A First Timer’s Information to Gyeongju

If you happen to’re planning a few days in Seoul, you’ll discover infinite itineraries for a way finest to spend your time. However what when you’re planning on venturing additional afield? If you happen to’ve received 2 days in Gyeongju and also you’re visiting for the primary time, you may not know the place to start out planning an itinerary in your journey.

Generally known as one of many historic hubs of Korea, Gyeongju is an enchanting place to discover. It’s full of unbelievable architecuture, gorgeous landscapes, and is residence to scrumptious native cuisines and loads of actions to maintain you occupied.  

We’ve put collectively a useful information for first-timers visiting Gyeongju – so you’ll be able to profit from your time! 

The place is Gyeongju? 

Sitting to the southeast of Korea, Gyeongju is a coastal metropolis famend for the sheer quantity of unbelievable historic and cultural websites that lie inside it. From gorgeous temples to palace ruins, lovely ponds to historical tombs – Gyeongju is a veritable treasure trove for any traveller trying to achieve perception into Korea’s previous.  

It’s well-connected, too, because the KTX can get you into the town from Seoul round 2 hours – that means it’s the proper place so as to add onto any journey to Korea’s capital metropolis.  

What’s the climate like in Gyeongju? 

Other than a scorching couple of months throughout the summer season, Gyeongju is pretty temperate so far as the climate is worried. Between December and March, you’ll be able to anticipate it to be pretty chilly, however you’ll be rewarded with a stunning spring in April/Might and autumn in September/October. In summer season, ensure that to convey loads of water – as common temperatures can attain 29 or 30 levels celcius.  

What to see in Gyeongju: 

Because it’s not as well-known as a few of Korea’s bigger cities like Seoul or Busan, you may discover it troublesome to know what to do in Gyeongju. However this metropolis is ideal for a 2-day itinerary, as you’re in a position to pack in all method of historic websites, whereas additionally attending to discover the world and its delicacies to their fullest. If you happen to’re asking whether or not Gyeongju is price visiting, the reply is a powerful sure.  

1. Cheonmachong Historic Tomb, Daereungwon Tumuli Park: Courting again to the Silla Kingdom of 5-6 CE, this historical tomb was excavated within the Nineteen Seventies, and revealed to include over 140 treasures. Whereas researchers have been unable to substantiate who the occupant was, they discovered a crown – suggesting that it was the ultimate resting place of an historical king.  
2. Cheomseongdae Observatory: Constructed within the seventh century, Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia – and is now a landmark of Gyeongju. Designed to permit folks to look at the evening sky, it’s an enchanting window into the event of astronomy.  
3. Golgulsa Temple: For a very immersive window in Korean traditions and heritage, the Golgulsa Temple gives an unbelievable expertise. With alternatives for in a single day stays within the conventional Buddhist type (full with meals), sunmudo coaching lessons and meditation periods – in addition to a wonderful temple and grounds – Golgulsa is an unbelievable place to spend time exploring.  
4. Woljeonggyo Bridge: Although the bridge that presently stands on this website is a latest construct, it’s the historic location of many bridges all through historical past. It’s the most important picket bridge in Korea, and was constructed utilizing historic analysis to emulate conventional buildings and supply a window into Korean architectural historical past. 
5. Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond): One other Silla website throughout the metropolis, this man-made pond was constructed as a part of an unlimited advanced relationship again to the seventh century. Throughout an excavation of the world within the Nineteen Seventies, researchers discovered virtually 33,000 artifacts in and across the pond! Although it’s gorgeous at any time of day, this can be a website price viewing at evening for the attractive lights that make the ponds and pavilions glow.

What to eat in Gyeongju: 

Gyeongju’s well-known to supply a feast for all of the senses – style included. Once you go to, be sure you attempt all of the nationwide and regional meals staples! One factor’s for certain – when you’re a soup lover, you’re not going hungry in Gyeongju.  

• Hwangnam-ppang: Additionally referred to as Gyeongju bread, this scrumptious candy pastry is crammed purple bean curd. Although it’s not completely for breakfast, it’ll make for a delighful option to begin the day.  
• Chueo-tang: A scrumptious loach soup from the Gyeongsang province, it’s a wealthy broth that additionally contains chilli paste, mung beans and boiled greens. If you happen to’re fish lover in want of a hearty meal, this one’s for you.  
• Sundubu-jjigae: For the foodies who like just a little spice of their life, this tofu stew is a winner. Made with tender tofu and served in a wealthy broth manufactured from chilli and inventory, it’s given a definite reddish color and a kick by gochugaru (chilli powder). 
• Haejangguk: Generally known as ‘hangover soup’ for its purported therapeutic powers after an evening in town, this comforting broth is full of cabbage, bean paste, meat and plenty extra tasty goodness.  
• Garlic hen: If there’s one factor Korea at massive does effectively, it’s hen. Regionally, although, Gyeongju is prime of the checklist for garlic hen, a scrumptious road meals usually served with ginger – and generally a wholesome kick of chilli.

What to do in Gyeongju: 

Other than the sights and the meals, there’s lots extra you could pack right into a 2-day itinerary in Gyeongju.  

• Cycle tour: With a metropolis this dimension, you may have to do a bit greater than stroll. Nonetheless, there’s a lot magnificence to be discovered that it appears a disgrace to hop on board public transport – so take a motorbike tour as an alternative! As you make your means across the metropolis, you’ll see all the attractive historic websites, with sufficient time to spare to cease at a road meals market to refuel.  
• Buying: Head into the middle of the town and also you’ll discover all method of cute shops promoting every little thing from souvenirs to books – take a while to discover the streets (just like the well-known Hwangnidan Road) and also you’ll be sure you stumble throughout a gem or two.  
• Meditation class: If you happen to pay a go to to the Golgulsa Temple, you’ll be able to seize the chance for a conventional expertise within the type of a Buddhist meditation session. Led by an teacher within the temple, it’s an incredible option to seize an perception into Buddhist customs.

If you happen to’d prefer to discover Gyeongju as a part of a wider Korea journey, look no additional! On our 12-day journey tour, you’ll spend 2 days exploring every little thing that this lovely metropolis has to supply.  

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