Gyeongju, Korea’s enduring heart of travel and heritage
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province / Korea Tourism Organization
As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit approaches, the host city of Gyeongju is reaffirming its standing as one of Korea’s premier travel destinations — a distinction it has held for decades, sustained by both deliberate national planning and enduring public affection.
Nestled in North Gyeongsang Province, Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C.- 935 A.D.) for nearly a thousand years, and its streets, gardens and ancient mounds still carry echoes of that golden era. The city’s fame as “the museum without walls” was established long before an ambitious government project in the 1970s, which included the creation of the Bomun Tourist Complex, helped lay the foundation for today’s tourism-driven economy.
In 1971, President Park Chung-hee toured the region and underscored the need to preserve and promote Gyeongju’s Silla heritage, which had endured for nearly a millennium. He unveiled the Gyeongju Comprehensive Tourism Development Plan, which envisioned the city’s transformation into an international cultural destination while still protecting its ancient relics.
With substantial investment of 288 billion won over the course of a decade, the initial development plan for Bomun Lake and surrounding areas included restoration and preservation of heritage sites, construction of hotels and resort infrastructure and urban improvements.
This March 26, 1979, file photo shows an aerial view of the Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Korea Times file
Bomun Tourist Complex officially opened in 1979 as Korea’s first large-scale resort area, with easy access to nearby historical destinations and other outlying attractions. The complex expanded steadily, evolving into a vast resort zone with renowned hotels, convention centers, golf courses and entertainment venues. Today, Bomun offers more than 22 accommodation facilities and remains a preferred site for international conferences, major events and leisure activities.
From the 1980s through the present, families, students on school trips and honeymooning couples have made Gyeongju a perennial fixture in national travel surveys.
By the late 2010s, downtown Gyeongju had begun attracting more attention, especially around key historic zones. The area around Poseok-ro, popularly known as Hwangnidan Street, saw a rapid boom of trendy cafes, bakeries, art shops and boutique hotels repurposing traditional hanok-style houses, blending ancient legacy and modern local energy to create an Instagram-friendly urban vibe popular with younger travelers.
Visitors stroll around the Hwangnidan area in downtown Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, in October 2023. Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization
The city’s unique charm goes far beyond planned resorts and modernized hanok, however. Visitors are transported through millennia at the city’s landmark attractions, each a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of Silla civilization.
Among these, Daereungwon Tomb Complex captivates visitors with massive earth mounds that serve as the burial place for kings and aristocrats. Inside Cheonmachong, also known as the Heavenly Horse Tomb, golden crowns and intricate ornaments preserve the memory of life as an elite a thousand years ago. Cheomseongdae, a stone tower considered one of Asia’s oldest observatories, rises from the heart of the ancient capital, symbolizing the scientific achievements and curiosity of Silla society.
An aerial view of Daerunegwon Tomb Complex in downtown Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province / Korea Tourism Organization
At Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, visitors marvel at evening illuminations that shimmer over tranquil waters, reflecting the elegance of the royal banquets once held there. The site’s scenery enchants visitors each season with cherry blossoms turning to lotus flowers, followed by fall reeds growing on the banks and winter snows blanketing the gardens. Strolling the atmospheric paths offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle and festive spirit of ancient Korea.
Other must-see landmarks include the newly restored Woljeong Bridge across the Namcheon Stream, and Gyochon Village, where traditional hanok buildings host cultural performances and hands-on experiences. Coffee shops and teahouses along quiet alleys offer moments of respite, inviting reflections on Gyeongju’s harmony between heritage and living tradition.
For those seeking context and narrative, Gyeongju National Museum presents thousands of relics, from dazzling gold regalia to everyday ceramics and bronzes. The museum’s curated displays promise insight into Silla’s political, social and economic legacy, while interactive programs cater to all ages, making history accessible to every visitor.
Families and outdoor enthusiasts often visit Bomun Lake, Gyeongju’s signature retreat. Spring sees cherry blossom petals carpeting the paths along its shore, while summer lures cyclists and boating fans. In autumn, colors blaze across hillsides, and winter brings a crisp stillness. The area includes water parks, golf courses and convention venues for visitors who seek active relaxation alongside historical sightseeing.
BulguksTemple in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province / Korea Tourism Organization
Above all, Gyeongju’s enduring fame stems from its world-class Buddhist monuments. Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcase Korea’s spiritual depth and architectural brilliance. Bulguksa’s pagodas and stone stairways epitomize harmony and transcendence, while the Seokguram Buddha statue and the stunning stone carvings that surround it evoke celestial images.
Nearly 9 million travelers visit Gyeongju annually. During the Chuseok holiday this year alone, Gyeongju received more than 701,000 visitors, highlighting the city’s continued popularity.