THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF THE SILLA KINGDOM
Gyeongju, a city which was once the capital of the 8th century Silla Kingdom, is often referred to as the ‘museum without walls’ due its to its rich history, cultural heritage and natural beauty.
In Gyeongju, South Korea’s past lives on in every stone, temple and tomb. Begin your tour of the city with a visit to Daereungwon Tomb complex, also known as Tumuli Park, to see more than 20 tombs from the Silla period, before exploring the vast collection of artifacts, relics and royal treasures of the Silla dynasty at Gyeongju National Museum. Continue your journey of the Silla era with a walk around the Wolji Pond, an artificial pond that was part of the palace complex of the ancient Silla, and the Woljeong Bridge, a historical gateway connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south.
Along the Hyeongsan River, you will find Yangdong Folk Village, a place renowned for its well-preserved 160 hanoks, the traditional style houses from the Joseon dynasty, as well as a stunning shrine, the Confucius school, the noble house of the village head and some of the most beautiful natural scenery. No trip to Gyeongju would be complete without a trek to the top of Namsan Mountain, where you will witness over 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues and 60 stone pagodas.
The city is also home to the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites were both built during the golden age of the Silla Kingdom, and with their intricate Buddhist carvings, monumental Buddha statue and famous architectural features, you will wander its corridors with a sense of awe, tracing the spiritual devotion and artistic mastery that have endured for over a thousand years.
Gyeongju invites each of its visitors to step back in time and walk in the footsteps of the ancient kings, monks and scholars who have cemented the city’s presence in history. To explore Gyeongju on your tailor-made holiday to South Korea, speak to our travel specialists today.
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