges house over 100 temple sites, 80 stone Buddhist statues, and 60 pagodas. It has 40 valleys and is divided into the southwestern region, which was worshiped by the people of the Shilla kingdom, and the southeastern section, which includes the valleys of Mireukgol, Tapgol, and Bucheogol.
The best way to see Namsan is to take one of the many hiking trails, but be prepared with snacks and drinks, since it takes about 4 to 5 hours to do the entire course. The most popular trail starts in Samneung Valley, goes to Sangseonam, and past Sangsa Rock to the top of Geumobong. From there, you can stop in at Buheungsa, see the Poseokjeong Watercourse, and then return to Samneung Valley.
11 Results
- Natural Attraction
Anapji Pond
This pond was created during the Shilla Dynasty and was within the walls of the royal palace. A 1974 excavation revealed three underwater mounds, indicating that the pond used to have artificial islands within it. At the same time, the pond draining revealed several artifacts,… - Neighborhood
Bomun Lake Resort
If you're tired of all the ancient sites, head over to this tourist complex, located about 6km (3 3/4 miles) east of the downtown area, for a little mindless fun. There are five super-deluxe hotels, a casino, a ferry port, Yukbu Village (a recreation of a traditional village), the… - Religious Site
Bulguksa (Bulguk Temple)
Perhaps the most famous of South Korea's many temples (thanks to its location and its UNESCO World Heritage designation), Bulguksa was originally built in 528 during the Shilla Dynasty. King Kim Daeseong had it erected in honor of his parents. Although the original wooden structures… - Religious Site
Bunhwangsa (Bunhwang Temple)
One of the most important temples during the Shilla Dynasty, it was established by Queen Seon-deok during her reign (A.D. 632-637). A haven for artists and monks, many Buddhist paintings and sculptures were created here. Unfortunately, most of them were destroyed during the Imjin… - Landmark
Cheomseongdae Observatory
You may be surprised to see that this, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in all of Asia, is not on the top of a mountain -- it's actually on flat land. The 362 stones that make up the 27-level structure represent each day of the lunar year. Built during the reign of Shilla… - Cemetery
Daereung-won Tumuli Park (Royal Burial Grounds)
If you see only one tomb park in South Korea, this should be it. Tumuli Park contains 23 of the over 200 royal tombs found in Gyeongju. At times, the sense of history, and of secrets buried along with the royals, is almost palpable in the quiet between the large grass-covered mounds.… - Religious Site
Gameunsa Temple Site
King Munmu, the Shilla king who unified the Baekje and Goguryeo in the late 7th century, had this temple built in an attempt to drive away Japanese pirates with the power of the Buddha. Unfortunately, he died before the temple was completed, but his son finished it and had his father… - Historic Site
Poseokjeong Pavilion
Poseokjeong, which loosely translated means "where rocks are placed in the shape of an abalone," was given its name because the shape of the rock grooves here look like an abalone shell. Originally the site of a royal Shilla villa, all that remains today is a stone waterway. It was… - Landmark
Seokbinggo Ice Storage House
This humble stone structure was a way for ancient Koreans to store ice before the invention of refrigeration. The floor, walls, and ceiling are made of granite, with half of the structure underground. When you walk inside on a warm day, you'll feel the significant temperature drop.… - Landmark
Seokguram Seokgul (Seokguram Grotto)
At the same time that Bulguksa was being constructed in honor of his parents, King Kim Daeseong had Seokguram built in honor of his parents from a former life (Buddhists believe in reincarnation). The grotto is an artificial stone structure made of granite, located on the eastern… - Historic Site
Underwater Tomb of King Munmu
When you walk on the beach in Bonggil-li, you will see a small islet just off the shore. This is the underwater tomb of King Munmu (A.D. 661-681), who unified the three kingdoms (see below) and became the 30th ruler of Shilla. Before his death, the king asked to be buried in the East…
Gyeongju Shopping
The best place to find traditional Korean crafts is at the Gyeongju Folk Craft Village (tel. 054/746-7270), which is located on the way to the Bomun Lake Resort from the downtown area. Within this cluster of about 45 traditional houses, artisans make pottery, woodcrafts, jewelry, embroidery, earthen burial figures, and other replicas of handicrafts from the Shilla Kingdom using traditional methods. Although some artisans keep their doors closed, many of them have open studios where you can see them work. The traditional pottery can be a bit pricey, but remember, you're getting a work of art straight from the hands of the artisan. The village is surrounded by several souvenir shops. Be sure to shop around for the best prices before opening your wallet.
For more modern shopping options, head over to the Bomun Tourist Shopping Center, which features souvenir shops galore, in the Bomun Lake Resort complex.
