Silla royal tombs, temples & ancient history
Gyeongju
경주 · A museum without walls
The thousand-year capital of the ancient Silla kingdom, Gyeongju is often called "a museum without walls." Grassy royal burial mounds, a UNESCO temple and Asia’s oldest observatory scatter across a peaceful, history-soaked landscape.
Top sightsSights
Bulguksa Temple
A masterpiece of Silla Buddhist architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seokguram Grotto
A serene hillside grotto sheltering a monumental granite Buddha overlooking the sea.
Daereungwon Tomb Complex
A park of huge grassy royal tombs, one of which visitors can enter.
Cheomseongdae
The oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia, built in the 7th century.
Anapji Pond
A restored royal pleasure garden and pond, stunning when floodlit at night.
What to eatFood
Ssambap
A spread of rice, fresh leaves and side dishes for wrapping — a Gyeongju specialty.
Gyeongju bread
A small red-bean pastry sold hot, the classic local souvenir snack.
Hwangnam bread
A thin-skinned bun packed with sweet red-bean paste, made here for generations.
Good to know
- The KTX reaches Gyeongju from Seoul in about 2 hours to Singyeongju Station.
- Rent a bike — the historic sights are spread across flat, pleasant parkland.
- Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage frame the tombs beautifully.
Getting there
The KTX high-speed line stops at Singyeongju Station; the nearest airports are Busan (PUS) and Daegu (TAE), each about an hour away.
Next city
Incheon