Gyeongju

A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Buddhist art from the 8th century. In front of the main prayer hall stand two iconic stone pagodas: Dabotap (Pagoda of Many Treasures), known for its highly decorative carvings, and Seokgatap (Pagoda of Buddha), admired for its simple and dignified design. Note: Entrance fees have been abolished since May 2023. Look for the "hidden stone pig" under the roof of Geuknakjeon Hall, which is believed to bring good luck. A copy of Seokgatap can also be seen at the Gyeongju National Museum.

A masterpiece of Silla Buddhist art, this grotto houses a majestic granite Buddha looking toward the East Sea. On the solstice, a ray of sun hits the Buddha's "third eye," a design meant to protect the kingdom. Although the Buddha is now behind a glass panel for preservation, the site offers spectacular views on clear days. Photography is strictly prohibited inside due to the sacred nature of the site. Entrance has been free since May 2023.

20 km east of the ancient Silla Dynasty capital city of Gyeongju in Southeastern Korea. In the Golgulsa temple area can be found the oldest historical Buddhist ruins on Mt. Hamwol and the only cave temple in Korea. The original temple was built out of solid rock during the 6th century by Saint Kwang Yoo and his companions, Buddhist monks from India. This temple contains a sculptured Maya Tathagata Buddha (Buddha was known as the “Tathagata”; his mother was “Maya Devi”) and twelve rock caves. You can enjoy Temple Stay in Golgulsa.

This temple which is close to the sea in the east has only the foundations and two 13-m-high stone pagodas remaining. The building was begun by King Munmu and completed by his son, Shinmun, in 682. The temple hall was to serve as a resting place of King Munmu's reincarnation as a sea dragon, and therefore Shinmun built a water path from the sea to this temple. This should not be confused with Tomb of Munmu of Silla that is also close by and also references the sea dragon reincarnation.

At the foot of Hamwolsan mountain, this temple was founded in 643 in the twelfth year of the rule of King Seondeok. The relatively large compound comprises of 16 buildings. The main highlights are the three floor pagoda (Samcheung Seoktap), the Daejeokgwangjeon hall and the golden sitting Buddha statue of Geonchilbosal Jwasang. This temple is much quieter than the one in nearby Bulguksa.

This fortress used to extend for 6 kilometers to protect the country from Japanese attacks. Today only a few stone foundations and a temple remain.

This was a palace of the Silla kingdom, and is today a lovely park with some ruins. It contains the 'Seokbinggo' or 'Stone Ice House' built in 1738 for the preservation of food. It looks something like a grave mound (of which there are many in the area).

Located east of downtown, these temple ruins of 66,000² are among the largest in Asia. In 553 King Jinheung planned to build a palace here, however as he heard rumors that a yellow dragon had been seen there, he decided to make a temple here. It was completed in 645. The most important things here were a nine-level wooden pagoda and a golden five meter high statue of Jangnyuksang. The temple was destroyed by Mongol invaders in 1238 and now only the ruins of it remains, including two pillars which are named Dangganjiju — "the flag poles".

This center features a 1/10 scale model of the legendary nine-story wooden pagoda and a 3D theater showing its history. A great place to understand the scale of the original temple.

Songdae Horse Lighthouse is one of South Korea's snorkeling hotspots. The water is clear enough that you can see the bottom even if you don't go in, and there's a place to grab a bite to eat in front. However, it's not an official beach, so you'll need to bring your own supplies, as the facilities aren't very well equipped.

The burial mound of King Wonseong, 38th king of Silla, lies close to Bulguksa. In 780, Wonseong and his friend Kim Yangsang fought the rebel Kim Ji-jeong. As King Hyegong died in the rebellion, Kim Yangsang took over the throne as the King Seondeok. His successor was Wonseong in the year 785. In 787 he let his title be known to the Chinese emperor, through the sending of tributes. A tradition that would be followed by Korean kings for the next centuries. From 788 King Wonseong introduced the civil service examinations from the Chinese Tang dynasty. King Wonseong died in 798, and his grave is surrounded by a stone wall, with the edges comprising of 12 stones showing the complete Chinese zodiac. By the grave are stone columns, statues of academics (Muninseok), warriors (Muinseok) and lions (Dolsaja). The statues of the warriors appear to have the facial features of European or Arabian origin and wearing turbans. The four guarding lions are all facing the grave with large grins.

King Muyeol is considered as a great unifier of Korea, having conquered the Kingdom of Baekje in the seventh century. His power is symbolized by a turtle, a statue of which can be seen near the tomb's entrance.

