▶ Gyeongju National Museum

At the Gyeongju National Museum, one can get a complete  view of the Silla Dynasty at a glance. In an  effort to  restore the splendid cultural heritage and spirit of arts,  the wishes of the citizens of  Gyeongju were  realized with  the opening of the museum  in Inwang-dong  in 1975.

▲ Gyeongju National Museum 

This bronze bell, called " The Divine Bell  of King Seongdeok" was cast in memory of King Seongdeok and was completed during the  reign  of  King Hyegong.

Having very elegant and tense looks, together with a   crystal-clear and eloquent sound, it is by far the best of  its kind.

It was once said,  "There is none  greater   when  it comes to bells;  it is the all-time best bell.”

▲ The Divine Bell of King Seongdeok

 ▶ Cheomseongdae

In the middle of Gyeongju City, just outside the  downtown area, is the Banwolseong Castle site, up  on a hill, in a crescent shape; it is one of Silla's  palatial ruins.

With the South River (Namcheon) to its  front and overlooking  Namsan Castle in the distance,  Banwolseong Castle was, geographically, a very important fortress.

Down from Banwolseong, you can  find Gyerim(Chicken Forest), where the founder of the Kim clan, Kim Al-ji, was said to have been born. 

According to the story, King Talhae heard the sound of a chicken in the forest, at that spot, a gold box was found hanging  from the branch of a tree,  with a white  chicken under it. A baby, Kim Al-ji,  was found in the box.

▲  Cheomseongdae Observatory

Near Gyerim, there is the Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of the  oldest astronomical  observatories of its kind East Asia. 

The observatory  consists of 362 stones which correspond to the days in a year and representing the number  of basic stars.

 ▶ Anapji Pond

This pond was a splendid decoration for the Silla  palace.

With a size of 190 meters from east to west  and 190 meters from  north to south, with an irregular  shape, one cannot get a complete  view of the entire  pond from one point.

About 30,000 treasures, including  roof tiles,   earthenware, metallic  handicrafts and  images  of Buddha were excavated  from this pond; they are on display at the Gyeongju National Museum.

▲  Anapji Pond

 ▶ Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple, built with a combination of stylish architecture, Buddhist spirit and natural surroundings, symbolizes Buddha's land on earth.

The stone layers harmonize perfectly with the different structures, such as the several halls and the statues of Buddha within them.

Bulguksa Temple was built in the 10th year of King Gyeongdeok,751 A .D. by Kim  Dae-seong, in memory of his parents. It was restored to its original condition in 1973.

It was designated as the UNESCO Cultural Heritage on December 6, 1995.

▲  The view of Bulguksa Temple

Cheong-un and Baek-un (Blue and White Cloud) Bridges are actually staircases to Jahamun Bridge, and lead to the main hall, which contains the Seokgamoni Buddha.

Yeonhwa and Chilbo (Lotus Flower and Seven Gem) Bridges lead to Geungnakjeon (Paradise) Hall. Bridges, to the Buddhists, have a deeper meaning than just a structure that crosses some obstacle; they are also a bridge leading from the secular world to the land of Buddha.

The hall symbolizes the "Land of Buddha," the Western Paradise, where good spirits go. Inside, the gilt bronze seated Amitabha is enshrined.

Also, there is the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy in Gwaneumjeon Hall and the gilt bronze seated Vairocana in Birojeon Hall.

▲  The Dabotap Pagoda

 ▶ Seokgulam Grotto

Seokgulam Grotto was built in memory of Kim Dae-seong's parents in 751,  the 10th year of King  Gyeongdeok's reign, completed over a span of thirty  years.

Seokgulam, made of rough and solid granite, has been unparalleled in history.

▲  Seokgulam

It was written of the grotto, "A shrine was constructed as if silk were knit with stone." Although not comparable in size to those found in India and China, it excells in terms of art, philosophy and scientific technique.

It was designated as the UNESCO Cultural Heritage on December 6, 1995.


Seokgulam Grotto consists of a square antechamber, a round chamber and a passage connecting the two chambers. It represents the universe, with heaven round and the earth square. 

Sculptured in relief on granite slabs, flanking the wall Buddha and the Buddhist world, are eight guardian demons, two Vajurapanis (guardian gods of the temple) and four ferocious guardians.