Hello.
Today, I want to introduce the efficient trip to Gyeongju
1. Location of Gyeongju
As you see on the map of Korea, Gyeongju is located in the southern part of Korea and is near Busan which is the second biggest city of Korea.
There are a lot of tourist spots in Korea where you can enjoy a lot.
2. History of Gyeongju
Gyeongju used to be the capital city of the Korea peninsular 1000 years ago. So, you can feel the historical mood in Gyeongju. BC 57, Gyeongju was the capital city of Shilla which is the ancient country in Korea.
3. Tourists Spot
1. Daereung won tomb
Located at 9 Gyelim-ro, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk- do, this large burial site is presumed to be the resting place of kings, queens, and nobility from ancient Silla. Designated as Historic Site No. 512, it is named Daeleungwon, derived from the phrase "Mi-Chu Yi-Sa-Geum was buried in Daeleung (大陵)" recorded in the Samguk Sagi. Daeleungwon encompasses a vast area, including the Hwangnam-dong burial mounds such as Cheonmachong and Hwangnamdaechong, as well as outer mounds like Geumgwanchong and Bonghwangdae in Noseri-dong and Nodong-dong. Due to its significant size and accessibility in downtown Gyeongju, it is a must-visit for tourists, with attractions like Cheonmachong offering a glimpse into the inner chambers of Silla royal tombs. Admission is free, but there is a fee to enter certain tombs, such as Cheonmachong, which was priced at 3,000 won for adults as of 2023.
Among the artifacts excavated from royal tombs like Hwangnamdaechong are glassware such as Roman and Sasanian glass. These findings suggest Silla's engagement in trade with the Middle East, as they are indicative of the major production and widespread distribution of Roman and Sasanian glassware in the region.
2. Cheomseong dae observatory
Cheomseongdae (瞻星臺) is a stone structure from the mid-Silla period located northeast of Banwolseong in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. It is one of the oldest existing observatories in the world, built during the reign of Queen Seondeok. Designated as National Treasure No. 31 on December 20, 1962.
Situated north of Wolseong, where the royal palace of Silla was located, Cheomseongdae is constructed in a cylindrical shape using 362 granite bricks. It stands at a height of 9.4 meters with a base diameter of 6.09 meters, and the length of each side of the foundation stone is 5.35 meters. The structure comprises 27 layers of stones, with a well-shaped double-layered stone ceiling at the top. From the 13th to the 15th layers, there are square doors facing south, with the 12th layer below and the 13th layer above, thus placing the door in the middle of the observatory. A ladder was used for access through this door. The interior is filled with earth up to the 12th layer, while layers 19 and 20, as well as 25 and 26, are composed of large stones.
3. Dongung and Weolji
While commonly known to the public as Anapji Pond, the name "Anapji" was not used during the Silla period; rather, it first appeared in records from early Joseon such as the Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam and Donggyeong Jabgi. The lake was already in ruins during the Joseon era, overgrown with reeds, until geese and ducks began frequenting the area, prompting the name "Anapji" to be assigned.
However, in 1980, excavations at Anapji revealed pottery fragments dating back to the Silla period, confirming that the lake was originally called Wolji. This name likely stemmed from its proximity to Banwolseong (Half Moon Fortress), and the original name for the Imhaejeon Pavilion was also Woljigung. Reflecting this historical fact, from July 2011, the official name of the site was changed from "Anapji," which had been used for a long time, to "Donggung Palace and Wolji," and various guide materials followed suit. Nevertheless, due to the long period during which it has been known as Anapji, most people still refer to it as such and use this spelling. The easier pronunciation of Anapji compared to Donggung Palace and Wolji also plays a role in this.
However, it seems that even during the Silla period, the name "Imhaejeon" was also used to some extent. The Samguk Sagi records refer to Donggung as Imhaejeon. It is speculated that this symbolized a building close to the sea, and considering the discovery of gilt-bronze plates and other artifacts around the ponds near these buildings, it is possible that religious ceremonies were conducted here. Therefore, the period when Wolji was created coincided with the time of the Nadae War, followed by earthquakes, uprisings, and even tiger sightings in the palace. Given these ominous circumstances, it is also possible that rituals were conducted here as a means to overcome national crises.
4. Cherry blossoms in Bulguk Sa (Buddhism Temple) & Seokgul-Am
Located at 385 Bulguk-ro, Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, this temple situated at the foot of Mt. Toham is dedicated to the annual rituals of Silla and serves as the headquarters of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
In December 1995, along with the adjacent Seokguram Grotto, Bulguk Temple was jointly designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Bulguk Temple, with its origins rooted in the ambitious dream of Unified Silla to construct a temple that would bring peace and prosperity to the world, bears testament to this vision. The name "Bulguksa" originates from "Bulgukjeongto," signifying a patriotic temple emanating from the ideals of the Unified Silla period. Similarly, Seokguram Grotto shares this historical significance. While Hwangnyongsa Temple is renowned for its grand scale, Bulguk Temple is celebrated for its meticulous design and aesthetic beauty. During its heyday in the Silla to Goryeo periods, Bulguk Temple was eight times larger than its present size, but subsequent destruction and restoration efforts led to its reduction in scale. The Bulguk Temple we see today is a restoration dating back to the reign of King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty.
Gyeongju's Bulguksa Temple, also famous for its cherry blossoms, becomes even more beautiful during the cherry blossom season, attracting many visitors.
Every corner is adorned with shades of pink, creating picturesque scenes perfect for photography. It's a great spot to stroll along the pathways and capture the scenery with your own eyes. Whether it's a weekday or weekend, during cherry blossom season, it's always crowded, so I recommend visiting early in the morning or in the evening if possible.
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