Gyeong Ju

Gyeong Ju is the city located in the southeast part of the Korean Penninsula (Gyeong Sang Buk Do). The town is well known as the capital city of Shila Dynasty existed from BC 57 to AC 935. Reflecting the long history of Shila Dynasty, the capital city of Shila, Gyeong Ju has many ancient remains and historic sites representing the culture of the Shilla Dynasty. Many schools in Korea choose Gyeong Ju for their field trip - in my case, I visited two times only in elementary school. And yet, I could not visit every site that I am introducing to you today. 

 

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Bul Guk Sa (15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea)
The most famous temple in Korea (I believe almost everyone who attended school in Korea visited here). Bul Guk Sea was built in 774 under Shila Dynasty in the Korean peninsula. Therefore, Bul Guk SA well represents the culture of Shila Dynasty and Korean Buddhism.

Seok Gu Ram (Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea)
One of the most famous and most significant stone Buddhist statues in Korea. The sculpture was created in AC774. The statue represents “Idealistic Realism Art” from the Shilla Dynasty in Korea. 

Cheomseongdae (169-5 Cheomseong-ro, Wolseong-dong, Gyeongju, South Korea)
Cheomsengdae is the oldest planetarium that was built in the Shilla Dynasty – it is the earliest stone construction in East Asia as well. In ancient Korea, the planetarium was used to observe the movement of the stars or observe the moon and other planets to create the calendar.

Donggung and Wolji Pond (102 Wonhwa-ro, Inwang-dong, Gyeongju, South Korea)
Donggung and Wolgi Pond is the secondary palace site of Shilla Dynasty in Korea. In many cases, this palace was used to welcome the foreign diplomats, hold the royal parties. Especially, Wolji Pond well demonstrates the Shila Dynasty’s garden/river design and construction technique called “Shilla Wonji”. 

Dae Rueng Won (9 Gyerim-ro, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, South Korea)
Due Rueng Won refers to the area where the ancient tombs from the Shilla Dynasty are located together. Most of the graves are considered as the tomb of the royal family in Shilla. The most famous monument is Cheon Ma Chong, which the golden crown and the old saddle flap were found. 

Gyo Chon Village (South Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju-si, Gyochon-gil, 39-11)
The yo Chon village is the site of old housing, long time used by Choi Family, one of the wealthiest family during the Chosun Dynasty. You can see numerous Han-Ok, a traditional Korean house. Additionally, you can try Korean traditional clothes called Han-Bok. 

Retro Village (181-1 Ha-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea)
Want to experience another part of the history of Korea (else than ancient Korea)? Retro Village is your place to start. Gyeong Ju Retro Village demonstrates an ordinary Korean Village in 1970 - 80s (And Village prepared a lot of activities for you!). For Korean people, it is well known as one of the best Photo Spots in Gyeong Ju.

Joongang (Night) Market (South Korea to 135 Geumseong-ro 295 (Seonggun-dong), Gyeongju)
Gyeong Ju Joongang Market may appear as another traditional market in Korea. However, that is not what Joongang Market is known for. Joongang Night Market holds from 6 pm to 11 pm, welcomes you with many delicious Korean treats. (Many locals highly encourage tourist to bring paper money (bill) to the market). 

Bomun Park (South Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju-si, Bomun-ro, 446)
Bomun Park refers to the Park Area around Bomun Lake. The park includes Gyeong Ju World Resort, Shilla Millennium Park, and Blue-one water park. If you are visiting Gyeong Ju in summer, Bomun Park is the first place to visit!