Gyeongju Sightseeing

Gyeongju can be an expensive place for visitors. Although many of the historic sites can be viewed for free, the most popular ones have steep admission prices. If you are a Gyeongju resident, however, you can get into most places for free.

King Munmu built Anapji Pond in 674 A.D. as a pleasure garden. He designed the pond so that one cannot view the entire pond at once. Only a small portion of the original palace remains. In 1975 when the pond was drained for repairs, workers found a wealth of treasures that had been underwater. The relics have been restored and many are on display at the National Museum, a short walk away.
Hours: 8:00-19:00 (8:00-18:00, Nov.-Feb.)

Originally built in 528, Bulguk-sa Temple provides an excellent example of architecture from the Shilla Dynasty. Literally meaning "Buddha Land," Bulguk-sa is set among the foothills of Toham Mountain, offering gorgeous views of fertile plains and the mythical mountain Namsan. The elevated compound is reached by climbing thirty-three stone stairs adorned with elaborate railings. Placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, the temple compound houses a number of national treasures. It also contains a gift shop with many books in English and Japanese. Hours are: 7:00-18:30.

This 3-story stone pagoda was built in 634 during the reign of Queen Seondok. Considering the total number of brick-shaped stones that have been recovered, scholars believe this pagoda must have originally been a seven or nine-story pagoda. Stone lions guard the pagoda which contained various beads, scissors, gold, silver needles, and a silver bowl with a lid.

Cheomseongdae means "Star Gazing Tower" and is the oldest astronomical observatory in the East. This ancient observatory is made of stone and stands about 9 meters in height resembling a round bottle. For over two thousand years, Korean astronomers studied and charted the movements of stars and planets. Court astrologers reported and interpreted their findings to the King who would then act according to their predictions. The stars dictated all aspects of policy making: agricultural developments, celebrations, wars, and other events and festivals. Astrology also shaped people's views of life and the universe. Koreans still tend to believe that the exact time of birth for each person is closely governed by the heavens.

Golgul-sa (Rock Cave Temple) is a Buddhist compound built around the 6th century. The compound has twelve caves and remains Korea's only cave temple. A large Buddha and a series of narrow paths and tunnels are carved into the mountain, connecting the various caves and grottos. Although the paths have railings, people who suffer from vertigo or fear heights should not attempt to go to some areas.

In addition to the monks who live here, a large colony of chipmunks have also taken up residence. The temple is also famous for training in Sonmudo, a Zen martial art.

Gyeongju National Museum is a short walk from Anapji Pond and houses over 80,000 relics from the Shilla Dynasty period. At any time 2,500 of them are on display. Spaced around the museum grounds are various relics recovered from excavations around the country. Pieces of statues, temple ornaments, bridges, stupas, and other monuments line the walkways. The trees along the walkways burst with cherry blossoms in the Spring and drop multicoloured leaves in the Fall.

In front of the main building stands the bronze Divine Bell of King Seongdeok. Also called the Emile Bell, it stands over 3 meters high and weighs over 25 tons, making it Asia's largest. It makes a clear, resonating sound when rung, reputedly able to travel over 3 kilometres.

Just inside the entrance gate is a small shop which rents audio guides to the museum in English, Japanese, and Korean. A small stand selling drinks and snacks has a few tables where you can relax and enjoy the scenery or watch other people strolling along the paths. Inside the main building is a souvenir stand selling postcards, books, and other cultural trinkets. 

It takes much time to thoroughly take a look at all the relics on display. Therefore, if you are in a hurry, check out the splendid jewelleries, Buddhist sculptures and paintings. Descriptions are available in English.
Hours: 9:00-18:00 (9:00-17:00, Nov.-Feb., closed on Mondays)

Kyerim Forest has been a sacred place since the early days of the Shilla Dynasty. Inside the dense forest of 100 trees, stands a pavilion which houses a stone monument erected during the Joseon Dynasty. 

The forest was the legendary birthplace of Kim Al-ji, the father of the Kim Clan. Legend tells that he was found inside a gold chest as an infant and was named Kim, meaning gold. This is a nice place to take a rest in the lush forest.

Established in the 8th century on the slopes of Toham Mountain, the Seokguram Grotto contains a monumental statue of the Buddha looking at the sea. It is reached by either hiking or driving from Bulguk Temple. A 4 km, hour-long walk up a steep meandering mountain trail, or a 9 km paved road. Thanks to its spectacular location, you are rewarded with stunning views. With the surrounding portrayals of gods, Bodhisattvas and disciples, all delicately sculpted into the rocky mountain side, it is a masterpiece of Buddhist art.

This park (known as Daeneungwon in Korean) has more than 20 large and small tombs from the Shilla period. The tombs are presumed to be those of kings and court officials. The dimensions of the tombs range in heights from less than 1 meter to 23 meters. Most of them are grass-covered earthen mounds, creating a spectacular scene which resembles a small mountain range. In spring and summer, the grass is vibrant green, and then turns golden in the fall and winter. 

One notable tomb within Tumili Park is Cheonmachong tomb meaning "Heavenly Horse Tomb". Contrary to the impression the name gives, the tomb did not contain a horse. The name comes from a painting of a heavenly horse that was found during the tomb's excavation. This burial mound is 12.7 meters high and 47 meters in diameter. It is the only tomb which you can enter and appreciate the painting on the wall. Some of the artefacts found during the excavation are displayed here, although most are replicas of the original pieces that are on display at the Gyeongju National Museum.

The Tomb of King Munmu (661-681 A.D.) is located off Bonggil Beach on a tiny rocky islet in East Sea. The king gave specific instructions to be buried in the sea after his death so that he would become a dragon and protect the Shilla Kingdom. The rocky island, about 200 meters in circumference, is divided by a cross-shaped waterway, forming a pool at the centre. At the bottom of the pool is a granite rock under which the cremated remains of King Munmu are supposedly buried. Historians still debate whether the ashes of the King Munmu were scattered or stored in an urn and placed under the granite. The beauty of the landscape of the underwater tomb reaches its peak in the autumn. The bus from Gyeongju city takes about 50 minutes. It is one of the only free attractions of Gyeongju and is open all year, 24 hours.

Hike Toham Mountain, stopping to visit Bulguk Temple and Sukkuram Grotto along the way. The magnificent Bulguk temple is built on a series of stone terraces about 16 km (10 miles) from town. The eaves and internal painting of this gorgeous temple are one of the artistic highlights of Asia. Stand on the highest level of the temple and you'll look down over a rolling sea of tiles and fields. Make your way further up the mountain to magnificent Seokguram Grotto where a seated Buddha looks out over the foothills.

Visit the Gyeongju Folk Handicraft Village. You can watch artisans at work and purchase their handicrafts. The village was established in order to preserve and develop the traditional artistry of Shilla crafts and reproduces various folk handicrafts, like metallic wares, ceramics, woodcrafts, jewellery, embroidery and bamboo works similar to that era.

See the treasures in the Gyeongju National Museum with over 80,000 relics from the Shilla Dynasty period. If you are pressed for time don't miss the splendid jewelleries, Buddhist sculptures and paintings.