5 ways to enjoy Gyeongju

Daereungwon Tomb Complex / Korea Times photo by Ahn Seo-hyeon

If you're visiting Korea, you've likely heard about this month's most talked-about event. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is currently taking place in the city of Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province, once the heart of the ancient Silla Dynasty. The city is known to be a "museum without walls," where history meets modern life.

While most tourists know Seoul, the city of Gyeongju may be more unfamiliar. The APEC summit has helped shine a spotlight on a city that has long been a favorite tourist spot among Korean locals.

Here are 5 ways to enjoy Gyeongju if you're in town.

Gyeongju's local Miffy Store / Korea Times photo by Ahn Seo-hyeon

1. Hit up cute local shops like the Miffy Store

Check out special local editions of the popular bunny character Miffy in Gyeongju. The Miffy Store in Gyeongju is definitely a must-see for Gen Zers looking for a souvenir.

Address: Miffy Store Gyeongju at 1046 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province

"10-won bread" at Hwangnidan Street in Gyeongju / Korea Times photo by Ahn Seo-hyeon

2. Try this iconic "10-won bread" — small but super filling

The 10-won bread is inspired by the Dabotap pagoda in Gyeongju, featured on the 10 won coin first issued by the Bank of Korea in 1966.

Address: Poseok-ro, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province

Sea Tomb of King Munmu / Korea Times photo by Ahn Seo-hyeon

3. Visit the sea tomb of King Munmu and dive into Korean history

To guard against foreign attackers, King Munmu requested that he be buried in the East Sea so he could protect the country as a dragon. His unusual watery grave lies just off the coast of Gyeongju.

Address: Sea Tomb of King Munmu at 26 Bonggil-ri, Munmudaewang-myeon, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond / Korea Times photo by Ahn Seo-hyeon

4. Catch the night views at Cheomseongdae, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

Starry nights light up Cheomseongdae, which is said to be the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia. Built during the Silla period, it is a cylindrical building constructed with 362 granite stones.

You can also take a stroll through Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, secondary palaces of the Silla Kingdom.

Address: Cheomseongdae Observatory at 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province

Address: Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond at 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Entrance fee is 3,000 won ($2.10).

"Eolgul-ppang" / Korea Times photo by Ahn Seo-hyeon

5. Stroll through Daereungwon Tomb Complex and try this unique "️face bread"

These "eolgul-ppang," are a variety of bread shaped to resemble famous artefacts from Gyeongju’s history. The first, shaped like a bodhisattva head, is inspired by Seokguram, an artificial grotto and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the home of one of Korea's most famous Buddhist statues. The second is based on the "Smile of Silla," a human face carved on a roof-end tile from the Three Kingdoms Period and a national treasure.

Address: Daereungwon Tomb Complex at 9 Gyerim-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province

Address: "Eolgul-ppang" shop at 1087 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province

Ahn Seo-hyeon is a Korea Times intern.