Often referred as the historical city of Korea, Gyeongju is an archaeological land full of evidence of the past.
Indeed, for a long time, the city has been the capital during Shilla Dynasty (BC 57-935). Today, the city has preserved its heritage in its walls as you will find ancient landmarks in a nearly perfect state standing as a proud legacy.
Gyeongju : an archaeological land
As the ancient relics were making entirely part of Gyeongju, UNESCO has taken the decision to name the entire city as a world cultural heritage. That is the reason why we call it “museum without walls,” as it portrays an open sky museum. Among the numerous relics stored in the city, three are drawing tourist’s attention. It includes Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Daereungwon Tomb Complex.
Indeed, if you just spent a few days in this historical city, you might just feel like traveling in the past when Shilla was reigning.
Join our Gyeongju private tours:
(BEST) Gyeongju One Day Tour – The Museum Without Walls
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Spring Tour
One Day Gyeongju Tour (Autumn season only)
Multi-days:
3D2N Busan & Gyeongju Tour
5D4N Korea Cultural Heritage immersion Tour
10D9N Highlights of Korea Group Tour
A Journey through South Korea – 10D9N
Gyeongju Royal Tombs
As part of the three top attractions, Gyeongju preserves the oldest and most imposing tombs in Korea. While you can find most of them inside Tumuli Park, mostly all its occupant identity remain unknown until now. But in an excavation of the area in the 70s, one tomb called Cheonmachong was sheltering 11.526 remains and royal crowns, like jewelry, weapons preceding the 5th century. Meanwhile, the largest ancient tomb Hwangnamdaechong housed the bodies of both king and queen coupled with more than 30 thousand relics and gold accessories.
Bulguksa Temple
Another historical site famous for its authenticity despite its vast historical background is the Bulguksa temple. Initially built in 528 during Shilla dynasty, it has been rebuilt in 751, and completed in 774. From then, its name went from “Hwaeom Bulguksa temple” to only Bulguksa. Later it went under renovation during Both Goryeo, and then Joseon, and was finally burnt down during the Japanese invasions (1392-1598). After this incident, the temple underwent 40 renovations.
Seokguram Grotto
Last but not least, the representative stone temple of Korea named Seokguram. Located on the Tohamsan Mountain, it is the 24th national UNESCO treasure heritage. This stone temple is made of granite and was constructed in 751 and finished in 774 along with Bulguksa Temple. The story says that Former King Kim Dae-Seong had Bulguksa temple built for his parents in his current life. The Seokguram Grotto was made for the parents of his anterior life. The temple displays beautiful figures and lotus flower design. Now, it is worldly recognized for the artistic touch of the stone relics.
Tip: you can enjoy the sunrise from this spot, by climbing the mountain at daybreak.
To put it in a nutshell, Gyeongju city is an excellent place to get an overview of Korea’s historical past and heritage. For those who wish to know the entire history of the city you can visit Gyeongju’s National Museum. The entire building represents each single historical area of the city. Exhibitions, impressive relics, and archaeological treasures make the trip to Gyeongju worth taking a few days to explore and discover a former age.
Tip: Gyeongju is also a good place to get to grips with Korean food.
You can also read our article about Gyeongju Unesco village right here Yangdong Village ! Gyeongju Yangdong Village [UNESCO World Heritage]: turning a hundred years back
Read more information about Gyeongju:
Gyeongju : Museum without walls with Lotus flower complex & Attractive night view
Anapji Pond – Gyeongju City
Gyeongju is a city full of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, check-out more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in here > Korea UNESCO world heritage sites : An impressive record
