Hwangseong Park (황성공원)

4.9 Km 28363 2024-02-23

431-12 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Situated near the Gyeongju Municipal Library and Gyeongju Arena, Hwangseong Park is notable for its dense forest populated with stunning pine trees and centuries-old trees. During summer, it becomes a haven for blooming Lilyturfs, while in autumn, ancient trees such as zelkova and oak showcase vibrant colors, enhancing the natural beauty of the area. Within the park, visitors can find the Statue of General Kim Yusin, a Korean archery range, and a Ssireum (Korean traditional wrestling) ring. Nearby attractions include Gyeongjueupseong Walled Town, Cheonmachong Tomb, Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, and Hwangnidan Street.

The Divine Bell of King Seongdeok (성덕대왕신종)

5.0 Km 25673 2020-04-04

186, Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-740-7500

The Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, the largest Korean bell preserved, stands 3.75-meter tall, has a lip diameter of 2.27 meters, and is 11 to 25 entimeters wide. In 1997, Gyeongju National Museum weighed it at 18.9 tons. The bell was cast to pay tribute to the memory of King Seongdeok. It was completed in 771 and named ‘The Divine Bell of King Seongdeok.’ However, because the bell was installed at Bongdeoksa Temple, it has also been called the Bell of Bongdeoksa.

The bell is also known as the Emile Bell, a name derived from an ancient legend in which a child was sacrificed in order to give sound to the bell, whose echoes of ‘em-ee-leh’ resemble the traditional Korean word for "mommy."

The tubular sound pipe at the top of the bell that helps the sound reverberate is a unique feature that can be found only in Korean bells. The yongnyu, which serves as a loop to hang the bell, has been decorated to resemble a dragon’s head. A band of arabesque patterns can be found at the shoulder, and the striking point of the bell is in the shape of a lotus flower.

The magnificent design and inscription methods used in this bell exemplify the artisan's craftmanship of the Unified Silla period. The bell is also inscribed with over one thousand Chinese characters, and its beauty and integrity have been meticulously preserved despite the passage of over 1,300 years.

Gyeongju National Museum (국립경주박물관)

5.0 Km 73605 2023-07-12

186, Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-740-7500

Gyeongju National Museum houses numerous historical and cultural artifacts of the Silla dynasty (57 BC-AD 935). The museum provides various programs including at the Children’s Museum School. The newly renovated Silla Art Gallery and Silla History Gallery lobby by Teoyang Studio are popular among visitors. This multi-complex center provides the history of Silla with various artifacts.

Gyeongju Wolseong Palace Site (Banwolseong Fortress) (경주 월성(반월성))

5.0 Km 25901 2023-01-03

Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-3226-6390

This was the location of the palace-fortress during the Silla dynasty (57 BC ~ AD 935). The fortress takes after its name, which, literally translates to mean a crescent moon shape on top of a hill. The famous history books of Samgukyusa mention that Silla’s 4th King Seoktalhae (AD 57~80) thought this area was an ideal spot for the fortress and bought the land from a nobleman. The 2nd King Namhae (AD 4~24) impressed by Seoktalhae’s actions, took him in as his son-in-law, later, becoming the 4th king. The area was then under Silla’s rule for 900 years, the last king being the 56th, Gyeongsoon (AD 927~935).

Although the magnificent grandeur of the palace is now just an empty lot, it has been told that this area was filled with imperial buildings during the Silla dynasty. Currently, the region of Wolseong has a freezer made out of rocks called Seokbinggo, an archery range, a horse-riding field, and a traditional playground, which resembles the grounds of the Joseon Period (the dynasty that ruled the Korean peninsula from 1392-1910).

Seokbinggo (Stone Ice Storage) (경주 석빙고)

5.0 Km 24923 2020-04-06

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

Seokbinggo means a freezer made of rocks. It is an ancient refrigerator only in Korea. It is located in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Era (BC57-AD935). The appearance of this wonderful vestige is humble and simple. But you will not be disappointed at the entrance of the freezer. You can feel the cold from inside the structure. Half of Seokbinggo is underground while the other half is above ground, signifying the scientific propensity of Korea. The floor, walls, and ceiling are made of granite and have an airway. The walls are covered with limestone to keep off moisture and water. The floor is slanted to allow melted ice to funnel out. Frozen ice was popular for the upper class. From historical annals, it is assumed that Seokbinggo was made at least 1,500 years ago. Seokbbingo has been designated as National Treasure No. 66.

