Seoul to Gyeongju, 1 Day Trip

Seokguram, located on Tohamsan Mountain, is a representative Korean stone temple. The official name of Seokguram, National Treasure No. 24, is Seokguram Seokgul. Designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, it is a stone temple constructed of granite. The construction was started by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) in 751 and finished twenty-four years later, in 774. Seokguram is known to have been built along with the Bulguksa Temple, according to the history book, Samgukyusa, from the Goryeo Dynasty. Kim Dae-Seong had built Bulguksa for the parents who were alive, and Seokguram for the parents from his former life.

Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world. Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 during the Silla Kingdom was built by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774), who started building the temple in 751 and completed it in 774. Bulguksa Temple is home to many important cultural relics such as Dabo-tap (National Treasure No. 20), Seokga-tap (National Treasure No. 21) Yeonhwa-gyo* Chilbo-gyo (National Treasure No. 22), Cheongun-gyo,* Baegun-gyo (National Treasure No. 23), the Golden Seated Vairocana Buddhist Figure (National Treasure No. 26), the Golden Seated Amita Figure (National Treasure No. 27), and Sari-tap (Treasure No. 61).

Opened in 1964, Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea with shops selling various goods. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also function as wholesale markets.

Gyeongju National Museum houses numerous historical and cultural artifacts of the Silla dynasty (57 BC-AD 935). The museum provides various programs including at the Children’s Museum School. The newly renovated Silla Art Gallery and Silla History Gallery lobby by Teoyang Studio are popular among visitors. This multi-complex center provides the history of Silla with various artifacts.