Gyeongsangbuk-do Forest Research Institute (경상북도 산림환경연구원) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gyeongsangbuk-do Forest Research Institute (경상북도 산림환경연구원)

Gyeongsangbuk-do Forest Research Institute (경상북도 산림환경연구원)

2.8Km    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 Tomb of Kim Yu-sin (경주 김유신묘)

Gyeongju Tomb of Kim Yu-sin (경주 김유신묘)

2.9Km    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 Bae-dong Samneung Royal Tombs (경주 배동 삼릉)

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

3.1Km    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.

Gyeongbuk Millennium Forest Garden (경북천년숲정원)

Gyeongbuk Millennium Forest Garden (경북천년숲정원)

3.1Km    2025-03-25

366-4 Tongil-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Located at the foot of Namdongsan Mountain in Gyeongju, the Gyeongbuk Millennium Forest Garden, a part of Gyeongsangbuk-do Forest Environment Research Institute, was officially opened to the public in 2023. It boast a variety of plants and flowers, with different species in each zone. Visitors can enjoy beautiful seasonal changes of diverse plants. The descriptions provided to explain each plant’s unique characteristics create a fun learning environment for kids, making it a perfect destination for a family trip.
◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - TV series"Kang Deok-soon's Love History"

This garden is the place where Deoksun breaks down and cries on a log bridge, overcome with her feelings about Seok-Sam and her parents. The area around the log bridge, which appeared in the show as a laundry site, is a famous photo spot.

Hwarang Institute (화랑교육원)

Hwarang Institute (화랑교육원)

3.3Km    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.

La Fleur (라플레르)

La Fleur (라플레르)

3.5Km    2024-02-28

421-11 Alcheonbuk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

La Fleur is a hanok café located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hwangnyongsa Temple. It offers a selection of beverages and simple meals like bibimbap and its signature menu item, avocado myeongnan bibimbap (avocado and pollack roe bibimbap). The café boasts a beautifully curated garden adorned with various trees and ornaments, while the interior is adorned with potted plants and decorative items.

Hwangseong Park (황성공원)

3.9Km    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.

Tongiljeon Ginkgo Road (통일전 은행나무길)

4.0Km    2025-02-04

6 Chilburam-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Tongiljeon Ginkgo Road is a tree-lined road approximately 2 kilometers long in front of the Tongiljeon Hall, a building erected to commemorate the unification of the Three Kingdoms under Silla. The street is one of the best autumn destinations in Gyeongju, with ginkgo trees lined up on both sides of the road. During fall, the trees create a beautiful scene with their brilliant yellow leaves. The road is perfect for a leisurely drive or a walk, and from Tongiljeon Hall, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire ginkgo tree-lined path.

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

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

4.1Km    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.

Gyeongju Arts Center (경주예술의전당)

4.2Km    2025-06-19

1 Alcheonbuk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

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.