In travel itinerary me to South Korea, Gyeongju is one of the destinations included in the list my journey. Gyeongju is the former capital of one of the kingdoms in South Korea and is also a UNESCO cultural heritage in Korea.
History of Gyeongju South Korea
maybe the word “Three Kingdoms‘ or also called the Three Kingdoms is not foreign to you. I’ve never heard and know about the story of the three kingdoms that came from China.
Who would have thought that in South Korea there is also a period Three Kingdoms. The three kingdoms are Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. Well, one of the longest standing kingdoms or dynasties is Silla.
It was during the Silla Kingdom that Gyeongu was appointed as the capital which later became the center of the royal government and also the center of culture.
Unmitigated, the Silla Kingdom is one of the longest dynasties in history because it has ruled for 992 years even though in the kingdom there were three different families who had held the throne, namely; Park, Seok, and Kim.
The Kim family held the longest reign of more than 600 years. If you like Korean dramas, you must have heard of a drama called Queen Seondeok. Yes, she was a very famous queen and held the reign of the Kingdom of Silla for 15 years.
Now if you visit Gyeongju Korea, you will see the remains of the Silla Kingdom, especially Buddhist temples, because the Silla Kingdom used to believe in Buddhism.
Also Read: 8 Tourist Attractions in Daegu, South Korea
Bulguksa Temple, the most famous temple in Gyeongju
Many historical relics in the form of relics, works of art, temples, and pagodas influenced by Buddhist beliefs are stored in Gyeongju Korea.
One of the most famous temples in Gyeongju is Bulguksa Temple. There are seven official national treasures that are kept in Bulguksa Temple. Well, that’s why this temple should not be missed when visiting Gyeongju, South Korea.
In the temple area there are several rooms with different functions such as a place of prayer, a house for monks. While walking around the temple I saw an interesting thing.
Several stones are arranged on one stone on top of another. They say this is the Korean way to make a wish. If the stone is placed on another stone and does not fall, your wish will be granted.
Another interesting thing at Bulguksa Temple is a golden pig statue which is said to bring good luck.
If you hold this statue then you will be lucky. Yes, it’s not wrong if you try. I also did not miss to stroke this cute pig statue.
How to get to Bulguksa Temple
The way to get to Bulguksa Temple is quite simple. If you come via the bus terminal in Gyeongju, you just need to take the city bus number 10 or 11 to the temple. Usually every 15 – 30 minutes the bus will pass.
Bulguksa Temple entrance ticket price
Bulguksa Temple entrance ticket price is 6,000 won or IDR 72,000 for adults (19 years and over), 4,000 won or IDR 50,000 for teenagers (13-18 years). And 3,000 won or IDR 36,000 for children (7-12 years). Free admission for children under seven years old.
Seoukguram Grotto
After being satisfied around the Bulguksa Temple, I headed to Seokguram Grotto which is also a national treasure or national treasure.
To get to Seoukguram Grotto from Bulguksa Temple, you can just take bus number 12.
I prefer to walk as far as 2 kilometers, while saving too, hehe. One of the historical objects in Gyeongju, South Korea, is a large Buddha statue made of granite sitting in a small room.
I don’t know why I feel calm in this room. When Japan colonized Korea, the Japanese army tried to destroy all the historical relics.
The Japanese soldiers covered the top of the room with concrete, as a result, inside the Seokguram Grotto it became damp and moss grew.
The room inside the Seokguram Grotto is lined with glass walls and is only open on Buddha’s birthday.
Seokguram Grotto entrance ticket price
The admission price for Seoguram Grotto is 5,000 won for adults (over 19 years old), 3,500 won for teenagers (13-18 years old), 2,500 won for children (7 -12 years old), and free for children under 7 years old.
Also Read: Tourist Attractions in Busan, South Korea
Gyeongju National Museum, learn about the history of the Silla Kingdom
In Gyeongju National Museum You can learn more about the history of the Silla Kingdom, see the former royal relics, as well as the beautiful Buddha relics.
To visit this museum is free and every Wednesday and Saturday there is also a free tour that will explain about the objects in this museum.
The beauty of Anapji Pond at night
My last destination in Gyeongju Korea was Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. Well, the other name is Anapji Pond which was named in the Goryeo and Joseon times.
Donggung Palace was the palace for the crown prince during the Silla Kingdom. In the daytime, the view is rather ordinary. But when night falls, the lights around the pool building turn on and you can see a beautiful reflection in the pool water.
Anapji Pond/Wolji Pond . entrance ticket price
Anaji Pond or Wolji Pond entrance fee is 3,000 won for adults (over 19 years old), 2,000 won for teenagers (13-18 years old), 1,000 won for children (7 -12 years old), and free for children under 7 years.
Daereungwon Tumuli Park, the graves of nobles
The burial area called tumuli This is very unique because of its shape like small hills. Around 20 graves can be found mainly Cheonmachong Tom where a wooden coffin is placed in a room and the top is piled with earth.
Unfortunately I didn’t get to visit Daereungwon Tumuli Park. So maybe if you have time you can play here too.
Also read: Traditional Korean Village, Hahoe Folk Village
Daereungwon Tumuli Park entrance ticket price
The admission price for Daereungwon Tumuli Park is 3,000 won for adults (over 19 years old), 2,000 won for teenagers (13-18 years old), 1,000 won for children (7 -12 years old), and free for children under 7 years old .
Dine on specialties in Gyeongju Korea
When you arrive in Gyeongju, don’t forget to eat the special food known as ssambap. Well, usually food will be served with a variety of complementary dishes called banchan like in this photo.
Travel to Gyeongju is one part of the story of my vacation experience to South Korea. Hopefully you have the opportunity to also visit this historic city. Don’t forget to apply for a visa before going to South Korea. How, please read here.
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