GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea — As the "Golden City" prepares to host the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, Gyeongju, the millenium-old capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, is shining brighter than ever. Blending its profound historical legacy with a vibrant modern energy, Gyeongju offers an exceptional travel experience, perfectly timed for the upcoming Chuseok Golden Holiday.
This city is, quite literally, an open-air history textbook, where UNESCO World Heritage Sites coexist with trendy urban life, promising diverse attractions for every visitor, from the history enthusiast to the family seeking leisure.
Where Ancient History Meets Modern Cool
Gyeongju's transformation is perhaps best captured in two contrasting but equally captivating areas: the trendy Hwangnidan-gil and the family-friendly Bomun Tourist Complex.
Hwangnidan-gil: The MZ Hotspot
Once a quiet back street, Hwangnidan-gil has emerged as Gyeongju's youthful heart. This area, stretching from Naenam Intersection to Hwangnam Elementary School, buzzes with a youthful spirit. Preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses) now host hip cafes, unique souvenir shops, and creative restaurants. Visitors flock here to enjoy the fusion of old and new, snap an "Instagrammable" photo, and savor local snacks like 'Sipwon-ppang' (10-won coin bread) and 'Hwangnam Jjondeugi' (chewy sweet snack). Its proximity to major historical sites like Daereungwon and Cheomseongdae makes it an essential stop for travelers exploring the city center.
Bomun Tourist Complex: Family Fun and APEC's Hub
Centering on the picturesque Bomun Lake, the Bomun Tourist Complex is Gyeongju’s premier resort destination. This expansive area is a four-season retreat, offering a concentration of hotels, resorts, attraction parks (including Gyeongju World), a water park, and golf courses. With comprehensive lodging and leisure facilities, it allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in Gyeongju’s charm beyond a day trip. The complex will also serve as the main accommodation area for the 21 APEC member nation leaders, highlighting its international standard amenities.
A Stroll Through Silla's Starlight City
The core of Gyeongju’s historical appeal lies in its grand historical district, often referred to as the 'City of Starlight' for its spectacular night views.
Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae, and Wolseong
The Daereungwon Ancient Tombs house the massive burial mounds of Silla royalty and aristocrats, including the iconic double-mound Hwangnamdaechong and Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb), where internal relics can be viewed. The sight of these majestic tumuli, particularly the famous Magnolia Photo Zone, draws long lines of tourists eager for a timeless photograph.
A short walk leads to Cheomseongdae Observatory, believed to be the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia, built during the reign of Queen Seondeok. At night, its elegant structure is mystically illuminated. Nearby is the Wolseong Palace Site, the former royal palace grounds, where excavation efforts and nightly illumination bring the grandeur of the Silla court to life. This cluster of sites truly embodies the city's symbolic nickname.
The Romantic Nightscapes of Silla
No Gyeongju trip is complete without experiencing its stunning nightly illuminations.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
The optimal time to visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (formerly Anapji) is during the 'magic hour' as evening sets in. This detached palace, where Silla princes once resided, becomes a breathtaking spectacle as the night lights reflect off the pond's surface, a deliberate design choice by Silla architects to represent the vast ocean. It stands as Gyeongju's most renowned night view.
Woljeonggyo Bridge and Gyochon Village
The magnificently reconstructed Woljeonggyo Bridge, crossing the Namcheon Stream, is a modern landmark that evokes the splendor of the Silla era. At night, its illuminated wooden structure creates the illusion of a portal to the past. Adjacent to the bridge is Gyochon Traditional Village, a well-preserved hanok village where visitors can engage in various cultural experiences and witness traditional ceremonies.
The Spiritual and Artistic Heights of Silla
To fully grasp Silla's cultural apex, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto is essential.
Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto
Bulguksa Temple is celebrated as the pinnacle of Korean Buddhist art, a spiritual haven built to represent the Buddhist ideal of the Pure Land on Earth. Its iconic pagodas—the ornate Dabotap (Pagoda of Abundant Treasures) and the simple, graceful Seokgatap (Sakyamuni Pagoda)—are masterpieces of Silla masonry. High up on Mount Tohamsan, Seokguram Grotto houses a monumental statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha looking toward the East Sea, surrounded by exquisite carvings of Bodhisattvas and disciples. Its ingenious architectural design symbolizes the universe, demonstrating the profound philosophical depth of Silla Buddhism. The area at the foot of the mountain has even developed its own bustling commercial area known as 'Bullidan-gil,' mirroring the modern trend of Hwangnidan-gil.
National Gyeongju Museum and the Emille Bell
Completing the journey through Silla history is the National Gyeongju Museum, the repository of the kingdom's treasures, including the gold crowns from Cheonmachong. The museum provides a systematic view of Silla's political, cultural, and social life. On its grounds stands the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, also known as the Emille Bell, the largest surviving bronze bell in Korea, renowned for its majestic size and famously resonant, long-lasting sound.
Gyeongju offers a complete travel narrative—from the ancient tombs that command respect to the bustling streets that invite fun, and the serene temples that inspire awe. It is truly a city of unparalleled depth, ready to welcome the world.
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