The ashes of King Munmu, 30th ruler (661-681) of Silla, are supposed to be placed in an underwater tomb, next to some rocks 200m from the coast. Archaeologists have found no signs of a royal grave there, so visitors can just look at the rocks and wonder if the legend is true or not. You may not explore the area yourself - access to the rocks is prohibited. There is a beach close to the rocks, with its rough sand and stones it's not very comfortable. A bit north along the beach there is the Yigyeondae pavilion from where you can also see the rocks. The pavilion is built on a place where the Munmu's son, King Shinmu according to a legend received a magical flute called manpasikjeok from a sea dragon. The flute would have been able to scare enemies away, heal illnesses, and bring forth rain and sun.

Not just kings were buried in the mounds, but prominent persons like general Kim Yushin (595-673) as well. He was a son of Kimsuo, the last king of the Geumgwangaya Kingdom. At the age of 15 he started serving the kingdom of Silla and played a decisive role in the conquest of Goguryeo and Baekje, wherefore he was elevated to the highest rank under King Munmu. According to a legend, the general turned into a god after his death. Kim's mound 5,3m high, 50m across and is located west of downtown. It is surrounded by a wall with 12 stone tables with the signs in the Chinese zodiac guarding the grave.

An amusement park with a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster and other rides. It also incorporates several smaller theme parks such as the water park California Beach, the Kiddy Land and the Children's Animal Ranch.

A large water wheel with 108 channels (a holy number in Buddhism).

Since 1998 the resort hosts culture festivals, centered around the 82m high Gyeongju Tower and the Expo Culture Center. The event includes exhibitions, concerts, video shows and other performances.

Permanent exhibition consisting of pictures, sculptures and media installations. Also differently themed temporary exhibitions.

Either take a bus or taxi to get to the park. Once there, hiking trails lead up into the mountains. At first the signs are in both Korean and English but soon they become Korean only. Make sure you take a map or even better a Korean!

The site of five burial mounds, but there are different theories about how many persons in reality have been buried here. According to one story only the founder of the Silla Kingdom, Park Hyeokgeose and his wife Aryeong. As they were buried, a giant snake appeared and interrupted the ceremony. The snake divided the corpses into five parts and buried them at five different locations, wherefore the site is sometimes known as sareung, the Snake Grave. According to another story there are five persons buried here, King Namhae, Yuri and Pasa in addition to the above mentioned.

There are not much left of the site where the Silla kings held their ceremonies. The most visible part is a narrow passage called yusanggoksuyeon, 22 m in length and built for a game called goksugeo where the player had to recite a poem while a glass ball was rolling down the passage. Not far away there is a site called Najeong of which there are just the foundations left. This is the site where Park Hyeokgeose the first king of Silla (again, according to a legend) was born out of an egg. Next to it is Aryeongjeong, the place where his wife Aryeong, the first queen was born out of a dragon.

A shrine south of Oreung, built in the 11th century under King Sejong. Later destroyed by the Japanese, it was rebuilt by King Sunjo. In the shrine there is a monument telling the stories of the kings Park Hyeokgeose and Sundeokjeong.

The holy hill Nangsan looks more like a burial mount than a hill, being just 108 m high. In 413 CE, King Silseong saw a cloud reminiscent of a pavilion above the hill. He believed that it was the house of the gods and declared the hill holy. The Sillas performed shamanic rites on the hill. Nowadays you can find the remains of the Buddhist temple Sacheonwangsaji there. It was built in 679 to protect the Chinese Tang Kingdom from invaders. Above the temple sits the burial mound of Queen Seondeok and the remains of Neungjitapji, the site where King Munmu was cremated after his death. 12 statues symbolizing the Chinese zodiac surround the site.

Also known as Naenggol, Cold Valley due to its cold weather around the year. Into the valley's walls several Buddha figures have been sculpted. The first one you will encounter is Seokjoseokga yeoraejwasang, a Buddha sitting with crossed legs with a missing hand. After this Maaegwaneum Bodhisattva, a standing Buddha with a Lamp of Pureness (jeongbyeong) in the hand. It is especially beautiful at sunset in the fall when the leaves are red. After that follows Seongakyukjonbul, Seongakyeoraejwasang, Maaseokga yeoraejwasang and many other Buddha figures.

These three burial mounds are located at the entrance to the Samneunggol valley. The kings Gyeongmyeong, Sindeok and Adala are buried here. In the temple there are three standing Buddha statues — the Baeri Seokbul Statues.

