Gyeongju Tomb of Kim Yu-sin (경주 김유신묘)

3.7 Km 30138 2022-08-12

44-7, Chunghyo 2-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-749-6713

The tomb of General Kim Yu-sin (595-673) is located near the Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal at the end of a scenic lane, popular in spring for its walls of yellow forsythia and pink cherry blossom trees in bloom. The tomb itself is located in a scenic area thick with pine trees, on the eastern side of Songhwasan Mountain. The tomb of General Kim Yu-sin is a large tomb measuring roughly 30 meters in diameter, circled by a stone fence with 24 guard posts. The tomb base wall features relief carvings of the 12 Oriental zodiac gods standing guard over the tomb, brandishing weapons. The carvings are unique in that while their bodies face outwards, the heads are all turned to the right. The elaborately decorated tomb is second in grandeur only to those of royalty.

Gyeongju Bird Park (경주 버드파크)

3.8 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.

Myeongdong Kalguksu (명동칼국수)

3.8 Km 4570 2024-02-28

46-4 Yongdam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Myeongdong Kalguksu is a noodle restaurant specializing in kalguksu (noodle soup), located near Gyeongju Hwangseong Park. It offers kalguksu, haemul kalguksu (noodle soup with seafood), mandu jeongol (mandu hot pot), and more, prepared with chewy noodles and rich anchovy broth. After your meal, you can explore nearby attractions such as Gyeongju Civic Stadium, Arts Center, and Bitnuri Garden, as this area is rich in the cultural and historical heritage of the Silla dynasty.

Seochulji Pond in Gyeongju (Lotus Flower) (경주 서출지)

3.8 Km 16837 2020-04-04

17, Namsan 1-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6079

Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju, Seochulji Pond dates back to the Three Kingdoms Period. There are two, three-storied stone pagodas in the heart of Namsan Village and a small, elegant pond to the east. The pond is famous thanks to a Korean legend, written below:

In the 10th year of King Soji (488) of Silla, a crow and a mouse approached the king as he was on his way to Namsan Mountain. The mouse told the King to “follow after the crow” for an easy journey. So, the King and his servant (who was traveling with him) followed the crow, but became distracted and lost their way. As they were wandering about a pond (now known as Seochulji), an old man appeared from the waters’ depths and presented an envelope to the King. Based on the message in the envelope, the King instructed his servant to fire an arrow at the Geomungo (Korean musical instrument) case nearby. The shot killed the queen and a monk who had been hiding there, both of whom had been hatching a plot against the King.

The name of the pond, “Seochulji” (literally meaning “writing from the pond”) originates from this legend. It is said that a man named Imjeok built a building by the pond in the 5th year of King Hyeonjong (1664) to enjoy the scenery. The simple, yet elegant building still remains at the northwest of the pond.

Maetdol sundubu (맷돌순두부)

3.9 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.

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

4.0 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.

Tobaki (토박이)

4.0 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.

Gyeongju Arts Center (경주예술의전당)

4.1 Km 9367 2021-06-01

1, Alcheonbuk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-1588-4925

Gyeongju Arts Center opened its doors to the public on November 6, 2010. Major facilities include a grand performance hall, small performance hall, exhibition chamber, outdoor performance stage, conference room, seminar room, and a toy library where a wide range of educational and participatory programs are held.

Himart - Hwangseong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이마트 황성점)

4.3 Km 0 2024-04-19

46, Wonji-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

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Bomunho Lake (보문호)

4.6 Km 24260 2022-09-08

424-33, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-7601

Bomunho Lake is a man-made lake 1,652,900 m² in size. It was built on the site of an old fortress in Myeonghwalsan Mountain in the east of Gyeongju in accordance with the Gyeongju Bomun Tourist Resort development plan. There are many leisure facilities and parks around the lake, including an international hotel and Gyeongju World. Bomunho Lake is very popular among bikers and walkers.

Unlike other cities or towns where cherry trees are only found in certain areas, Gyeongju is packed with cherry blossoms. In spring, the whole cityscape turns pink with the beautiful blossoms. The combination of the stunning trees reflected in the waters of Bomunho Lake and the trees of Bulguksa Park gracefully adorning the nearby temple make for particularly stunning sights. When a light breeze blows, cherry blossoms gently flutter down like satin snow flakes. The Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon is held in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Gyeongju Tomb of Kim Yu-sin (경주 김유신묘) - Area information - Korea travel information