Chat with us, powered by LiveChat
-18 °c
Friday, January 22, 2021
  • Home
  • TRAVEL
    • Activities
    • Food
    • Must Buy
    • Day Tour
    • Accomodation
    • Transportation
    • Travel Tips
  • Cities
    • Seoul
    • Busan
    • Jeju
    • Chuncheon
    • Incheon
KoreaTravelPost - South Korea's Leading Trip and Travel Media Publication
  • Home
  • TRAVEL
    • Activities
    • Food
    • Must Buy
    • Day Tour
    • Accomodation
    • Transportation
    • Travel Tips
  • Cities
    • Seoul
    • Busan
    • Jeju
    • Chuncheon
    • Incheon
No Result
View All Result
KoreaTravelPost - South Korea's Leading Trip and Travel Media Publication
  • Home
  • TRAVEL
    • Activities
    • Food
    • Must Buy
    • Day Tour
    • Accomodation
    • Transportation
    • Travel Tips
  • Cities
    • Seoul
    • Busan
    • Jeju
    • Chuncheon
    • Incheon
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

Go on A Historical Adventure in South Korea – Things To Do in Gyeongju

KoreaTravelPost Editor by KoreaTravelPost Editor
June 10, 2020
in Attractions, Korean Culture

 12,067 total views,  240 views today

0 0
0
Home Korean Culture

Enjoy the picturesque beauty of ‘the museum without walls’ and Korean history by exploring the top things to do in Gyeongju!

The historical city of Gyeongju deserves a special mention in every wanderer’s travel journal. Popularly known as “The museum without walls,” the city serves as a break from the hubbub of the metropolis. With a delicate balance of culture and trend, you won’t run out of things to do in Gyeongju.

History of Gyeongju (경주)

Gyeongju was the ancient Capital city under the powerful Silla Dynasty from 57 BC to 935 AD. Lauded as the Historical Capital of South Korea, the city boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 31 National Treasures. 

In the 1000 years long rule of the Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju was culturally enriched and beautified over time. At the zenith of its power, Gyeongju was the fourth largest city in the world!

Even though the city is not as popular as Korea’s other destinations like Seoul, Jeju, or Busan, but it is still a must-see city! And especially if you are someone who enjoy history, natural, and picturesque scenery. 

Gyeongju houses numerous archaeological sites and cultural properties of the time. Under the Silla dynasty and it was the Silla Kingdom’s seat of political and cultural life in 668 AD.It housed the court and most of the kingdom’s elite. 

The Silla reign was followed by the Goryeo (918-1392), led by King Taejo, who renamed the city as “Gyeongju.” It means “Congratulatory district.”

In subsequent years, Gyeongju managed to retain its position as an important city of Korea. However, under Joseon (1392-1897) dynasty, it started losing its importance and ceased to be a capital in 1601.

Things to do in Gyeongju

Gyeongju is in the southeast region of South Korea and there are so many things to do in Gyeongju if you like going back into history.

Rouse your spirits at the Bulguksa Temple (불국사)

Bulguksa temple is the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. You’ll be visiting many temples on your trip to South Korea but it is one of the must-see temples. 

Located on the mountain slopes of Tohamsan (Jinheon-dong, Gyeongju), it houses seven National treasures of South Korea. These include the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas near Daeungjeon (main hall) and the statues of Lord Buddha. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a classic work of Buddhist art under the Silla Kingdom.

View this post on Instagram

Bulguksa Temple & The Seokguram Grotto are part of the National Treasure of South Korea and added to UNESCO World Heritage List as remarkable examples of Buddhist art. #bulguskatemple #bulguska #seokguramgrotto #seokguram #unesco #unescokorea #unescosouthkorea #unescoworldheritage #southkorea #southjoreatemple #koreantemple #buddhism #koreanart #visitkorea #discoverkorea #explorekorea

A post shared by Bogdan Veselovski (@smiley.traveler) on Oct 29, 2019 at 1:57am PDT

The Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas (National Treasure No. 20 and 21) are prominent attractions of the temple. While the Dabotap boasts of its highly ornate designs, the Seokgatap is minimal and simple.

The earliest records of the temple date back to 528 AD. The small temple was built under King Beopheung of Silla. The current main temple was started under King Gyeongdeok in 751 AD and completed in 774 by the royal court of Silla. 

  • gyeongju
  • gyeongju

After suffering severe damages during the Imjin Wars (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1597) and World War II, the temple had to go through significant restoration works from 1966 to 1973. The renovation of the stone structures is now complete.

Location: 385, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju

Hike to Seokguram Grotto (석굴암)

Located four kilometers east of Bulguksa temple complex is another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Seokguram Grotto. Designated as National Treasure No. 24, the hermitage encompasses some very exemplary Buddhist Sculptures of the World.

A healthy hike along the mountain from the Bulguksa temple to Seokguram Grotto is a ritual most tourists love to do in their Gyeongju trip. 

