Gyeongju
The second city we chose to visit is Gyeongju. Gyeongju is known for being the capital of the Silla Kingdom (founded in 57 B.C. - 935 A.D.).
Often called "the museum without walls of Korea," Gyeongju is a city rich in historical heritage located in the southeast of South Korea. It is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. Gyeongju is also famous for its tumuli, royal tombs scattered throughout the city, and for Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest in East Asia. Its parks, pagodas, and monuments offer a unique glimpse into Korean history, making Gyeongju a must-visit destination for culture and archaeology enthusiasts.
You can't explore Gyeongju without visiting Bulguksa Temple.
Bulguksa Temple is one of South Korea's most important historical treasures. Built in the 8th century during the Silla Kingdom, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbolizes Korean Buddhist architecture. This temple is famous for its stunning stone pagodas, Dabotap and Seokgatap, which are unique masterpieces of Korean art.
Bulguksa is surrounded by peaceful gardens and stone bridges, such as the Cheongungyo Bridge, which leads to the temple’s core. Visiting Bulguksa, you’ll discover sculptures, paintings, and sacred halls that reflect Buddhist devotion and the craftsmanship of the era. The temple is also a spiritual place where visitors can admire the surrounding landscapes, especially in spring with cherry blossoms and in autumn with red maple trees.
Undoubtedly, the best time of day to appreciate all the splendor of Gyeongju is at dusk and nighttime.
As night falls, only the city’s monuments and points of interest are illuminated. Simply magical!
I captured this moment in a few photos. The challenge is choosing which ones to share—the view is spectacular from any angle.
Donggung in Gyeongju is a stunning, ancient palace that served as a secondary residence for the royal family of Silla. Located near Wolji Pond, this site is particularly famous for its enchanting nighttime reflections, when the pavilions mirror in the water, creating a magical atmosphere.
Built in the 7th century, this place once hosted royal receptions and celebrations and has been carefully restored to reflect its former glory. Today, Donggung and Wolji Pond are popular spots for strolling, attracting visitors who come to enjoy the peaceful landscape and traditional Korean architecture, especially at sunset. It’s a perfect place for photos and a wonderful way to experience the elegance of Gyeongju’s royal past.
We had the chance to attend a sound and light show displayed throughout the park and surrounding areas. An animation depicting the history of the Silla Kingdom was projected onto the tumuli.
Our 3 days in Gyeongju ended with these wonders. The contrast between Seoul, which we had just left, and Gyeongju felt like a dive into time, into a more traditional Korea, closer to what is often called the "Land of the Morning Calm".
