Gyeongju is Korea's most representative historic city, serving as the capital of the Silla Dynasty for a thousand years. It boasts an abundance of relics and ruins, making the entire city feel like a historical museum that showcases its long history and heritage. Historic sites in Gyeongju include Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gameunsa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the royal palace complex of Wolseong, among others...
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple are located in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. The Seokguram Grotto was built in the 8th century AD and houses a monumental Buddha statue facing the sea toward Potalaka. The surrounding images of deities, bodhisattvas, and worshippers, carved as reliefs on the ceiling and pedestal, are remarkably lifelike and intricate, representing…
Hwangnyongsa Temple was built in the 14th year of King Jinheung of Silla (553) and took 17 years to complete, finishing officially in 569. It was burned to ashes during the Mongol invasion in 1238. In July 1969, during an investigation of a local lecture hall, the foundation stones of the main hall, lecture hall, and pagoda site were excavated. In 1976,…
Baksacheong (covering an area of 7,432㎡) is located on rocks by a stream and was designated as Historic Site No. 1 on January 21, 1963. It was originally the site of a royal villa from the Silla Dynasty (BC 57 – AD 935). The original buildings no longer exist, leaving only a stone water channel shaped like an abalone. The stone trough is…
This green forest is located between Cheomseongdae and Wolseong. It is said to be the legendary birthplace of Alji, the founding ancestor of the Gyeongju Kim clan. Designated as Historic Site No. 19, the lush forest features ancient zelkova trees and other species, along with a clear spring that flows from north to west. As the birthplace of the Silla Kim clan, it is…
With a history of about 90 years, Gyeongju National Museum displays the cultural heritage of Gyeongju, the capital of the Silla Kingdom (BC57–AD935). The museum is roughly divided into four sections: the Main Hall, the First and Second Annex Halls, and the Outdoor Exhibition Site. The Main Hall houses a large collection of pottery, while the Art and Craft Room features various fine art pieces...
The Tomb of Queen Seondeok is located at 79-2 Bomun-dong, Gyeongju, and is the burial site of Queen Seondeok, the 27th ruler of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC–935 AD), who reigned from 632 to 647. Historical records state that King Jinpyeong had no sons, and Queen Seondeok, his eldest daughter, was the first female monarch to ascend the throne in the history of Silla...
Mount Namsan in Gyeongju is located in the southern part of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. It is an oval-shaped mountain range stretching approximately 8 kilometers from north to south and 4 kilometers from east to west. The mountain slopes from north to south, with over 40 streams flowing down from two peaks—Geumo Peak (468 meters above sea level) and Gogyeong Peak (494 meters above sea level)—...
Bomun Lake is located in Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. It is an artificial lake constructed beneath the ancient city site of Mt. Myeonghak in the eastern part of Gyeongju. With a total area of 1,652,900 square meters, the lake boasts vast, picturesque scenery and has become a key tourist destination developed by the Gyeongju Tourism Organization. Since cherry blossom trees can be found all over Gyeongju...
Jirin Temple is located at Mt. Huam-ri, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, at No. 419. It is said to have been built during the Silla Dynasty by the monk Gwangu-seonsa from India. The temple was originally called Linzheng Temple (phonetic transcription), but was later renamed Jirin Temple by Master Wonhyo. It consists of 16 buildings in total, and its floor area is second only to that of the famous Bulguksa Temple.
Cheomseongdae is an ancient astronomical observatory located in both the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea. There are two such structures on the entire Korean Peninsula—one situated in the northwest of Kaesong’s city center, and the other located in the heart of Gyeongju. The Gyeongju Cheomseongdae was built in 634 AD and is the oldest astronomical structure on the Korean Peninsula. It...
The Tomb of King Muyeol is located at 842 Seogwuk-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. It is the tomb of King Muyeol, the 29th monarch of the Silla Kingdom (reigned 654–661, personal name Kim Chunchu). It is said that King Muyeol was the first king of true bone lineage in the middle period of Silla. He allied with the Tang Dynasty to unify Baekje, laying the foundation for the eventual unification of the Korean Peninsula...
The Bell of King Seongdeok the Great is located in a bell pavilion outside the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. It is a massive bronze bell and the largest extant bell in Korea. Cast by King Gyeongdeok in memory of his father, King Seongdeok, it was named after him. Th…
Jeju Fixed Hunting Ground is the only fixed hunting ground in South Korea, open from November 1 to the end of February each year. Hunting grounds in Korea are divided into two types: fixed and rotating. The latter operates on a yearly rotational basis across four regions—Gangwon-do, Gyeongsang-do, Jeolla-do, and Chungcheong-do. The former, on the other hand, is…
Magic World has over 2,000 seats and top-tier stage facilities including sound and lighting. The show features thrilling acts ranging from aerial stunts 30 meters above the ground to award-winning performances such as a 17-person bicycle show and a 5-person motorcycle acrobatics act, both winners of prestigious French circus competitions. In addition, an acrobatics troupe of more than 40 performers from Shanghai, China,…
Operated in conjunction with the Tourist Hotel – Jeju GRAND Hotel, Orak Country Club is conveniently located in the Sinjeju area, just a 10-minute drive from Jeju International Airport. It is one of Jeju Island’s premier golf courses, featuring an internationally recognized 36-hole course along with a range of comfortable and diverse amenities...
Sangumburi is a volcanic crater with a circumference of over 2 kilometers and is designated as a protected natural site. Located on the flatlands southeast of Jeju City, it has a diameter of 650 meters, a depth of 100 meters, and a circumference of 2070 meters. From the air, Sangumburi resembles an artificially built circular stadium. The area boasts a rich diversity of plant species, with temperate trees such as the red thorn tree and the red nanmu, as well as the rare winter strawberry, growing in the northern part. The southern side of the crater is home to typical temperate forest vegetation, including oaks, maples, and dogwood. The limited space within the crater also supports various types of trees with differing characteristics, making it of significant academic interest. Sangumburi features several scenic spots to explore, including a stone entrance, a rock pond, and the crater itself.
Tamna Wood and Stone Garden displays trees and stones of special value from Jeju Island. This privately operated tourist attraction features naturally formed rocks and dried roots of yamamomo trees (Myrica rubra), each given a name or story that matches its shape. The dried roots of yamamomo trees are only found below an altitude of 700 meters on Mount Halla…
Silla Millennium Park is located at 719-70 Pobun-dong, Seobang Housing Complex, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. It is a park that integrates diverse themes such as history and honor, challenge and adventure, and cultural and artistic experience villages. Silla Millennium Park authentically showcases the cultural life of the Silla period and is a great place to learn about the Silla era…
Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park is located at 130 Cheongun-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, and was completed in 2008. The Gyeongju World Culture Expo was first held in 1998 and has since taken place five times. In 2006, the "Angkor-Gyeongju World Culture Expo" was successfully held in Cambodia, marking the establishment of the Gyeongju World...