Historic Gyeongju, Korea, was the capital of the Silla Kingdom, which ruled most of the country from the 600s to the 800s. There are a few surviving, interesting ancient archaeological sites. Great hotels here are bookable with HotelTravel.com.
Due to its coastal location, Gyeongju has a slightly milder and wetter climate than more inland regions of Korea. In general, however, the city's climate is typical of South Korea. It has hot summers and cool winters, with a monsoon season between late June and early August. As on the rest of Korea's east coast, summer and autumn typhoons are not uncommon so travellers need to exercise caution. The best time to travel is in the spring from March to May. The average annual temperature is 12.2°C (54° F).
The city of Gyeongju (Kyongju) is more than 2,000 years old and contains most of the historic remains of Korea's 5,000 year history. For about a thousand years between 57 B.C. and 935 A.D. it was the capital of the Shilla dynasty, the greatest to flourish among the Three Kingdoms of the Korean peninsula at that time.
Spend an hour or a day peddling among ancient temples, royal tombs and peaceful gardens. Most of the town’s terrain is flat and attractions are closely spaced to one another. There are several roads for bicycles only. Over a dozen shops in the downtown area alone rent bikes by the day or hour.
Traditional Liquor and Rice Cake Festival
Experience Korea's traditional taste and spirit during this lively festival. Held annually for several days during March and April, the festival puts on performances of Korean music and dance, displays various Korean wines and liquors and rice cakes. In addition to drinking and eating, participants may join in the many events. Learn how to make various rice cakes from the "masters", attend a tea-drinking ceremony, follow the merry crowds as they revive the traditional liquor and rice cake houses of the area. Participants can also experience the making of traditional Korean paper and knots, paint traditional Korean masks and see an exhibition of Shilla pottery.
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.
Bicycle: The close proximity of most of the attractions and the relative flatness of the area around Gyeongju makes bicycles an enjoyable and practical form of transportation, in the right season of course. There are several roads for bicycles only. Over a dozen shops in the downtown area alone rent bikes by the day or hour.
Due to its coastal location, Gyeongju has a slightly milder and wetter climate than more inland regions of Korea. In general, however, the city's climate is typical of South Korea. It has hot summers and cool winters, with a monsoon season between late June and early August. As on the rest of Korea's east coast, summer and autumn typhoons are not uncommon so travellers need to exercise caution. The best time to travel is in the spring from March to May. The average annual temperature is 12.2°C (54° F).
Kolon Hotel offered all the luxuries and atmosphere of a resort hotel, but at a fraction of the price. The spa was very nice, and a back massage was only 30,000 won. It was easy to get to and in walk...
