Not only that, another popular high school drama ‘Boys over Flowers (2009)’ was filmed in the same park as well – this time, at the hanok hotel within the park. Pop over to the nearby fishing village well known for their crab and indulge in a lavish seafood meal! At Gyeongju Bird Park, visitors do just that. The 200-year-old houses are sure to transport you back in time! If you only have time for one-stop in Gyeongju, let it be the Gyeongju National Museum! Focusing on providing edutainment about the history and culture of the Silla Dynasty, visitors will have the chance to explore reproductions of Silla architecture and participate in Craft Clinics. Editorial | Contribute your travel stories or submit Instead, they are burial mounds of the Silla Kingdom’s elite ruling class. Close your eyes and let your imagination run wild as you walk on the grounds where Royals used to reside.Â. Gyeongju’s Tumuli Park consists of 23 large tombs, the most famous being that of Cheonmachong and Hwangnam Daechong. National Museum of Gyeongju; 4. On top of its rich history, Bulguksa also encompasses seven of South Korea’s national treasures. Otherwise known as Gyeongju bread, this recipe has been around since the Silla Dynasty! Read on to see what this ancient Silla capital has to offer! Things to do in Gyeongju – Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. For an even more immersive experience and the chance to do justice to the countless age-old pagodas enshrined in the temple grounds, opt for an overnight temple stay! Things to Do in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do: See Tripadvisor's 6,785 traveller reviews and photos of Gyeongju attractions. Taking a virtual reality tour of Seokguram Grotto or hopping on the Silk Road Special Train are just some of the activities you can experience! Bulguksa Temple ; 2. Top Things to Do in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do: See Tripadvisor's 6,772 traveller reviews and photos of 101 things to do when in Gyeongju. Tracy also enjoys long romantic walks to the fridge, in search of something to fill her bottomless stomach. Within the two-storey park, the first floor is occupied by an ecology experience hall dedicated to birds and other small animals such as reptiles and fish. This is a must visit city when in Korea. Gyeongju Bird Park; 8. See Tripadvisor's 6,726 traveler reviews and photos of Gyeongju free attractions The best things to do in Gyeongju are primarily historical and archeological sites that shed light on the city’s rich heritage. It was the capital city of the ancient Silla Kingdom and the United Silla for a thousand years. In such a compact area, you’ll be able to see 1,000 years of Silla heritage as … Highly rated activities with free entry in Gyeongju: The top things to do for free. Things to do in Gyeongju. Drop by a cafe near the bridge and take in the sights with a cup of tea in hand as night falls. After a long day of sightseeing, there’s no better way to loosen the knots in your muscles than sinking into the hot springs at Gyeongju Spring Dome. Opportunities for such sumptuous meals are rare, so ditch that diet and eat your fill! Silla Arts And Science Museum. Press | Send us your Press Releases & Media Invites. Touted as Korea’s largest traditional village, Yangdong Village has been home to the Wolseong Son family and the Yeogang Lee family for over 500 years. The excavation brought to surface almost 33,000 relics from the Silla Dynasty, such as everyday items, jewellery, bronze figures of Buddha, pottery and so on – offering a glimpse into life in ancient Silla. See Tripadvisor's 6,742 traveller reviews and photos of Gyeongju free attractions Gyeongju offers an opportunity to walk around the moulds as they can be found in many places throughout the city. The most popular things to do in Gyeongju with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Gyeongju National Museum; Bulguksa Temple; Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond; Cheonmachong Tomb; Daereungwon Tomb Complex; See all kid friendly things to do in Gyeongju on Tripadvisor $ Felines and their more affectionate frenemies (dogs) are also heart-stealers for her. Things to Do in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do: See Tripadvisor's 6 795 traveller reviews and photos of 101 Gyeongju attractions. Whether it is hiking up Mount Namsan or taking an invigorating soak at the hot springs, there’s a little something for everyone. Known for their creamy red bean filling that is naturally sweetened, this is the place to try. Time to get buzzed on something other than soju! With a thin outer skin and a filled center full of sweet red bean, these treats are best when they’re fresh from the oven. Tea drinking was one of the favourite pastimes in the royal courts and where better to recreate this experience than amidst the ruins of the Silla Dynasty? The best things to do in Gyeongju are primarily historical and archaeological sites that shed light on the city’s rich heritage. