Gyeongju, the museum without walls

Located in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju was the country's capital during the Silla dynasty, which lasted for almost 1,000 years. At the time, Gyeongju was the fourth largest city in the world. Fifty-six kings reigned during this long period. Today, the city may have lost its status as capital, but it remains a living museum with historic sites and relics everywhere, bearing witness to the Silla dynasty and the kingdom's lavish lifestyle.

In the 7th century, Mahayana Buddhism spread from China to Korea. The Silla dynasty came to an end with the arrival of the Joseon dynasty in 1392. The capital moved to Seoul. Gyeongju suffered invasions during the period of Japanese colonisation and became one of the bloodiest battlefields.

During the Joseon dynasty, Buddhists were chased into the mountains and the beautiful sculptures had their arms and heads broken by neo-Confucian radicals.

The destination received a distinction and was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2000.

The tombs of Daereungwon

According to archaeologists, the tombs in this complex were built during the Silla period. In 1973, a crown and other relics were excavated from a mound known as Cheonmachong. There are more than twenty tombs, of all sizes, of kings, queens and other court officials. Not all the tombs have yet been identified, but some have signs with information about the deceased.

Cheomseongdae Observatory

The Cheomseongdae Observatory was built during the reign of Queen Silla Seondeok from 632 to 647. It is the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia. Measuring just 5.17 metres in diameter and 9 metres high, it was built from 365 stones representing the days of the year and twelve stones referring to the months of the year. At night, the observatory is lit up with different colours - a great opportunity for a night out.

Woljeonggyo Bridge

Although not as historic as the other sites on this list, this bridge is popular with photographers, especially after dark when it is all lit up. Very close to the traditional village of Gyochon, the bridge took five years to build and was finally opened to the public in 2018. It is on the footpath between the traditional village of Cyochon and the Cheomseongdae observatory.

The traditional village of Gyochon

The traditional village of Gyochon is where Korea's first state academy, Gukhak, was founded in 682 under the rule of Silla King Sinmun. The village is best known for housing a royal palace, famous for a love story between Princess Yoseok and the great monk Silla Wonhyo.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

Donggung Palace is the only remaining palace of the Silla kingdom. Unfortunately, it was burnt down in 935. At the beginning of the 20th century, archaeological excavations were carried out and the extent of the complex was discovered thanks to 26 buildings. Wolji Pond, a small natural relic, was created during the reign of King Munmu in 674 and was used as a place of pleasure to celebrate the unification of the Korean peninsula during the period of the Silla kingdom. It is a small complex of monuments and trees around a beautifully illuminated lake, which takes about 1 hour to walk around. The reflections on the water are magnificent, best done in the evening after sunset.

Bulguksa temple and Seokguram cave

This immense Buddhist temple is one of the most impressive in Korea and is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art. Built in the 8th century and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the temple is part of the Jogye order, the same order that contains the Jogyesa temple in Seoul. After a 30-minute stroll, you arrive at the Seokguram cave. Inside is a seated Buddha protected by twelve royal guards. Photography is not permitted in the cave due to its sacred nature.

Gyeongju Tower in the Gyeongju Exhibition Park

Completed in 2007, the Gyeongju Tower is a breathtaking piece of design. The tower is 82 metres high, similar to a 30-storey building, and is located in the Gyeongju Exhibition Park. During the summer, the park is decorated with a ton of roses.

⭐ Namuae

Staying in a traditional Hanok house while visiting Gyeongju is a must. Namuae is a house built in 2015 and each room has its own private bathroom. You sleep on heated floors, a not inconsiderable comfort in winter.