Exploring the History of Gyeongju
A Living Monument to the Ancient Capital of the Silla Dynasty, Korea
Jun 6, 2008
Gyeongju, a city with cobblestone backstreets that lead to busy concrete sidewalks, a place called "the museum without walls." Once the former capital of the Silla Dynasty it is now a municipality of around 300,000, small by Korean standards. Nestled in the far south of the peninsula it is a landscape settled between mountain ranges and rice fields. The area is heavily packed with historical sites but doesn't lack any of the modern conveniences.
Hidden Treasures
Around the corner from an internet café travelers will stumble upon Tumuli Park, located at 6-1 Hwangnam- dong, a tomb site from ancient times where hill-sized mounds have housed the treasures of kings long past. These reminders of a bygone era are numerous in downtown juxtaposed against the tall office buildings. This is one of many historical treasures close enough to see whilst wandering through Gyeongju. There is so much to see only a short walk from several hotels that visitors could get caught up in another century without leaving the core of the city.
Also within the city is the Gyerim Forest near the Cheomseongdae Observatory, located at 839-1 Inwang-dong. This astrological observatory is one of the first of its kind in Eastern Asia this landmark demonstrates the ingenuity of the forefathers of the nation. Not far off is a Seokbinggo, located at 449-1 Inwang-dong, built out of the earth, half underground and half above. It is an ancient freezer made to harness the thermal properties of the soil. At the entryway of the makeshift cavern a cool waft of air still trickles out.
Getting Around
There is enough to see that a few days could be spent on a rented bicycle visiting within the city but beyond the centre of this living monument to Korean history a plethora of World Heritage and National Treasure sites await. There are several daily bus tours that go directly from one historic locale to the next but the pace can be hectic. Each location should be appreciated in its own time, as many are vast and complex. Renting a car can be done very easily and inexpensively and with the help of a roadmap of the area the adventurous can slip into the countryside and travel at a slower pace. With so many local restaurants and merchants along the way it is easy to fill a day or two with exploration.
Just beyond the inner city the first of many vestiges of distant Korean history begin to appear. Having hardly left the bustling streets tourists come upon the Gyeongju National Museum, located at 76 Inwang-dong, for information call (054) 740-7518, hours are 9:00 to 18:00, and admission is 400 Won/US $0.40. For a quick lesson about the ancient Silla Dynasty this is the perfect stop. The Museum holds a multitude of artifacts from the surrounding areas and historical sites. Only a short walk away is Anapji Pond, located at 26 Inwang-dong, for information call (054) 772-4041, hours are 9:00 to 18:00, and admission is 1,000 Won/US $1.00. This was a resplendent decoration built for the pleasure of the kings. The pond must be seen from every angle to take advantage of the beauty of hidden corners. A variety of lush fauna and fish bring this landmark vitality.
Gyeongju and Beyond
These are only a small selection of the wonders that abound in Gyeongju. Deeper still into the bluffs and peaks of the nearby mountains National Treasures and Heritage Sites abound. For the serious historian or adventurer there are more than a few days of travel and sightseeing to be had. For a very inclusive experience into ancient Korean history Gyeongju truly gives the past vibrant life.
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