Tomb of Queen Seondeok (경주 선덕여왕릉)

3.9 Km 29749 2022-07-27

Baeban-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6100

The Tomb of Queen Seondeok is a round tumulus with a circumference of 73 meters. Aside from the fact that it is circled by a protective two-layer rock, the tomb has no other unique features. As the oldest daughter of King Jinpyeong, Queen Seondeok became the first queen of the Silla Kingdom. During the 16th year of her reign, Bunhwangsa Temple and Cheomseongdae Observatory were built. She also ordered the construction of the famous nine-story wooden pagoda of Hwangyongsa Temple, a significant achievement of Buddhist architecture. While many of her efforts laid the foundation for the unification of Three Kingdoms of Korea, Queen Seondeok’s reign was plagued by rebellion and strife and she died in 647 during a rebellion, 23 years before unification was realized.

Gyeongju Poseokjeong Pavilion Site (경주 포석정지)

4.1 Km 36450 2020-10-06

816, Namsansunhwan-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-8484

Poseokjeong Pavilion served as a separate palace where kings enjoyed banquets with nobles. The building no longer exists, but the abalone-shaped stone water canal still remains, speculated to have been built during the Unified Silla period although the exact year is unknown. The water canal has an estimated length of 10 meters, with a x_width of approximately 35 centimeters and an average depth of 26 centimeters. Based on Chinese writings from 353, it is said that drinking glasses were floated on the canal. One popular party game had guests creating poems before the glass had passed nine sections of the canel. Guests who could not do this had to drink three glasses. Modern research has shown that the site was not merely a place for fun, but also served as a meeting venue for the royal family, as well as for holding memorial services.

Gyeongsangbuk-do Forest Research Institute (경상북도 산림환경연구원)

4.6 Km 33773 2021-02-01

367, Tongil-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-778-3813

Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Forest Research Institute is a popular spot for field trips and relaxation due to the institute's rare and rural forestry along with well-preserved endangered plants and wild flowers.

Gyeongju East Palace Garden (Donggungwon) (경주 동궁원)

4.9 Km 33 2016-03-04

74-14, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-8725, +82-54-777-7200

Gyeongju East Palace Garden re-creates Korea's first zoo and botanical garden in the image of a modern Donggung Palace and Woliji Pond. The garden is comprised of botanical garden, agricultural experience facility and Bird Park. In particular, the greenhouses in the botanical garden are built with the design of traditional building from the Silla period but are made entirely of glass, providing this garden with a unique atmosphere.

Coffee Myungga Bosque (커피명가보스케)

5.0 Km 0 2024-02-23

477-57 Yongdam-ro, Hyeongok-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Located near Seogyeongju Station, Coffee Myungga Bosque is notable for its unique and beautiful exterior, which received the Gyeongsangbuk-do Architectural Culture Award in 2020. The café's signature coffee, Myunggaccino, is renowned for its rich flavor, achieved by roasting and brewing the beans in-house. Additionally, the café offers a variety of breads, including maneulppang (garlic bread) and croissants, catering to diverse tastes.

Gyeongju Bird Park (경주 버드파크)

5.0 Km 11714 2024-02-28

74-14 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-777-7200

Gyeongju Bird Park, located in the Bomun Tourist Complex, is a bird-themed park designed in the shape of a bird's nest. It houses around 900 birds of 250 species, along with various plants and flowers. Visitors can interact with the birds and enjoy hands-on experiences at the educational center. The first floor features an ecological experience hall with birds, reptiles, fish, and small animals, while the second floor includes exhibition halls and outdoor experiential spaces.

Maetdol sundubu (맷돌순두부)

5.1 Km 35612 2024-02-23

7 Bukgun-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
054-745-2791

Maetdol sundubu, located at the entrance of the Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, is renowned for its homemade dubu (bean curd) dishes, crafted using domestic soybeans. The highlight of its menu is the maetdol sundubu jjigae (stone-ground soft bean curd jjigae), a savory concoction featuring sundubu (soft bean curd), shrimp, and clams. The dish is typically served in a ttukbaegi (hot pot), and customers have the option to add a raw egg to the boiling mixture. This sundubu restaurant is popular for its delicately flavored dishes.

Tobaki (토박이)

5.1 Km 10375 2017-01-03

21, Bukgun-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-748-7025

"Tobaki" serves exquisite Galchi-jjigae, Galchi-gui, and Dolsotbap, and has designated as a signature restaurant in the Gyeongju region. The restaurant welcomes many regulars due to its high standards in service and inexpensive menus.

Hwarang Institute (화랑교육원)

5.2 Km 19629 2024-02-23

62 Saenamsan-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Hwarang Institute is Korea's first character education organization. It aims to inherit the spirit of the Silla dynasty's Hwarang, a youth warrior group, and to cultivate good character and personality in children. Its facilities include Hwarang Hall, a playground, an auditorium, and a Safety Education Hall. Notably, the Safety Education Hall features an earthquake experience room, a life-saving room, and a 4D video room, where children can receive effective preventive safety education on health, crime, and natural disasters. Nearby tourist attractions include the Gyeongju National Museum, the Tomb of King Jeonggang, Gyeongju Millennium Forest Garden, and the Tomb of King Gyeongae.

Gyeongju Bae-dong Samneung Royal Tombs (경주 배동 삼릉)

5.2 Km 24055 2020-04-06

Bae-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6100

Samneung meaning "three royal tombs," has strong ties to history. The three royal tombs house three kings of the Silla Kingdom: King Adala (8th King of the dynasty), King Sindeok (53rd) and King Gyeongmyeong (54th).

King Adala, who cared deeply for his people, went to war after his citizens were abducted by the invaders of Baekje. But when Baekje asked for a peace treaty, King Adala released the prisoners he took during the engagement. During his rulling, a kingdom in Japan sent an envoy to ask for friendly relations with Silla. King Adala’s tomb is 58m in circumference at the base, 5.4m in x_height and 18m in diameter.

When King Hyogong died without any heirs, the people of the kingdom crowned his son-in-law as their next king – King Sindeok. During his reign, King Sindeok devoted himself to protecting his kingdom from invasions by Gyeonhwon and Gungye. The royal tomb is 61m in circumference at the base, 5.8m in x_height and 18m in diameter. It was robbed twice, inviting investigations in 1953 and 1963. The investigations revealed the tomb to be a chamber made of stone.

King Gyeongmyeong, the son of King Sindeok, together with Wanggeon, the founder of the Goryeo dynasty, successfully defeated Gyeonhwon’s attack against Daeyaseong Fortress. During his reign, he attempted to establish diplomatic relations with the Hudang dynasty of China, but was unsuccessful. The tomb is 50m in circumference at the base, 4.5m in x_height and 16m in diameter.

Tomb of Queen Seondeok (경주 선덕여왕릉) - Area information - Korea travel information