Posted by Do you know about Gyeongju, Korea, a place that is also called the ‘Museum without a Roof’? It is a famous travel destination where you can feel Korea’s long history and culture to the fullest, thanks to cultural sites that can be found all over the place. Today, we have prepared a cultural tour itinerary to take you through Gyeongju.
From spots where you can vividly witness the Shilla dynasty, to places where you can enjoy fun activities or scenic views at night! We have prepared a variety of ideas so that foreign tourists can make the most of their trip to Gyeongju. Let’s jump in! ☺
Cultural Tour of Gyeongju by Theme : 01. Want to vividly witness the Shilla Dynasty?
① Bulguksa Temple, the essence of Korean Buddhist culture
385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do / 09:00-18:00
② Seokguram, a huge Buddha statue in an artificial stone cave
238 Seokgul-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do / 09:00-18:00
Gyeongju is the travel destination if you want to experience Korea’s Shilla dynasty in a memorable way. Bulguksa Temple, which was registered as the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Korea, is a must-visit attraction. If you cross Cheongungyo Bridge and Baegungyo Bridge, both considered national treasures, you’ll see Daeungjeon Hall, which is sandwiched by the two temples Dabotap and Seokgatap. This arrangement of sites contain Buddhist doctrines and the wishes of the Shilla people for the Kingdom of Buddha.
There is another famous place in Gyeongju that was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site around the same time as Bulguksa Temple. It’s Seokguram! The artificial stone cave made of white granite on Mount Tohamsan, is filled from floor to ceiling with a carefully placed 3.4 m tall Buddha statue and other sculptures. You’ll appreciate how Seokguram oozes both mystery and majesty.
Cultural Tour of Gyeongju by Theme : 02. Want to eat and play your way through Gyeongju?
① Hwangridan-gil, the perfect hanok alley for a stroll
1080, Poseok-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
② Bomun Tourist Complex, where the history of Korean tourism began
Bomun Complex in Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
If you thought there were only historical sites in Gyeongju, you’re mistaken. There are also many unique cultural streets and activity spots. Especially, Hwangridan-gil, which is as hot as Gyeongridan-gil in Seoul’s Itaewon! The current Hwangridan-gil was born as cute shops started to be built along Poseok-ro in Hanok Village next to Daereungwon. It’s the perfect place to eat, drink, and appreciate the old and vintage charm of Hanoks. On a side note, we recommend you try the 10-won bread! ☺
Bomun Tourist Complex, a comprehensive tourist resort in Gyeongju, which boasts an area of 2.4 million pyeong around the huge artificial Bomun Lake, is also a must-see stop. It’s your one-stop-shop for leisure experiences that can be enjoyed on the water, on the ground, and even in the sky! You could easily spend an overnighter at this complex alone! Enjoy water activities and off-road racing at Bomunho Lake and thrilling rides at Gyeongju World!
Cultural Tour of Gyeongju by Theme : 03. Want to experience Gyeongju at night?
① Woljeonggyo Bridge with the Love Story of Great Master Wonhyo
274 Gyo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do / 09:00-22:00
② The Ultimate Shilla Landscape Art of Donggung and Wolji
102 Won-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do / 09:00-22:00
Woljeonggyo Bridge is a wooden bridge crossing a lake, surely beautiful during the day, but even more beautiful at night. It is considered the passageway of the Shilla period and a bridge in the love story of Great Master Wonhyo and Princess Yoseok. It was founded during the Unified Shilla Period, lost during the Joseon Dynasty, and restored in 2018 to now be the largest wooden bridge in Korea. This long history adds more meaning and beauty to the bridge we get to enjoy today.
There is one more place that boasts one of the best night views in Gyeongju. It’s Donggung and Wolji, the annex palace that used to house Shilla princes. You should visit this place in the evening rather than during the day, especially during the magic hour when you can see lights turning on one by one blending with the dimming sky. Because this lake was designed so you can’t see its entirety no matter where you’re standing, you’ll feel like you’re looking out at the sea rather than a lake. You’ll be able to appreciate the genius of Shilla landscape art.
Today we covered the Incheon Airport-recommended Gyeongju Cultural Tour itinerary! What did you think? Incheon Airport will continue to prepare useful stories to make for a happy and memorable trip to Korea. Check in again soon for our next posting! ☺