Should you’re planning a few days in Seoul, you’ll discover countless itineraries for the way greatest to spend your time. However what in case you’re planning on venturing additional afield? Should you’ve received 2 days in Gyeongju and also you’re visiting for the primary time, you won’t know the place to start out planning an itinerary to your journey.
Often known as one of many historic hubs of Korea, Gyeongju is a captivating place to discover. It’s full of unimaginable architecuture, gorgeous landscapes, and is residence to scrumptious native cuisines and loads of actions to maintain you occupied.
We’ve put collectively a helpful 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 unimaginable historic and cultural websites that lie inside it. From gorgeous temples to palace ruins, stunning ponds to historic tombs – Gyeongju is a veritable treasure trove for any traveller trying to acquire perception into Korea’s previous.
It’s well-connected, too, because the KTX can get you into 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 anxious. Between December and March, you’ll be able to count on it to be pretty chilly, however you’ll be rewarded with a stunning spring in April/Could and autumn in September/October. In summer season, make certain to carry 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 tough to know what to do in Gyeongju. However this metropolis is ideal for a 2-day itinerary, as you’re capable of pack in all method of historic websites, whereas additionally attending to discover the realm and its delicacies to their fullest. Should you’re asking whether or not Gyeongju is value visiting, the reply is a convincing sure.
- Cheonmachong Historical Tomb, Daereungwon Tumuli Park: Courting again to the Silla Kingdom of 5-6 CE, this historic tomb was excavated within the 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 historic king.
- 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 night time sky, it’s a captivating window into the event of astronomy.
- Golgulsa Temple: For a really immersive window in Korean traditions and heritage, the Golgulsa Temple gives an unimaginable 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 stupendous temple and grounds – Golgulsa is an unimaginable place to spend time exploring.
- Woljeonggyo Bridge: Although the bridge that at present stands on this web site is a current construct, it’s the historic location of many bridges all through historical past. It’s the biggest picket bridge in Korea, and was constructed utilizing historic analysis to emulate conventional constructions and supply a window into Korean architectural historical past.
- Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond): One other Silla web site inside 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 realm within the Seventies, researchers discovered virtually 33,000 artifacts in and across the pond! Although it’s gorgeous at any time of day, it is a web site value viewing at night time 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. If you go to, make sure to strive all of the nationwide and regional meals staples! One factor’s for certain – in case you’re a soup lover, you’re not going hungry in Gyeongju.
- Hwangnam-ppang: Additionally known as Gyeongju bread, this scrumptious candy pastry is crammed crimson bean curd. Although it’s not solely 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 consists of chilli paste, mung beans and boiled greens. Should you’re fish lover in want of a hearty meal, this one’s for you.
- Sundubu-jjigae: For the foodies who like slightly spice of their life, this tofu stew is a winner. Made with mushy tofu and served in a wealthy broth product of chilli and inventory, it’s given a definite reddish color and a kick by gochugaru (chilli powder).
- Haejangguk: Often 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 much extra tasty goodness.
- Garlic rooster: If there’s one factor Korea at giant does properly, it’s rooster. Regionally, although, Gyeongju is high of the listing for garlic rooster, a scrumptious avenue meals typically served with ginger – and generally a wholesome kick of chilli.
What to do in Gyeongju:
Other than the sights and the meals, there’s a lot extra which you could pack right into a 2-day itinerary in Gyeongju.
- Cycle tour: With a metropolis this dimension, you may must 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 a substitute! 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 avenue meals market to refuel.
- Purchasing: Head into the middle of town and also you’ll discover all method of cute shops promoting the whole lot from souvenirs to books – take a while to discover the streets (just like the well-known Hwangnidan Avenue) and also you’ll make sure to stumble throughout a gem or two.
- Meditation class: Should you pay a go to to the Golgulsa Temple, you’ll be able to seize the chance for a standard 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.
Should you’d wish 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 the whole lot that this stunning metropolis has to supply.
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