For those who’re planning a few days in Seoul, you’ll discover limitless itineraries for the way finest to spend your time. However what when you’re planning on venturing additional afield? For those who’ve acquired 2 days in Gyeongju and also you’re visiting for the primary time, you won’t know the place to begin planning an itinerary on your journey.
Generally known as one of many historic hubs of Korea, Gyeongju is an interesting place to discover. It’s crammed with unbelievable 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 benefit from your time!
The place is Gyeongju?
Sitting to the southeast of Korea, Gyeongju is a coastal metropolis famend for the sheer quantity of unbelievable historic and cultural websites that lie inside it. From gorgeous temples to palace ruins, stunning ponds to historical tombs – Gyeongju is a veritable treasure trove for any traveller seeking to achieve perception into Korea’s previous.
It’s well-connected, too, because the KTX can get you into the town from Seoul round 2 hours – which 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?
Except for a sizzling couple of months throughout the summer season, Gyeongju is pretty temperate so far as the climate is worried. Between December and March, you’ll be able to count on it to be pretty chilly, however you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful spring in April/Could and autumn in September/October. In summer season, be certain that to convey 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 troublesome 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. For those who’re asking whether or not Gyeongju is value visiting, the reply is a powerful sure.
- Cheonmachong Historic Tomb, Daereungwon Tumuli Park: Relationship again to the Silla Kingdom of 5-6 CE, this historical tomb was excavated within the Seventies, and revealed to include over 140 treasures. Whereas researchers have been unable to verify who the occupant was, they discovered a crown – suggesting that it was the ultimate resting place of an historical 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 watch the night time sky, it’s an interesting window into the event of astronomy.
- Golgulsa Temple: For a very immersive window in Korean traditions and heritage, the Golgulsa Temple offers an unbelievable expertise. With alternatives for in a single day stays within the conventional Buddhist model (full with meals), sunmudo coaching courses and meditation periods – in addition to a good looking temple and grounds – Golgulsa is an unbelievable place to spend time exploring.
- Woljeonggyo Bridge: Although the bridge that at the moment stands on this web site is a latest construct, it’s the historic location of many bridges all through historical past. It’s the biggest wood 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 courting again to the seventh century. Throughout an excavation of the realm within the Seventies, researchers discovered nearly 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. While you go to, make sure to attempt all of the nationwide and regional meals staples! One factor’s for certain – when you’re a soup lover, you’re not going hungry in Gyeongju.
- Hwangnam-ppang: Additionally referred to as Gyeongju bread, this scrumptious candy pastry is stuffed pink bean curd. Although it’s not completely for breakfast, it’ll make for a delighful technique 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. For those who’re fish lover in want of a hearty meal, this one’s for you.
- Sundubu-jjigae: For the foodies who like a bit of spice of their life, this tofu stew is a winner. Made with mushy tofu and served in a wealthy broth made from chilli and inventory, it’s given a definite reddish color and a kick by gochugaru (chilli powder).
- Haejangguk: Generally known as ‘hangover soup’ for its purported therapeutic powers after an evening in town, this comforting broth is crammed with cabbage, bean paste, meat and much extra tasty goodness.
- Garlic hen: If there’s one factor Korea at massive does effectively, it’s hen. Regionally, although, Gyeongju is prime of the record for garlic hen, a scrumptious road meals usually served with ginger – and generally a wholesome kick of chilli.
What to do in Gyeongju:
Except for the sights and the meals, there’s a lot extra 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 road meals market to refuel.
- Procuring: Head into the middle of the 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: For those who pay a go to to the Golgulsa Temple, you’ll be able to seize the chance for a conventional expertise within the type of a Buddhist meditation session. Led by an teacher within the temple, it’s an incredible technique to seize an perception into Buddhist customs.
For those who’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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