A newly opened KTX line between Seoul and Gyeongju is helping to bridge both distance and time, bringing more visitors to the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom.
The city of Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province has long been a premier tourism destination in Korea, offering visitors and tourists an impressive number of archaeological and historical sites, museums, and resort areas, in addition to scenes of stunning natural beauty. Whether taking a romantic stroll along the shores of Bomun Lake, hiking Mt. Namsan, or taking in an exhibit at the Gyeongju National Museum, this small city offers big entertainment to suit every preference.
Previously, visiting Gyeongju from Seoul meant four to five hours on a train or bus. Now that Korea’s high speed rail line, the KTX, has been extended to the edge of the city, the trip has been reduced to just over two hours in travel time. What used to be a long weekend can now be a day trip, and a faster trip will allow weekend visitors to spend less time in transit and more time sightseeing. By increasing accessibility from the nation’s capital, the city hopes to help boost the number of tourists and the quality of their experience in one of Korea’s most scenic and historic places.
As the capital of the Silla kingdom, Gyeongju was at its height one of the largest urban centers in Asia, with a population estimated to have neared one million people. Although little of its architecture has survived intact, the Silla culture has left its imprint on almost every corner of the city, from the beautiful Buddhist carvings on the granite of the surrounding mountains to the eerie and majestic tomb mounds scattered throughout the city.
Visitors with an interest in Silla history can make a good start by visiting some of the downtown tomb mounds. Tomb mounds are prominent in all the UNESCO-designated Gyeongju Historic Areas, but the Tumuli Park is the most accessible for most visitors, and offers the opportunity to step inside the “Heavenly Horse” tomb and view some of the relics retrieved from its excavation. A quick stroll across the street brings more impressive tombs, the remains of Banwolseong (Half Moon Palace), Gyerim Forest, and Cheomseongdae.
Anapji (Photo: Yonhap News) |
Just a short walk away, Gyeongju National Museum contains one of the finest collections of Silla art and artifacts in the world, including the famous Emile Bell. Also nearby is Anapji Pond, where tourists can take in a partially reconstructed palace and the charmingly landscaped pond.
Weekend warriors looking for a mountain to climb will be richly rewarded by an excursion to Mt. Namsan. Not only is the low mountain a pleasant and not terribly strenuous climb with wonderful vistas of the surrounding area, it is also home to countless Silla artifacts, including some spectacular Buddhist carvings.
More Buddhist culture is on display at the spectacular Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, both on Mt. Tohamsan. During the fall, the changing leaves make a dramatic background for the famous stone staircase that lead to Bulguksa Temple. A short climb up the mountain (or a quick bus ride) brings visitors to Seokguram Grotto, a magnificent artificial granite cave with one of the most renowned pieces of Buddhist statuary in the world.
(Seokguram Grotto, left, courtesy Yonhap News)
Visitors looking for a different bit of history can enjoy the relaxing country air at the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yangdong Village, a remarkably well-preserved village that dates back several hundred years to the Joseon era.
Of course, for those looking to just relax after a long day of hiking, sightseeing, and soaking in historic knowledge, the Bomun resort area around Bomun Lake is idea for unwinding. With luxury hotels, parks, and family-friendly entertainment abounding, it offers plenty of ways to unwind at the end of a busy day.
Gyeongju features something for everybody, from the die-hard history buffs and amateur archaeologists to couples looking for a romantic getaway and families wanting to spend quality time together away from the bustle of Seoul. Now, with the speedy KTX zipping passengers back and forth between the ancient and modern capitals, visitors can make the trip with even fewer cares.
