Gyeongju, often referred to as 'the museum without walls', is known for its extensive historical and cultural sites. It was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, which ruled about two-thirds of the Korean Peninsula between the 7th and 9th centuries. The city is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the Gyeongju Historic Areas, which feature royal tombs, ancient pagodas, and ruins of palaces and temples.
Must-visit sites in Gyeongju include Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju National Museum, Anapji Pond (Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond), Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Tumuli Park), Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the Gyeongju Historic Areas with numerous tumuli (royal tombs). Depending on time, visitors also enjoy visiting the Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park and Yangdong Folk Village.
The best time to visit Gyeongju is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful. Cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn particularly enhance the city's historical sites. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold.
A stay of 2 to 3 days is typically recommended to explore the main historical sites and attractions in Gyeongju at a comfortable pace. However, if you're a history or culture enthusiast, you might want to allocate more time to delve deeper into the city's rich past.
Gyeongju is host to various cultural festivals throughout the year. The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon in April and the Gyeongju Cultural Festival in October are notable events. The city also celebrates the Silla Cultural Festival, which showcases traditional music, dance, and rituals from the Silla period.
Yes, Gyeongju is suitable for family tourism. Many of the historical sites are situated in open spaces and parks that are child-friendly. Additionally, attractions such as the Gyeongju World Amusement Park and Gyeongju Bird Park are popular with children.
Local food specialties in Gyeongju include hwangnam bread (a sweet red bean pastry), Ssambap (rice wrapped in assorted leaves), Gyeongju Chalboribbang (a type of pancake made from barley), and Gyeongju Beopju (a traditional Korean liquor).
Gyeongju offers a wide range of accommodation options from luxury hotels to traditional Hanok stays. Tourists can also find guesthouses, hostels, and resorts to fit various budgets and preferences.
Yes, Gyeongju is well-connected by public transport. The city can be reached by train, bus or car from various parts of Korea. Once in Gyeongju, there are local buses and taxis available, as well as bike rental services, making it easy to get around and visit the historical sites.
Absolutely, Gyeongju is one of the best places in South Korea to experience traditional Korean culture. Visitors can stay in Hanok (traditional Korean houses), take part in tea ceremonies, try on Hanbok (traditional Korean attire), and engage with various hands-on cultural experiences available throughout the city.
