Gyeongju is one of the places that best preserves the traditional side of modern Korea. The Gyeongju Historic Areas encompass ruins and cultural artifacts of royal families and Buddhist culture during the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C.- A.D. 935). Because of their historical significance, they were designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
The areas can largely be divided into five parts, depending on the nature of the clustered ruins. The Mount Namsan Belt presents artifacts related to the prehistoric and Sillas Buddhist eras. Buddhism was introduced in Korea during the fourth century and during the sixth century in Silla. Over 120 temples and 60 pagodas are found in Mount Namsan. The various images carved into the rocks show the progress and maturation of Sillas Buddhism and its artistry.
The Tumuli Park Belt has three groups of royal tombs, most of which are shaped like mounds or domes. The Wolseong Belt has preserved the ruins of the royal house during the Silla Dynasty. Walking through Gyerim forest, the pavilions in Anapji Pond, Banwolseong Fortress and Cheomseongdae Observatory bring the 1,000-year-old capital back to life.
The Hwangnyongsa Belt has the ruins of now-extinct Hwangnyongsa Temple. Hwangnyongsa was the largest temple in Korea and covered an area of 72,500㎡. It, however, was burned to the ground during the Mongolian invasion in 1238. About 40,000 pieces of historical artifacts have been discovered at the site, providing precious ination about Sillas culture.
Cheomseongdae, the oldest observatory in East AsiaAlso found in the area is Bunhwangsa Temple, which was once one of the most important temples in the history of Sillas Buddhism. After several foreign invasions, it is now survived by a three-story stone pagoda, stone statues and a temple.
The Sanseong Belt occupies Myeonghwal Fortress, which is believed to have been built in the fifth century. The fortress shows Sillas advanced skills in architecture, which later influenced the Japanese.
More ination can be found at Gyeongju City Halls multilingual website www.gyeongju.go.kr.
Gyeongju is located in Gyeongsangnam-do province. It can be reached via KTX, the Saemaeul train and the express bus from Seoul and other major cities. If driving, take Gyeongbu (Seoul-Busan) Expressway and exit on the Gyeongju interchange after passing Daegu.
