Gyeongju Historic Areas

Overview

Gyeongju is known as a museum without walls. As the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom from 57 BC to AD 935, it preserves countless historic sites. Highlights include the rounded royal tombs of Daereungwon, the mountain fortress sites, the Anapji pond pavilion and Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Korea. Historic lanes and traditional hanok houses make it the best place to experience ancient Korean culture.

History

Gyeongju served as the Silla capital for about 992 years, witnessing the highest achievements of ancient Korean civilisation. After Silla unified the three kingdoms in the 7th century, Gyeongju grew into a major cultural and trading centre of East Asia with a population once reaching a million. In 2000 the Gyeongju historic areas were inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

Highlights

• •The ancient tombs of Daereungwon, magical in the fading light
• •Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory
• •Bulguksa and Seokguram, the finest of the World Heritage sites
• •The ginkgo avenue in autumn, a spectacular golden corridor

Practical tips

• •Combine with Bulguksa and Seokguram on the same day
• •Cycling is the most convenient way to get around
• •Hwangnam bread is the most popular local souvenir
• •About two hours from Seoul by KTX high-speed rail

Practical information

Best time

April to June, October to November

Tickets

Daereungwon free; Bulguksa about KRW 5,000

Opening hours

Sights generally 9:00 to 22:00, varying by location

Local food

Hanjeongsik, Hwangnam bread and Korean beef

Getting around

The historic sites are spread out, so a bicycle or a linked bus route works best

Visa

A visa is required, and in some cases a K-ETA electronic travel authorisation may be applied for. Check the latest announcements from the Korean embassy.

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