As a living museum of Korean history, or 'the museum without walls,' Gyeongju is home to numerous archaeological sites, ancient Buddhist pagodas, royal tombs, and observatories. It was also known historically as Seorabeol and was the capital of the Silla kingdom, which governed the Korean Peninsula for almost a thousand years (57 BC–935 AD), making it a fascinating destination for cultural enthusiasts and history buffs in South Korea.
Dating back to the Silla Kingdom, Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan comprise a religious architectural complex of remarkable significance that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. While the artificial granite grotto Seokguram is famous for its monumental statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha looking out to sea in the bhumisparsha mudra position, which is regarded as a masterpiece of Buddhist art, Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple complex made up of a series of wooden buildings with exquisite multicolored tiles and carved artworks on stone terraces.
Daereungwon Tomb Complex is a cluster of 23 royal tombs of Silla rulers and family members. From the outside, they look like pyramid-like grassy hillocks rolling across the landscape. Many of the tumuli have yielded historic treasures that are now on exhibit at the Gyeongju National Museum. One tomb, Cheonmachong, is available to tourists to see excavated artifacts, jade ornaments, and weapons.
Cheomseongdae Observatory is one of Asia's oldest astronomy observatories, dating back to the 7th century in the kingdom of Silla. Its square stylobate comprises of 362 stones placed on top of each other to represent the 362 days in a lunar year, and it was primarily used to forecast the weather. For those visiting this historical site in autumn from September, there will be a chance to snap a selfie amidst a field full of pink muhly grass beside an ancient observatory and misty mountain peaks.
Satying overnight in a beautiful temple is a must-do in South Korea if you're so into diverse cultures and traditions. There are several temple stay options suitable for foreign visitors, and in Gyeongju, you can experience it at Golgulsa, a tranquil temple located amid the natural beauty of Hamwolsan Mountain. During the stay, you can take part in morning rituals, tea ceremonies, meditation sessions, communal activities, and martial arts, especially Seonmudo, a traditional Korean Buddhist training technique.
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Gyeongju Quick Facts
Gyeongju is the second largest city by area in North Gyeongsang Province after Andong
Location: southeastern corner of the province, 370 km (230 mi) southeast of Seoul
Area: 511 square miles (1,324 square km)
Population: 249,845 (2022)
Gyeongju experiences a cooler version of a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters and a monsoon season from late June to early August.
World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in and nearby Gyeongju include Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju Historic Areas, and Yangdong Folk Village.
Like the other parts of South Korea, Gyeongju experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures varying between the city and the inland area. The best time to visit this coastal city is considered in spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), when the weather is pleasant and dry and you can view cherry blossoms in bloom or vivid autumnal foliage.
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Sundubu-jjigae is a popular capsicum dish in Gyeongju. It ranks with kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and doenjang jjigae (bean curd stew) as one of the most popular Korean stews. Its key ingredient is sundubu, or uncurdled tofu, soft and silky. Sundubu-jjigae is often based on meat (usually beef) or a variety of seafood, followed by spicy gochugaru (chilli powder), veggies, and raw chilis.
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Hwangnam-ppang is a must-try for sweet-toothed foodies in Gyeongju. Also called Gyeongju bread or Hwangnam bread, it's a small pastry made with egg-flour dough and filled with sugary red bean curd. Tourists can find these bite-sized delights with their original version at the Hwangnam Bread Original Store (783 Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si).
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Though chueo-tang is a signature dish of Namwon rustic city, the chefs of Gyeongju have been cooking it for decades. The soup uses boiled and deboned pond loaches, a tiny freshwater fish living in rice paddies after harvest. The mixture is thickened with soybean and chili paste, as well as ginger and mung beans, mustard seeds, and pepper. It is then served with cooked greens and mint.
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Haejang-guk is a delight if you've had a party night with soju (Korean vodka). It's a tailor-made broth for curing a hangover. There are several variations, but the main idea is a big, comforting, meaty broth from pork spine. On top of that goes Napa cabbage, sea cucumber, and bean paste.
Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)
Hwangnam-ppang (Gyeongju Bread)
Hwangnam-ppang (Gyeongju Bread)
Hwangnam-ppang (Gyeongju Bread)
Hwangnam-ppang (Gyeongju Bread)
Chueo-tang (Loach Soup)
Chueo-tang (Loach Soup)
Chueo-tang (Loach Soup)
Chueo-tang (Loach Soup)
Haejang-guk (Hangover Soup)
Haejang-guk (Hangover Soup)
Haejang-guk (Hangover Soup)
Haejang-guk (Hangover Soup)
Revere the land of Buddha at Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
Revere the land of Buddha at Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
Revere the land of Buddha at Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
Revere the land of Buddha at Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple
Walk around royal tumuli at Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Walk around royal tumuli at Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Walk around royal tumuli at Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Walk around royal tumuli at Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Admire the remarkable Cheomseongdae Observatory
Admire the remarkable Cheomseongdae Observatory
Admire the remarkable Cheomseongdae Observatory
Admire the remarkable Cheomseongdae Observatory
Admire the remarkable Cheomseongdae Observatory
Experience a temple stay at Golgulsa Temple
Experience a temple stay at Golgulsa Temple
Experience a temple stay at Golgulsa Temple
Experience a temple stay at Golgulsa Temple
Experience a temple stay at Golgulsa Temple
Step back in time at Yangdong Folk Village
Step back in time at Yangdong Folk Village
Step back in time at Yangdong Folk Village
Step back in time at Yangdong Folk Village
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