A trip to Gyeongju 경주, the capital of Silla
In early February, I took a 2 and a half hour KTX train ride from Seoul to Gyeongju, in Gyeongsangbuk-do which is towards the southeastern area of Korea. Gyeongju was the capital of Silla during the Three Kingdoms (57BC – 668AD) and the Great Silla Kingdom (668AD-935AD) which lasted for about 1,000 years, and was the fourth largest city in the world at the time.
Even after the three kingdoms (Silla 신라, Baekje 백제, Goguryeo 고구려) unified, Gyeongju remained as the area popularized for international trade, commerce, and culture. Today, it is one of Korea’s greatest cultural and historical heritage sites - it was also named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Gyeongju is known as a living museum, or a museum without walls, as you can see sites and monuments wherever you go. It also suffered from Japanese invasions and was where one of the bloodiest battles occurred.
It was great to take some time away from the city and go more south, especially since the weather was a bit warmer than in Seoul. I recommend everyone to visit, but not without walking shoes, cute outfits to take pictures in, and a camera!
Here are some of the places I visited:
Related Posts
Pop-Up Culture in Seoul
Being from the US, I’ve never really experienced anything like the pop-up culture that is active in Seoul. With pop-ups designed by makeup companies to luxury brands, these stores are... keep reading
Spontaneity in Seoul: From Rock Themed Bungeoppang Cafes to Ear Piercings in Hongdae
Having a list of destinations to visit in Seoul is always great to keep in the back of your mind, but I will say that some of the best experiences... keep reading
A Hanbok Cultural Experience
While exploring the beautiful palaces of Korea, I was fortunate to rent a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress known for its vibrant colors, flowing lines, and elegant design. Wearing a... keep reading