Tomb of Queen Seondeok (경주 선덕여왕릉)

4.6Km 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.

Suseokjeong (수석정)

4.7Km 2024-02-23

41 Naeri-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
054-748-0835

Situated just ten minutes from the Gyeongju National Museum, Suseokjeong offers an opportunity to savor the refined culinary art of Korean table d'hote. Its signature dish is tteokgalbi jeongsik (grilled galbi patties set menu). The meal begins with warm sungnyung (scorched rice soup) served in a yugi bowl, followed by a hearty spread that includes jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge), tteokgalbi, and gungjung japchae (royal japchae). For dessert, guests can enjoy dried fruits and sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch). Nearby attractions include the Neungjitap Pagoda Site, Rock-carved Buddhas in the Tapgok Valley, and the Stone Seated Buddha in the Mireukgok Valley of Namsan Mountain.

Myeongdong Kalguksu (명동칼국수)

4.8Km 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.

Gyeongju National Museum (국립경주박물관)

4.9Km 2025-05-21

186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

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.

Hwangseong Park (황성공원)

4.9Km 2025-06-19

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)

5.0Km 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 Wolseong Palace Site (Banwolseong Fortress) (경주 월성(반월성))

5.0Km 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).

Gyeongju Seongdong Market (경주 성동시장)

5.0Km 2025-03-25

11 Wonhwa-ro 281beon-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.

Seokbinggo (Stone Ice Storage) (경주 석빙고)

5.0Km 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.

141MINIHOTEL (141미니호텔)

5.1Km 2024-12-19

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.

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