Every city has its own character. Some have ocean views everywhere,
while others have stunning mountain views that leave you speechless.
While my home city of Seoul is diverse and vibrant, Gyeongju is steeped in history.
Everywhere you look, you’ll see historic sites, where the past blends seamlessly with the present, making it stand the test of time.
One summer day, I stayed in Gyeongju from morning to night.
I even took a trip down memory lane to a historical site.
If you’re curious about the different aspects of Gyeongju, follow along as I take you on a journey through the city.
1. Guncheon Cypress Forest
At the foot of Mt. Danseok, you can smell the cypress trees in the forest. There are many cypress trees with cool trunks.
When you go to a forest with dense trees, you can smell the unique scent of the forest, which is phytoncides.
When you walk through the forest, you will be filled with phytoncides. The freshness of the air and the smell of fresh grass tickles your nose.
The 500-meter trail is lined with wooden decks. There are also two pavilions where you can take a break.
It’s easy to walk the entire length of the trail while chatting with your partner or family.
If you’re not satisfied, you can walk several times or go trekking on Mt. Obongsan, where the paths are connected.
This is a great solution if you’ve been busy and haven’t had time to relax.
Take a moment to slow down and breathe in the smell of greenery, and you’ll find that the simple act of walking is soothing.
- Admission: Free
*Parking available but limited - Address: 166-1, Songseon-ri, Gunchon-eup, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
2. Cafe Flavius
The Bomun Colosseum in Gyeongju will make you feel like you’re traveling to Rome, Italy.
Famous as a photo zone in Gyeongju, there is a cafe inside that is reminiscent of an Italian open-air cafe.
The cafe has a unique interior and exterior design that is pleasing to the eye and the palate.
The interior of the two-story building has a completely different atmosphere on the first and second floors.
The interior is trendy and stylish, and it’s fun to explore the space.
Outside the windows are picturesque landscapes.
The fountains and sculptures that surround the space are refreshing to look at, and the coffee and desserts are delicious.
Flavius is an entire cafe dedicated to kids. There’s a whole section of the cafe set aside for kids.
Flavius is a great place for a date night or a visit with your little ones.
Flavius is an entire cafe dedicated to kids. There’s a whole section of the cafe set aside for kids.
Flavius is a great place for a date night or a visit with your little ones.
3. Cheomseongdae
National Treasure No. 31, Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in the East and was used to observe the sky during the Silla Dynasty.
It has been standing alone for about 1,400 years, but it represents magnificence in itself.
The observatory is right next to a flower garden with 28 types of flowers. Beautiful flowers bloom and fade throughout the seasons, especially the pink mulleys in the fall. If you’ve seen a picture on social media and missed the right time to visit, don’t be disappointed.
There are always flowers, so it’s better to look forward to what you’ll be greeted with.
At night, you can see the eight-colored light emitted by the pinnacle, making it a famous night view spot in Gyeongju.
The indirect lighting along the promenade makes for a nice stroll.
The attraction is different during the day and at night, so it’s worth visiting twice if you have time.
Opposite Cheomseongdae is Gyerimgil. If you follow this path, you can enjoy a stroll through dense old trees.
It’s currently the season of greenery, but I’m looking forward to seeing the fall colors.
- Hours:
Winter 09:00 – 21:00
Summer 09:00 – 22:00 - Admission : Free
- Parking : Daereungwon public parking lot or paid parking on the street
- Address : 839-1, Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuk, Korea
4. Daereungwon
When traveling in Gyeongju, you will see a beautiful ridge tomb.
It is a place that has always attracted my attention for its mysterious appearance.
If you didn’t know better, you might think it was a green meadow or a garden.
Daereungwon is a tomb park with 23 huge Silla-era tombs on a flat area of about 38,000 square meters.
As soon as I entered the park, I was greeted by a dense pine forest and the lush greenery of a summer day.
Daereungwon is a great place to take photos no matter where you are.
A stroll among the tombs is something you can only do in a race.
The Tomb of King Michu and the Cheonmachong can also be found in Daereungwon.
- Opening hours:
09:00 – 22:00, year-round
*Ticket and admission closes at 21:30
- Entrance fee
Adults: KRW 3,000
Youth 2,000 won
Children 1,000 won
- Parking : 07:00 – 22:00 Small 2,000 won / Large 4,000 won
- Address : Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuk
- Inquiry : 054-750-8650
5. Woljeonggyo Bridge
If you want to take a walk on a moonlit night in Silla, why not go to Woljeonggyo?
Woljeonggyo Bridge was built during the Unified Silla Dynasty and is the largest wooden bridge in Korea.
The bridge was burnt down and only traces of it remained, but it has been restored to its former glory.
Woljeonggyo shines with color as the past and present blend harmoniously.
The roof over the bridge and the pavilions at each end add to its grandeur, while the gatehouse and corridor add to its simplicity.
If you visit in the evening, the bridge is illuminated and the light shines on the water, enhancing its beauty.
The view from Jinggum Bridge or Gyochon Bridge in front of Woljeong Bridge is also spectacular.
It’s a calming sight to behold and a great way to end the race.
On the second floor of Munru, there is a digital exhibition hall where you can see excavated artifacts, the architectural history of the bridge, and videos about the history and restoration process of Woljeonggyo Bridge.
From Daereungwon, to Cheomseongdae, to another night view spot, Donggung Palace, Wolji, and Woljeonggyo, you can take a lap around the race.
Gyeongju is full of historical sites, making it a great destination for travelers.
Together with the ruins of Gyeongju, you can spend a meaningful day in a serene atmosphere.
- Opening Hours : Daily 09:00-22:00
- Entrance fee: Free
- Parking: Public parking lot
- Address : Gyo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuk
Gyeongju is a travel destination that we can be grateful for in the modern era.
In a fast-paced society, there are still places where we can remember the past.
Let’s slow down our pace in Gyeongju and capture the place that still sparkles.
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