Many people set their hearts on the colorful autumn leaves and clear skies of October. For Kingos who want to explore Korea’s unique history and culture, the Sungkyun Times (SKT) would like to introduce Gyeongju City, a city with a wonderful harmony of tradition and modernity.
Descendant of Ancient Kingdom
-City with a Thousand-Year Living History
Gyeongju City is located on the coast of North Gyeongsang Province, facing the East Sea of Korea. For a thousand years, from 57 BC until 935 AD, Gyeongju City was the capital city of Silla, one of the most historic kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula. The Silla people, including the royals, mainly practiced Buddhism in their everyday lives. Therefore, the kingdom constructed many religious and cultural heritages to give strength to people’s devotion, dedication, and solidarity. Nowadays, Gyeongju City possesses the trait of a historic site with a lot of Buddhist arts, cultural properties, cultural heritages, and more. Because of its numerous historic sites, Gyeongju City has also frequently appeared as a filming location, including scenes from famous Korean historical drama such as Queen Seondeok, Dream of the Emperor, and Taejo Wang Geon. Nowadays, Gyeongju City continues to attract and captivate visitors with its splendid history of ancient kingdoms and breathtakingly beautiful Buddhist arts.
-How to Visit
From the Humanities and Social Sciences Campus (HSSC), Kingos can take subway Line 4 from Hyehwa Station and get off at Seoul Station, then take the Korea Train eXpress (KTX) to Gyeongju Station. This route takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. From the Natural Sciences Campus (NSC), Kingos can take subway Line 1 from Sungkyunkwan University Station and get off at Cheonan-Asan Station to transfer to the KTX. This takes a total of 3 hours and 20 minutes travel time.
Place Full of Gracefulness
-Into the World of Buddhism
Kingos should first visit a tremendous cultural heritage site listed by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): The Temple of Bulguksa.
Bulguksa, the largest Buddhist temple of the Silla Dynasty, was constructed on Mt. Toham in 774 AD to embody Buddhism’s afterlife world, the “pure land.” Strolling along the main hall, Daeungjeon, Kingos will encounter Gyeongju’s most famous two granite-made pagodas, Dabotap and Seokgatap. Take a moment to behold the gleaming lights of the gilt-bronze Buddha statue and the dazzling refinement of wall paintings created a thousand years ago.
Heading to the higher part of Mt. Toham, there is another captivating cultural heritage, Seokguram Grotto. As you wander around the stunning autumn scenery of Mt. Toham, with vibrant lotus lanterns gently swaying in the air, your gaze will inevitably be drawn to the majestic statue of Buddha standing tall amidst the surroundings. Visitors can see the gentle expression of the stone statue gleaming with subdued lighting, which possesses another aspect of beauty compared to Bulguksa. The Temple of Bulguksa and Seokguram Grotto offer an exceptional insight into the religious practices of the Silla Dynasty.
-Tracing the Lives of Silla Royals
After being fascinated by the intriguing Silla Buddhist arts, it’s time to embark on a journey through the historical sites. The Donggung Palace, once the residence of the Silla crown prince, is located near the serene Wolji Pond. Together, they form the remarkable secondary palace sites of Silla. Among the many pavilions, Imhaejeon is renowned for its beauty, located on the edge of Wolji Pond. It was the venue for celebratory feasts and welcoming foreign dignitaries. As the sun sets, Donggung Palace transforms into a picturesque scene, perfect for capturing stunning photographs. The palace’s colors become more vibrant, and its reflection in the Wolji Pond shimmers with the beauty of the night.
The Daereungwon Ancient Tombs in Hwangnam-dong is another must-visit, with over 150 ancient Silla tombs and the resting place of Silla royals. The size of the tomb was a direct reflection of the deceased’s status, making each royal tomb appear as a giant hill. Among these, the Cheonmachong Tomb is a standout. This famous tomb, open to the public, is a sight not to be missed. It offers a unique glimpse into Silla culture and history. Be sure to see the Cheonmado, a saddle flap drawing of the mythical Cheonma, a flying horse believed to carry the dead to the heavenly world.
Creating Memorable Times
-Enjoy Both Old and New
Gyeongju City’s attractions extend beyond the historic sites and temples. Gyeongju National Museum displays about 3,000 relics and artifacts in numerous halls: Silla History Exhibition Hall, Silla Art Exhibition Hall, Wolji Exhibition Hall, and the Outdoor Exhibition.
The Silla History Exhibition Hall is the museum’s main building, and it houses numerous relics chronologically, including the Golden Crown from Cheonmachong Tomb. Actively engaging modern technologies such as touch screens and videos in the exhibition, visitors can learn about the history of Silla through realistic videos. The museum also holds many exciting events during specific periods. The special exhibition allows visitors to feel the realistic texture of Silla’s artifacts.
The museum occasionally collaborates with artists and experts to hold concerts and history lectures; a concert Violin in the Museum, performed by the violinist Moon Ji-won, was held in September 2023, and a lecture on Study in Silla took place last October. After the culturally enriching experience, be ready for the ultimate thrill at the amusement park, Gyeongju World. Gyeongju World is especially renowned for its entertaining rides. The SKT recommends two electrifying roller coasters: Draken and Phaethon. Your heart will immediately race with excitement, and the exhilarating rush of freedom will wash away the stress. The enchanting tourist attractions in Gyeongju City fill people with joy and vigor, providing them with unforgettable experiences.
-Delicious Adventure in Hwangridan-gil
After a day of sightseeing, Hwangridan-gil offers an excellent opportunity to indulge in a variety of delicious flavors by visiting its array of charming restaurants and cafés. Kingos can admire the stores themed with Hanok, traditional Korean buildings, lining the streets. Most are restaurants or cafés offering a wide array of delectable dishes and desserts. Among the various restaurants with intriguing menus, the SKT recommends the Korean restaurant Cheongonchae.
The standout dish is the chicken hot pot with water parsley, which is enhanced by the various side dishes. Other dishes, such as buckwheat noodles with perilla oil and soy sauce, presents its delightful and luxurious flavor paired with crisp and fresh vegetables. A cup of coffee will be an excellent refresher after the meal. The café No Words is famous for its signature ice cream latte. The sweet ice cream melts smoothly in the mouth, allowing the rich fragrance of coffee to shine without being overwhelmed by sweetness. Hwangridan-gil offers a tantalizing array of delectable cuisine and beverages, from traditional Korean dishes to modern coffee delights, allowing one to embark on a culinary journey and create unforgettable memories.
Gyeongju City provides a harmonious blend of a thousand-year-long ancient Silla history and contemporary tourist attractions. It allows Kingos to indulge in delectable local cuisine, immerse themselves in captivating historical sites, and enjoy exhilarating experiences. The SKT hopes Kingos can enjoy Gyeongju’s beautiful history and make unforgettable memories.