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

5.3 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).

Gyongju Folk Craft Village (경주민속공예촌)

5.4 Km 34877 2024-02-27

230 Bobul-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Gyeongju Folk Craft Village, nestled at the foot of Tohamsan Mountain in Gyeongju, is a traditional folk craft village consisting of around fourty Korean traditional houses including thatched-roof and tiled-roof houses. Skilled artisans proficient in traditional arts and crafts gather here to produce and sell ceramics, woodcrafts, jewelry, hanbok, stone crafts, and more. Visitors can also participate in hands-on crafting experiences. The village's Silla Art and Science Museum showcases artifacts from the Silla dynasty, while nearby attractions include the Bomun Tourist Complex, Bulguksa Temple, and Seokguram Grotto.

Seokbinggo (Stone Ice Storage) (경주 석빙고)

5.4 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.

Gyeongsangbuk-do Forest Research Institute (경상북도 산림환경연구원)

5.4 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.

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

5.7 Km 0 2024-04-19

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

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Cheomseongdae Observatory (경주 첨성대)

5.8 Km 109092 2023-07-07

140-25, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-772-3843

Cheomseongdae Observatory, constructed during the reign of Queen Seondeok (r. 632-647), is one of the landmark of Gyeongju. The observatory was built in a cylinder shape at approximately 9 meters in x_height. The observatory consists of 365 stones, symbolizing the number of days in a year. The rocks are piled in 27 layers symbolizing the 27th ruler, Queen Seondeok, and the days in a lunar month by adding the of two rock layers on top.

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

5.8 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.

Gyeongju Gyerim Forest (경주 계림)

5.8 Km 24780 2020-07-06

Gyo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-8743

Gyerim Forest is located between the Cheomseongdae Observatory and Wolseong Fortress. The forest is thickly populated by ancient zelkova and willow trees rooted on gently sloping hills and along the small stream in the northwest part of the woods. According to legend, the forest is closely associated with myths surrounding the birth of Alji, the founder of the Gyeongju Kim clan. As such, it is designated national Historic Site No. 19.
Legend has it that King Talhae heard a rooster crying from deep inside the Sirim Woods. Chancellor Hogong was sent to investigate. Upon arriving, he found a rooster crying underneath a tree on which hung a golden box. Hogong immediately reported his find to the king, who instructed him to bring the golden box into the palace. The king opened the box and found a small child inside, Kim Alji. The forest, which had previously been called ‘Sirim’ or ‘Gurim’, became known as ‘Gyerim’, ('gye’ meaning rooster). The name Gyerim was also used to refer to the Silla kingdom.
Alji was adopted as the king’s son, but because the crown was passed on to King Pasa of the Park family, he never ascended the throne. The Kim clan later became the royal bloodline with the coronation of King Naemul some years later.
The memorial stone recording the birth of Kim Alji was erected in the third year of King Sunjo's rule in the Joseon dynasty. Located close to the royal fortress of Silla, the forest is still deeply revered as the mystical birthplace of the first ancestor of the royal Kim clan of Silla. Yellow canola blossoms along the path connecting Daereungwon with Gyerim and Banwolseong only add to the magical ambiance of the forest.

Ipungnyeo Guro Ssambap (이풍녀구로쌈밥)

5.8 Km 42147 2024-02-23

155 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
054-749-0600

Near the Cheomseongdae Observatory in Gyeongju, Ipungnyeo Guro Ssambap is renowned for its signature dish, Guro ssambap (leaf wraps and rice set menu). The dish is accompanied by jeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork) and doenjang jjigae (soybean paste jjigae), along with a diverse array of side dishes and ten different types of vegetables for wraps. The restaurant focuses on preserving the natural flavors of the ingredients, using minimal chemical seasonings. Its commitment to providing a hearty and wholesome meal attracts numerous visitors.

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

5.8 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.

Gyeongju Wolseong Palace Site (Banwolseong Fortress) (경주 월성(반월성)) - Area information - Korea travel information