OT Travel Itinerary: Two Days In Stunning Gyeongju

The coastal city of Gyeongju in the southeastern corner of South Korea is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. It was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years, which makes it a key archaeological and cultural hotspot in the country. This is reflected in the moniker that is commonly used to describe the city—“the museum without walls.” Due to South Korea’s rapid development, the city has transformed into a modern metropolis albeit one that retains its historical flavour.

Here’s your guide to two amazing days in Gyeongju.

Day 1

Morning

Start your trip with a visit to the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia and possibly even the world—Cheomseongdae. It was constructed in the 7^th century in the Kingdom of Silla and is situated in the Gyeongju Historic Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cheomseongdae stands 9.17 metres high and consists of three parts: a stylobate, a curved cylindrical body and a square top. When viewed from above, the Cheomseongdae resembles the Korean Hanja character 井 which means “well.”

Next, check out the burial mound of Cheonmachong. The name means “Heavenly Horse Tomb” and it is the final resting place of an unknown Silla king. It was excavated in 1973 and a total of 11,500 artefacts were recovered, out of which three were eventually listed as Korean National Treasures. The 5^th- or 6^th-century tomb got its name from a now-famous painting of a white horse located on a birch bark saddle flap found during excavation. The horse, known as a cheonma, has eight legs and is depicted with wings on its feet. The other, less famous side of the saddle flap showcases horsemen and a phoenix.

The Cheonmachong is part of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex which consists of five tombs called Nodong-ri, Noseo-ri, Hwangnam-ri, Hwango-ri and Inwang-ri. Walk around the complex and check out the Silla Kingdom’s cultural artefacts at the Gyeongju National Museum.

Afternoon

Visit the nearby Hwangnidan Street, a popular tourist attraction. Originally known as “Hwangnam Keungil,” the street is home to numerous restaurants, cafés, photo studios and shops housed in traditional hanok buildings, making it popular with young people and travellers hoping to see authentic Korean architecture. Visitors can explore hip shops and enjoy Instagram-worthy food and live music. Step into Korean establishments like Hyanghwajeong, Oncheonjib or Dongri for a sumptuous lunch.

Next, walk down to see the stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge. Built during 676-935, it was burnt down during the Joseon dynasty. Using historical research, the bridge was rebuilt in April 2018 and became the largest wooden bridge in Korea. According to archaeologists and historians, the bridge was first made of wood. It is one of the most photogenic spots in South Korea but is at its most spectacular when lit up at night. You can walk up the towers on either side of the bridge and cross over from one side to another.

Afterwards, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Gyochon Traditional Village. This historic hanok is filled with live demonstrations, charming cafés and picturesque courtyards where you can experience traditional Korean culture in a 7^th-century village. Wear a hanbok, make kimchi, eat tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes), and catch a musical performance where Korean instruments are strummed.

Evening

Spend your first evening in Gyeongju at the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. This palace, along with other secondary palaces, was the living quarters of a prince who held banquets during auspicious events or to welcome important guests. The Silla King Munmu dug a large pond in 674 and created three islands in the centre of the pond. Beautiful flowers and trees were planted here and rare birds and animals were raised. In the 1980s, pottery fragments with the inscription "Wolji" were excavated. The name means "a pond that reflects the moon." Approximately 730 relics such as roof tiles, architectural materials, pottery, gilt bronze Buddha figures and jewellery are on display at the Anapji Exhibition Hall, the special gallery of the Gyeongju National Museum. Viewing the pond at night is a must as the pavilions are lit up and make for a beautiful area in which to wander.

Day 2

Morning And Afternoon

Your first stop of the day is Bulguksa, a Buddhist temple that is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and contains six national treasures, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statues of the Buddha. It and the Seokguram Grotto are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Established in the 8^th century on the slopes of Mount Toham, the Seokguram Grotto contains a monumental, 1,000-year-old statue of the Buddha looking at the sea in the bhumisparsha mudra position. With the surrounding portrayals of gods, Bodhisattvas and disciples, all realistically and delicately sculpted in high and low relief, it is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East.

Next, trek to the 494-metre peak of Namsan in the heart of Gyeongju National Park. On your way, you will see solitary temples, some without walls, among the twisted pine trees. You won’t find well-preserved pieces of Korean history here but you can touch the relics. A network of hiking trails, some steep and some gentle, winds through the mountain valleys so walking here is a unique treasure hunt for hundreds of Buddhist wonders. Some of the highlights include the Poseokjeong Pavilion, statues hewn in bas-relief on the surface of rocky outcrops, and dozens of small Buddha statues hidden in caves. Even a short walk uncovers wonders.

For a fun experience, visit the Teddy Bear Museum of Gyeongju. This unique and modern attraction, which opened in 2011, displays hundreds of large and small teddy bears to depict the history of mankind, going back as far as the age of the dinosaurs as well as the Silla Kingdom in several different exhibition halls. Each bear is handcrafted with fabric and thread to pay respect to the traditional way of making them. Take photos of the animatronic teddy bears, dioramas and parody sculptures that abound here. The museum also features a 3D movie theatre, art gallery, underwater exhibit and souvenir shop.

Evening

You can’t leave Gyeongju without sampling Hwangnam bread. It was created in 1939 by Choi Yeong-hwa, who came up with this masterpiece when he was 21 years old after much trial and error. Choi’s creation is based on the tradition of rice cakes; it is bread made with sweet red beans. A defining feature of Hwangnam bread is the delicate comb pattern inspired by the aesthetics of the Silla period. Taste it at the original Hwangnam bread store at 783 Taejong-ro.

Getting There

Take a direct flight from New Delhi to Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea. Then take an onward flight from Seoul to Pohang Gyeongju Airport (KPO).