If you don’t want to hike, there are bus services that are also available. 

Things To Do in Gyeongju

The monument, previously known as “Seokbulsa,” was built during the zenith years of the Silla rule by Kim Daeseong and it took more than thirty years (742-774 AD).

The treasured stone statue of Lord Buddha is the prime attraction here. Now behind protective glass to preserve its original condition, it is no doubt grand. However, historians and experts are still in doubt of the Buddha’s identity. 

View this post on Instagram

Seokguram Mağarası (MS 8. yüzyıl) içerisindeki Buda heykeli. Gyeongju, Güney Kore. Mağaranın iç duvarları, şimdiye kadar Kore'de üretilenlerin en iyileri arasında kabul edilen toplam 41 figür heykeliyle süslenmiş. Dairesel iç odada, Sakyamuni Buda'nın 3.45 m yüksekliğinde beyaz bir granit heykeli bulunuyor. Heykel, 1.6 m yüksekliğindeki büyük bir dairesel kaide üzerinde bağdaş kurmuş pozisyonda oturarak doğu yönüne bakıyor, böylece Doğu Denizi boyunca, özellikle inşaat sırasında yaygın olan Japon korsanlarından, istilaya karşı koruma sağladığına inanılıyor. Anlamlı bir biçimde, yükselen güneş, heykelin alnının tam ortasına vuruyor. Heykel orijinalinde kırmızıya boyanmıştı, ancak günümüzde boyanın sadece hafif izleri kalmış durumda. _______________ Statue of Buddha inside Seokguram Grotto (8th century AD). Gyeongju, South Korea. The interior walls of the grotto are decorated with a total of 41 figure sculptures, which are regarded as amongst the finest ever produced in Korea. In the circular inner chamber is a white granite statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha which is 3.45 m high. He sits cross-legged on a large circular pedestal, itself 1.6 metres high, and he faces east, thereby offering protection against invasion across the East Sea, especially from Japanese pirates who were prevalent at the time of construction. Significantly, the rising sun strikes the statue right on the centre of the forehead. The statue was originally painted red, but only faint traces remain. #arkeofili #arkeoloji #archaeology #korea #kore #buddha #sculpture #statue #heykel #budizm #seokguram #unesco

A post shared by Arkeofili (@arkeofili) on Jan 12, 2020 at 10:00am PST

The architecture of Seokguram Grotto is absolutely awe-inspiring. The ceiling decorated with half-moons, the Bodhisattva, and sculptures, all of them ascertain the skill and expertise of the Silla architects.

It’s important to note that you cannot take photos inside the cave.

Location: 873-243, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju

Dwell in a time warp in the park of Tombs

A cross-cultural cousin of the Egyptian pyramid, Korea has a tomb complex for the Silla elites. The tombs, called “Tumuli,” are designed as mounds or small hills.

Daereungwon Tumuli Park (대릉원) includes several of these tombs and you can walk around or inside these mount-like tombs. 

View this post on Instagram

This tomb is named Cheonmachong which means heavenly horse tomb. It is believed to date back to the 5th or 6th century during the Silla era. It stands 12.7 meters tall with a circumference of 157 meters. The tomb was built by place a wooden coffin and chest on the floor. A wooden box/room was built around it before piling rocks around the tomb. Lastly, the mound of dirt was placed on top of the tomb. . . This tomb was excavated in 1970s and over 11,500 artifacts were found during the excavation. Among the lavish artifacts found were a gold crown and a painting of a flying horse. . When you visit the Daereungwon Tomb Complex make sure to stop inside to view the tomb and see the artifacts that were placed inside the tomb. . #tomb #daereungwon #daereungwontombcomplex #cheonmachong #tombcomplex #southkorea #sillaera #5thcentury #6thcentury #excavation #history #crown #flyinghorse #gyeongju #artifacts #travel #learningthroughtravel #travelphotography #familyadventures #travelfamily

A post shared by Three Tulips and a Texan (@threetulipsandatexan) on Feb 23, 2020 at 12:03pm PST

The park bears the remains of Kings and Queens, with their lavish possessions laid out. You can witness the extravagance of their lives ranging from golden ornaments to golden shoes.

The tumuli park of Gyeongju encompasses 23 tombs of different sizes. Each tomb reflects its own story. The largest and most famous among them are that of Cheonmachong (천마총) and Hwangnam Daechong.

  • gyeongju things to do
  • gyeongju things to do
  • gyeongju things to do
  • gyeongju things to do

A trip to this park in Gyeongju should be in the bucket list of every travel lover and something everyone should definitely give a try.

Location: 102, Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju

Trip through tradition at the Yangdong Folk Village (양동마을)

Yangdong Folk Village is a brilliant example of an ancient Korean aristocratic village (Yangban) that dates to the Joseon times. It is the Important Folklore Materials no. 189 by the government.

things to do in Gyeongju

In South Korea’s ever-growing modern and futuristic vision, the little village holds close its oldest traditions. It is modernizing at its own steady pace. The age-old rituals of honoring the ancestors and practicing the teachings of Confucius, Yangdong village is like a living historical archive.

