A Glimpse of Gyeongju
Gyeongju, called ``the museum without walls,’’ was the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-AD 935).
A visit to Korea is said to be not complete without a stop there. A vast number of archaeological sites from this period remain in the city and about 52 have been designated as UNESCO World Heritages.
The ruins are harmonized with the natural scenery around them ― Gampo Coast and the rolling hills surround it, including Mt. Nam, Mt. Toham and Mt. Daneok ― and visitors can enjoy a different atmosphere each season.
The Silla Kingdom was a golden period during which the arts and sciences flourished. Until it was renamed in 935, Gyeongju was called ``Seorabeol,’’ meaning ``holy land where the sun shines first’’ ― sites overlooking the east coast are still one of the most popular spots for enjoying the sunrise.
The ancient city is also referred to as ``the Buddhists’ pure land,’’ since the religious culture flowered at the time. Not surprisingly, the most well-known sites are iconic Buddhist treasures such as Bulguk Temple and the nearby Seokguram Grotto.
Seokguram Grotto or ``Stone-Cave Hermitage’’ overlooks the East Sea, and forms part of the Bulguk Temple complex. Listed as Korea’s 24th National Treasure, it showcases the hallmarks of Silla architecture and craftsmanship. Classical ``golden mean’’ proportions were employed in the construction of this stone edifice, which houses a monumental, 3.5-meter-tall statue of a sitting Buddha in its main chamber.
Gyeongju has been victim to numerous assaults over history, including a siege by Mongol forces in the 13th century and during the Japanese invasions of the 1500s, which burnt down many of the wooden structures of Bulguk Temple
The Gyeongju National Museum is also a must, where some 150,000 treasures dating back to prehistoric times can be seen.