Gyeongju (Kyongju) 경주
- population - 350,000.
- this ancient capital of the Shilla a must-see.
- hundreds of delightful temples, tranquil gardens and historic sites.
- Korean equivalent of Japan's historic Kyoto.
- Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- within easy reach of Daegu and Busan.
- excellent Korean restaurants.
- easy to navigate on foot or by rental bicycle.
- height restrictions and traditional style roofs keep modernity at bay.
Things to see and do in Gyeongju
Gyeongju (Kyongju) can lay claim to be Korea's main historic city. Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla kingdom and was at its height from the 7th-9th century.
Bulguksa (Pulguksa) Temple, 16 km south-east of the city center and easily accessed by bus is a must-see for its exquisite paintings, bridges, pagodas and carpentry.
In the mountains above Bulguksa Temple is the Seokguram Grotto which contains a huge 8th century stone statue of Buddha carved from granite and looking in the direction of the sea. There are shuttle buses up to the grotto from Bulguksa Temple and then a 400m walk.
The Bunhwang-sa stone pagoda dates from the 7th century and the remaining three storeys of the original nine are noted for their carved Buddhist guardians and lions.
Tumuli Park (Daereungwon), in the center of town, contains the burial mounds of 20 Shilla monarchs and is an evocative place to stroll.
The National Museum contains 80,000 artifacts many of which were excavated from the Shilla Period tumuli. At any one time 2500 pieces are on display. Outside is Asia's largest bell - the 3 meter-high, 25 ton Emile Bell.
Anapji Pond is the remains of a pleasure garden built by the Shilla King Munmu (who unified the Shilla, Koguryo, and Paekche kingdoms) in 674 as a pleasure garden.
The 12.7 meters high and 47 meter diameter Cheonmachong "Heavenly Horse" Tomb produced a wealth of riches when it was excavated including the beautiful gold Cheonmachong Crown.
The 7th century Chomsongdae near Tumuli Park is a fascinating stone observatory built from 365 stones (representing the days of the year), with twelve stones at its base (the months of the year). Court astrologers working at the observatory would report their findings to the monarchs who would act on their predictions.
Gyeongju Festivals
Gyeongju has several interesting festivals throughout the year. The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival in April is a riot of pink blossoms in the city best seen in the Eastern Historic District and Bomun Tourist Complex.
The Gyeongju Silla Ceramics Festival takes place later in the same month.
In October, visitors can enjoy the Silla Cultural Festival with various exhibitions, performances, and fireworks. Cheomseongdae Observatory is the venue for the Silla Sound Festival later in the month. The last day of the year and the first sunrise of the New Year are also both celebrated in traditional festivals.
Gyeongju Access
There are trains to Busan, Andong, Seoul, Pohang and frequently Daegu from Gyeongju. There are buses from Gyeongju to Busan, Gangneung, Jinju, Daejeon, Andong, Seoul, Pohang, Daegu, Gwangju, Incheon and Sokcho.
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Book Hotels in Gyeongju (Kyongju)
Gyeongju as one of South Korea's most visited cities has a wide range of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to traditional yeogwan with ondol underfloor heating.
Some recommendations include the four-star Lahan Select Gyeongju overlooking Lake Bomun, the Commodore Hotel Gyeongju, also four stars close to the Bomun Tourist Complex and with an outdoor pool and the Kolon Hotel again a four-star property with pool.
Less expensive are the Dorandoran Guesthouse and Yettle Hanok Stay both traditional properties with gardens.
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