  • things to do in Gyeongju
  • things to do in Gyeongju

The village boasts of being Korea’s largest traditional village. Founded in the 15th century by Son So (1433-1484) of the Wolseong Son clan, this village ardently follows the Neo-Confucian traditions.

View this post on Instagram

🇰🇷 this is a traditional village from Joseon dynasty and is listed in UNESCO world heritage site . . . . #throwback #travelphotography #nikonphotography #traveladdict #southkorea #travel #traveller #travelgram #travelblogger #travelling #travellife #travelersnotebook #instatravel #wanderlust #beautifuldestinations #travelawesome #mytravelgram #igtravel #gyeongju #unescoworldheritage #travellingthroughtheworld #passionpassport #thediscoverer #doyoutravel #travelingram #instagood #traveltheworld #travelholic #travelstoke #neverstopexploring

A post shared by Marc J 🇵🇭 (@marcus_on_site) on Sep 5, 2018 at 3:56am PDT

Yangdong village is one of the brilliant examples of rich culture and tradition of South Korea. The village has attracted many eminent personalities from around the world. In 2010, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Location: 93, Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

What’s your thoughts?
+1
0
Upvote
+1
0
Clap
+1
0
Clap
+1
1
On fire
+1
0
Meh
+1
0
Clap
+1
0
Facebook Twitter Email
Tags: Buddhist TempleFamily FriendlyGyeongjuNatural Beauty
ShareTweetShare
KoreaTravelPost Editor

KoreaTravelPost Editor

Hello there! I'm the Features Editor for KoreaTravelPost.

Related Posts

south korea hanbok
Korean Culture

South Korea Travel Guide – An Introduction to South Korea’s Traditional Dress: Hanbok

January 4, 2021
korean learning apps
Korean Culture

10 Best Free Apps to Learn the Korean Language

December 22, 2020
Jeju Island: The Hawaii of South Korea
Jeju

Jeju Island: The Hawaii of South Korea

December 21, 2020
nami island
City Sightseeing

Top 4 Things to Do in Nami Island, South Korea

November 10, 2020
chuseok
Activities

Things to Do During Chuseok in South Korea

October 20, 2020
haenam
Activities

Visit the Southernmost End of South Korea and Enjoy The Wondrous Beauty of Haenam

October 15, 2020
Next Post
gyeongju

Fun Things to Do in Gyeongju: Museum Without Walls

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FREE NEWSLETTER

 

TRENDING POSTS

  • 15 Best Bingeworthy K-Dramas on Netflix While You are Social Distancing

     314 total views

  • 10 Best Free Apps to Learn the Korean Language

     646 total views

  • Best Korean Ramen Noodles

     503 total views

  • South Korea Travel Guide – An Introduction to South Korea’s Traditional Dress: Hanbok

     116 total views

  • 5 Seoul Palaces You Must Visit to Add to Your Royal South Korea Experience

     121 total views

  • Seoul Lantern Festival – An Event You Must See

     0 total views

  • Must-Visit Islands In South Korea During Winters

     0 total views

  • Jeju Island: The Hawaii of South Korea

     132 total views

  • Enjoy Seoul’s Offbeat Neighborhood of Ikseon-Dong

     112 total views

  • New Year Sunrise Festivals in South Korea – Magnificent Way to Welcome the New Year

     0 total views

More from our network


  • ktd

  • atd

  • itd

  • ktt

  • kgd

  • kpp

  • ktp

  • kpoppost

  • ustechtimes

Categories

  • Accomodation
  • Activities
  • Attractions
  • Busan
  • Chuncheon
  • City Sightseeing
  • Daegu
  • Day Tour
  • Food
  • Incheon
  • Jeju
  • K-Entertainment Tours
  • Korean Culture
  • Must Buy
  • Must Eats
  • Natural Wonders
  • Seoul
  • Shopping Destinations
  • Transportation
  • Travel Essentials
  • Travel News in Korea
  • Travel Tips

Tags

Korean Cafes Buddhist Temple Travel Tips Coronavirus Korean Culture Korean Festivals Jeju Island Seoul Natural Beauty Korean Food

Copyright © 2020 About Us| Terms of Use |Privacy Policy|Cookie Policy| Contact : press@koreatravelpost.com

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • TRAVEL
    • Activities
    • Food
    • Must Buy
    • Day Tour
    • Accomodation
    • Transportation
    • Travel Tips
  • Cities
    • Seoul
    • Busan
    • Jeju
    • Chuncheon
    • Incheon

Copyright © 2020 About Us| Terms of Use |Privacy Policy|Cookie Policy| Contact : press@koreatravelpost.com

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Fill the forms bellow to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In