A few replicas of the surrounding sights, some performances by artisans and several stores selling every imaginable type of souvenirs. In short: a tourist trap, that however is part of almost all tours and widely advertised.

Located between the Cheomseongdae observatory and the National Museum, some of the trees here are over 2000 years old. According to a legend King Talhae heard a rooster in the forest in the middle of the night. The next morning a baby was found in the forest. The king adopted him, named him Kim Alji and he would eventually become the founder of Gyeongju. The forest was named Gyerim which translates to rooster.

A getaway for the locals both in the spring for the cherry blossom and in the summer for canoeing and seeing open air concerts and theater performances. Several restaurants, stores and activities. Very busy in the summer, remarkably less so outside the season.

A traditional Hanok village that was the center of Silla education and the seat of the famous Gyeongju Choi Clan (rich family) for 12 generations. Visitors can experience traditional Korean crafts, taste the famous 'Kyochon Gimbap', and see the well-preserved aristocratic architecture.

A large-scale botanical garden and bird park inspired by Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. It features a massive glass greenhouse with subtropical plants and a bird park where visitors can interact with various species. It is a very popular spot for families.

Events include traditional music and dance performances, as well as opportunities to learn traditional Korean arts and crafts. However, the highlight of the festival is the rice cakes, traditional tea, and rice wines.

This historically and spiritually significant mountain only 5min south of the central city is littered with historical Buddha reliefs carved into its rocks and boulders as well as dotted with ancient pagodas and temples. A hike up the mountain (466 m) through its western valley from the Samneung tomb site is recommended.

Tumuli Park, also known as the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, is a historical park in Gyeongju featuring large grassy burial mounds from the Silla Kingdom (57 BC – AD 935). Within the park are over 20 royal tombs, including the famous Cheonmachong (“Heavenly Horse Tomb”), which is open to the public and displays artifacts discovered inside. The park offers a peaceful setting with walking paths surrounded by pine trees and provides insight into the royal culture and traditions of ancient Korea.

Wolseong Park, also called Banwolseong or “Half-Moon Fortress,” is the former site of the Silla royal palace in Gyeongju. Although the earthen fortress walls remain, the area is now a large grassy park featuring historical relics and scenic walking paths. Archaeological excavations have uncovered palace foundations, ponds, and artifacts from the Silla Dynasty, providing valuable insight into Korea’s ancient royal culture. Today, the park is a peaceful site popular for strolling, photography, and exploring nearby landmarks such as Cheomseongdae Observatory and Anapji Pond.

California Beach is a large water park located in Gyeongju’s Bomun Tourist Complex. Inspired by California’s beaches, the park features wave pools, water slides, lazy rivers, and kid-friendly play zones. It is designed as a family-friendly summer destination and is connected to Gyeongju World amusement park, allowing visitors to enjoy both attractions. With seasonal events and various leisure facilities, California Beach is one of Gyeongju’s most popular summer spots.

Silla Millennium Park is a large theme park in Gyeongju dedicated to recreating the culture and history of the Silla Dynasty. The park features life-sized replicas of Silla palaces, traditional craft workshops, and live performances such as historical reenactments and martial arts shows. Visitors can explore cultural exhibits, enjoy family-friendly attractions, and experience interactive programs highlighting Silla’s rich heritage. The park has also served as a filming location for popular Korean dramas, making it a unique blend of entertainment and cultural education.

The region is ideal for hiking. There are hiking paths along the forested hills and between the sights. The tourist office can provide you with information about hiking itineraries. On Lake Bomun you can rent small or big boats, with or without a motor. Bomunho Resort and Hotel Kolon have golf courses. If you would like to swim, most larger hotels have pools that are also open to non-guests, in addition there is the water park California Beach in Gyeongju World.

Try out recreational shooting with real guns.

Hwanglidan-gil is a street full of delicious restaurants, cafes, shopping, and small shops in Gyeongju. It's a gathering place for young people traveling to and from the race, and many of the shops here are converted hanoks or single-family homes. Hwangnidan-gil is located in the core area of Gyeongju.

It consists of 2,000 pyeong indoors, 8,500 pyeong outdoors, and 1,500 pyeong of customer convenience facilities, and is equipped with various water play facilities and convenience facilities.

Gyeongju Gyo-chon Traditional Village has been newly restored and preserves the original form of the cultural heritage. Woljeonggyo Bridge, the largest wooden bridge in Korea, has been newly restored, and colorful lighting can be seen at night.

Numerous ginkgo trees form a forest, and there is something for villagers to enjoy by operating food and specialty markets.