Want to explore the capital of a thousand-year-old kingdom in South Korea?
If your last name is Kim, there’s also a good chance your ancestors came from Gyeongju.
Here’s why Gyeongju is so special!
Quick Summary
- Gyeongju is the ancient capital of a millennium-old kingdom, Silla (57 BCE – 935 CE).
- In Gyeongju, you’re surrounded by history. You’ll see tomb mounds, temple pagodas, and ancient ponds everywhere you go. It’s my favorite peaceful getaway, almost like an open-air archaeological theme park.
- The city is set to host the APEC 2025 summit.
1. Gyeongju was the heart of Silla for centuries
Gyeongju was the political and cultural center of the Silla kingdom (57 BCE – 935 CE) and served as the capital through the Unified Silla era.
That long time period means the city’s streets and fields are full of relics of court life, Buddhist art, and royal graves.
There are so many historical sites that people often call Gyeongju a “museum without walls.”
Unlike most cities in South Korea, where everything changes so quickly, Gyeongju has remained an old, timeless city.
It’s because strict building regulations and height limits make urban development difficult, and whenever new construction starts, relics and ruins are often discovered, halting the project before it even begins.
2. Gyeongju has Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
Two of Korea’s most famous cultural sites are in Gyeongju.
Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto (the stone Buddha grotto established in the 8th century on Mt. Toham) are listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
They truly show the essence of Korean Buddhist architecture and sculpture.
It’s a must-see combo for anyone who likes ancient stonework, graceful pagodas, and peaceful temple courtyards.
3. Cheomseongdae stands tall in Gyeongju
Another spot that I love to visit in Gyeongju is Cheomseongdae.
It’s one of the oldest surviving astronomical observatories in Asia.
Cheomseongdae Observatory was built in the 7th century during Queen Seondeok’s reign (yes, Korea had a ruling queen even back then!).
This elegant stone tower was used to observe the stars and plan agricultural cycles.
It’s proof that Silla wasn’t just poetic, it was scientific.
4. Gyeongju has a skyline of tomb mounds
Gyeongju’s skyline is punctuated by gentle, grassy mounds.
These are ancient royal tombs in sites like Daereungwon Tomb Complex.
You can wander among them, and you’re literally walking over history.
Many tombs haven’t been fully excavated (out of respect and to protect artifacts), which makes the landscape feel like an archaeological time capsule.
5. Anapji (Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond) is amazing at night
Anapji (Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond) is a gorgeous reconstructed royal pleasure garden.
Excavations in the 1970s pulled up thousands of artifacts, like jewelry, roof tiles, and pottery, that now help historians piece together Silla court life.
At night, the pond’s lights and the reflected pavilions are cinematic.
6. Gyeongju also gives you a glimpse into the Joseon era
I love visiting Bukchon in Seoul, but Yangdong Folk Village is one of Korea’s best-preserved traditional villages.
Strolling through its lanes, you’ll see Joseon-era houses and landscapes once made for the yangban (upper class).
7. Gyeongju offers unique desserts, hanok, and regional flair
Gyeongju isn’t just ruins and temples.
Try Hwangnam-ppang (Gyeongju bread), which is a little red-bean pastry originally from Hwangnam-dong.
You can wander old hanok neighborhoods, eat local hanjeongsik meals, or book a hanok stay to sleep where the floor literally warms your toes and history feels near.
So, is visiting Gyeongju worth it?
Absolutely! It’s like stepping into a slow, layered novel.
Gyeongju is relaxing, a little mystical, and absolutely essential for anyone who wants to feel the heritage of Korea!
You can easily visit Gyeongju by taking the KTX.
