Even though South Korea is known for its modern and high-tech architectures, there are a lot of cultural and historical destinations where visitors can catch a glimpse of Korea's splendid past. One such destination is Gyeongju, a coastal city in the southeastern of North Gyeongsang province.
In the past, Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, which ruled about two-thirds of Korean peninsula for about one thousand years. Gyeongju is known as 'museum without walls' as a lot of historical sites remain in this place. For those who are into ancient cultures, Gyeongju is the perfect destination to explore more about Korean history!
Direction from Seoul:
> By bus: Take a bus from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Subway: Express Bus Terminal station, Seoul subway lines 3, 7 and 9) to Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. Travel time is approximately four hours and the fare is around 19,100won.
> By train: KTX from Seoul Station to Singyeongju Station. Travel time is approximately two hours but the fare is around 49,300won.
Website: www.gyeongju.go.kr
1. Daereungwon and Cheonmachong Tomb Complex (대릉원-천마총)
Daerungwon Tomb Complex is an area of large ancient tombs of kings and nobles of the Silla kingdom.
> Address:
9, Gyerim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do경상북도 경주시 계림로 9 (황남동)
> Direction:
-. From Singyeongju Station, take Bus 60, 61 or 700 and get off at Geumseong Sageori (4-way intersection) Bus Stop. Walk back to the intersection and turn right.
-. From Gyeongju Bus Terminal, walking away from the river, go straight 700m (about 12 min).
> Operating Hours: 09:00-22:00
> Admission Fees: Adults: 2,000 wonTeenagers: 1,200 won Children: 600 won
2. Hwangnidan-gil (황리단길)
Located right next to Daereungwon-Cheonmachong, Hwangnidan-gil is an 'instagramable' district with a lot of trendy cafes, restaurants, and vintage shops along the street.
One thing worth a try in Hwangnidan-gil is the black-and-white photoshoot. By paying 60,000won you will get 4 printed photos and all of the original digital photos.
3. Cheomseongdae (첨성대)
Cheomseongdae is an astronomical observatory in Gyeongju, South Korea. Cheomseongdae means star-gazing tower in Korean. Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and possibly even the world.
> Address:
140-25, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 경주시 첨성로 140-25 (황남동)
> Direction:
From Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal or Gyeongju Station, take Bus 10, 11, 60, 600, or 700 and get off at Silla Hoegwan or Wolseong-dong Community Center Bus Stop. From Singyeongju Station, take Bus 60, 61 or 700 and get off at Wolseong-dong Community Center.
> Operating Hours: 09:00-22:00
> Admission Fee: Free
4. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (동궁과 월지)
Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond were the secondary palace site which was used for the palace of the Crown Prince along with other subsidiary buildings and it also was the banquet site for important national event and important visitors.
> Address:
102, Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 경주시 원화로 102 (인왕동)
> Direction:
Bus: From Singyeongju Statation, take Bus No. 50, 51, or 70.- Get off at Jungang Market Bus Stop and transfer to Bus 600.- Get off at Anapji Entrance Bus Stop.
From Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal or Gyeongju Station, take bus 600. (Bus stop: across the street from the bus terminal / Across the street on the left-hand side from the train station).- Get off at Anapji Entrance Bus Stop.
> Operating Hours: 09:00-22:00
> Admission Fees:
Individuals - Adults 2,000 won / Teenagers 1,200 won / Children 600 won
Groups - Adults 1,600 won / Teenagers 1,000 won / Children 500 won
5. Gyeongju Teddy Bear Museum (테디베어박물관-경주)
The Teddy Bear Museum in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do is a unique modern attraction. Instead of displaying realistic human sculptures, the museum uses hundreds of large and small teddy bears to depict the history of mankind (going back as far as the Age of Dinosaurs) as well as of the Silla Kingdom in several different exhibition halls.
> Address: 280-34, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 경상북도 경주시 보문로 280-34 (북군동)
> Admission Fees:
Individuals: Adults 10,000 won / Teenagers 7,000 won / Children 6,000 won
Groups: Adults 8,000 won / Teenagers 5,000 won / Children 4,000 won
Where to Stay in Gyeongju?
Experience living in Hanok (Korean traditional house) at:
Floral Space Hanok Guest House
> Address: 46-6 Poseok-ro 1092beon-gil, 38166 Gyeongju, South Korea
You can book it on booking.com