Gyeongju Seongdong Market (경주 성동시장)

5.1 Km 29739 2020-04-08

12, Dongmun-ro 24beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-772-4226

Gyeongju Seongdong Market has approximately 300 stores and 30 vendors. The market as found its place as the city’s representative local marketplace since its opening in 1971. Following a decline of customers due to the public's steadily increasing preference of supermarkets, Gyeongju Seongdong Market underwent a huge renovation in the recent past. From floorings to ceilings, and alleyways and walls, the market received a new look that emphasizes Gyeongju's historical significance to attract travelers and the local community alike.

141MINIHOTEL [Korea Quality] / 141미니호텔 [한국관광 품질인증]

5.1 Km 4107 2023-05-02

141 , Wonhyo-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-742-8502

The 141 Mini Hotel is in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do - capital of the ancient Silla kingdom and often described as ‘a museum without walls’. The hotel caters to both holiday and business travelers, and hotel facilities include a book cafe, gallery, board game room, and business center, so visitors enjoy hotel-level convenience at motel-level prices. Gyeongju Station and Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal are just 5 minutes and 10 minutes away respectively; while tourist sites such as Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Cheomseongdae, and Bulguksa Temple are all nearby.

Hwarang Guesthouse [Korea Quality] / 화랑게스트하우스[한국관광 품질인증]

5.2 Km 694 2020-09-09

136-1, Wonhyo-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-2473-8329

Hwarang Hostel is located near Daereungwon in Gyeongju.
The three-story guest house has ten rooms in all, and there are two types of rooms - double and quad. Every room is equipped with exclusive toilet and bathroom for the user’s convenience.
The atmosphere of the lobby on the first floor is very relaxing and cozy, furnished with various kinds of books including travel guides.
Communal PC and fax, refrigerator, and washing facility are available. Daereungwon ancient tombs, Cheomseongdae observatory, and Donggung & Wolji palace site are within walking distance from the guest house.
Hwarang Hostel boasts of the best location considering the transportation and tourist destinations. You can also rent a bike for 7,000 won a day.

ALLEY HOSTEL & GUESTHOUSE [Korea Quality] / 앨리게스트하우스 [한국관광 품질인증/Korea Quality]

5.2 Km 6 2021-03-29

12, Gyerim-ro 106beon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

ALLEY, a guesthouse located in the center of Gyeongju , is located only 3 min by foot from Gyeongju Station. Its supreme accessibility makes it a popular accommodation for backpackers in Gyeongju. There are no parking lots on the promise, but guests renting family rooms have access to parking services.
The first floor of the guesthouse has a lobby, common kitchen, luggage storage, and laundromat. The kitchen offers self-service complimentary breakfast. Visitors can make their own toasts and fried eggs to have with coffee and beverages. The second and third floors house guest rooms. The rooms available include single-occupancy rooms, double-occupancy rooms with single beds, double-occupancy rooms with bunk beds, triple-occupancy rooms with bunk beds, 4-person family rooms with bunk beds, and 4-person dormitory rooms with bunk beds. The family room supports up to five guests. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and door locks, and have restrooms with shower facilities. Amenities include towels, soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste, and hair dryer. Guests also have access to the third floor’s open-air terrace, and may store their luggage there even before their check-in. Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex lies about 10 min from the guesthouse, while Cheomseongdae Observatory and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond can be found 20 min away.

Wiyeonjae Hanok Stay [Korea Quality] / 위연재 [한국관광 품질인증/Korea Quality]

5.3 Km 4 2021-03-29

7, Jjoksaem-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

This hanok (traditional Korean house) is located very near to Cheomseongdae Observatory. Its location in front of the Gyeongju Historic Areas allows guests to reach major sights in Gyeongju like Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and Hwangnidan-gil Street by foot. This hanok symbolizes the historicity of the city of Gyeongju in that during its construction a female skeleton and accessories made out of precious metals were excavated from the site. The accommodation’s name comes from the idiom “Muwijayeon (leaving nature as it is),” combining bamboo and pine trees with green grass, show its dedication to ideals of rest and philosophy.
There are five rooms in total, all ondol (under-the-floor heating system) rooms for two. Korean paper lining the walls and old-fashioned furniture speak to the ideal beauty of hanok. The raised floor space, which is attached to the “Munmu” room, is a great place to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. All rooms have modern bathrooms with shower facilities, and a complimentary breakfast is served in the cafe on site from 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning. The complex has abundant parking spaces for the guests.

Hwangseong Park (황성공원) - Area information - Korea travel information