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some rare animal species within the park! While Egypt might have pyramids, Korea has tumuli. Best things to see and do – Gyeongju day trip itinerary With all the cultural and historical richness of the region, Gyeongju is a major tourist destination for both locals and foreign visitors. It’s fun for the whole family! That being said, there is something for everyone. Mounds at Naemurwangneung Park Entrance to these parks is 3,000 KRW and 4,000 KRW respectively. Don’t be fooled into thinking that this area comprises of natural hilly terrain. Perhaps as a vestige of being the capital of a century-long Silla Dynasty, many restaurants in Gyeongju tend to serve a whole ton of banchan (side dishes) with each meal. We think Gyeongju is a must see destination and should be on any South Korea travel itinerary, no matter how much time you have, even for just a day. Though it might look like your average water park at first glance, Gyeongju Spring Dome is in fact – a hot springs theme park! This makes it the oldest existing astronomical observatory in the whole of East Asia! Golgulsa Temple is also unique as it is the only temple cave in Korea. Time to get buzzed on something other than soju! Close your eyes and let your imagination run wild as you walk on the grounds where Royals used to reside.Â. CLICK TO SEE MORE ARTICLES BY Tracy Leong. At Golgulsa Temple in Gyeongju, you can experience a one-of-a-kind temple stay and learn Korean Buddhist Martial Arts, Sunmudo, from Buddhist Monks themselves. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. It’s no surprise that the Cheomseongdae observatory tower is also a National Treasure, considering how rich in culture and history Gyeongju is. Walking into a big birdcage, surrounded by myriads of birds, it is unique indeed. Fans of K-drama might recognize this place! Find what to do today, this weekend, or in November. Rouse your spirits at the Bulguksa T emple (불국사) Bulguksa temple is the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. While Seoul might offer an unforgettable city experience, Gyeongju can definitely shed some light on how Korea became the country that we see today. 1. On a sunny day, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view overlooking Gyeongju; and on a rainy day, the top of the mountain will be clouded in cooling mist. As a Communications and New Media student, she has her sights set on becoming a Journalist and Graphic Designer hybrid of sorts. Fun fact: The pond was believed to be named Anapji Pond throughout the Goryeo and Joseon period until a piece of pottery with the letters ‘Wolji’ (moon-reflecting pond) was excavated; hence, uncovering the true name of the pond. However, once a year on Buddha’s birthday, visitors are allowed to venture beyond the glass and see Buddha up close! content enquiries. We have reviews of the best places to see in Gyeongju. But if K-dramas aren’t your thing, there is still tons for you to do at Shilla Millennium Park. The stone Buddha now remains behind protective glass to preserve it in its original state. Highly rated activities with free entry in Gyeongju: The top things to do for free. Simply take a walk on the temple grounds to transport yourself back in time to the Silla Dynasty! Blending modernity and tradition to use hundreds of teddy bears as a narration tool for the history of mankind and that of the Silla Kingdom, this museum is sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike! The famous drama ‘Queen Seondeok (2009)’ which chronicles the life of the 27th ruler and first Queen of Silla was filmed here. Eunice revels in opportunities for traversing new worlds. The most popular things to do in Gyeongju with kids according to Tripadvisor travellers are: Gyeongju National Museum; Bulguksa Temple; Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond; Cheonmachong Tomb; Daereungwon Tomb Complex; See all kid friendly things to do in Gyeongju on Tripadvisor £ However, as part of Gyeongju’s renovation project for historic sites in 1974, three palace buildings were restored and the pond was dredged. How to get from Busan to Gyeongju; Things to Do in Gyeongju Korea. Seokguram Grotto And Bulguksa Temple, the Tumuli Park, Bomun Pavilion Gyeongju, The National Park of Gyeonju, Cheomseongdae Observatory are some of the best places to visit! Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Sunset Road, While Egypt might have pyramids, Korea has. Though several bakeries in Gyeongju claim they are the original founder of gyeongjubbang, locals stand by one particular bakery: Hwangnam Bread. Seokguram Grotto ; 5. See Tripadvisor's 6,745 traveller reviews and photos of Gyeongju free attractions Often called the ‘museum without walls’, there is no argument that Gyeongju deserves the title as the ancient capital city of the 1,000 year long Silla Dynasty. . Things to do in Gyeongju: Visit the Dae Reung Won tombs. The temple is accepted as the epitome of Buddhist architecture, with colorful tiles decorating the underside of the roof and large statues of the Four Heavenly Kings at the entrance. A lot of them collapsed, so only a handful remain. The best day trips from Gyeongju according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the most popular things to do in Gyeongju with kids? In fact, Gyeongju is home to not just one, but several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 31 National Treasures! Gyeongju is famous for ssambap, an enormous spread of at least a dozen banchan (side dishes), sauces, meat, and rice that can be wrapped up in various greens such as lettuce, perilla leaves, and steamed cabbage. During an excavation in the 1970s, a painting of a mounted horse was discovered inside the tomb of Cheonmachong, which remains the only discovered painting from the Silla Dynasty to date.