Museums and galleries in Gyeongju

Museums and galleries in Gyeongju

1. See

   Bulguksa Temple

   불국사

   A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Buddhist art from the 8th century. In front of the main prayer hall stand two iconic stone pagodas: Dabotap (Pagoda of Many Treasures), known for its highly decorative carvings, and Seokgatap (Pagoda of Buddha), admired for its simple and dignified design. Note: Entrance fees have been abolished since May 2023. Look for the "hidden stone pig" under the roof of Geuknakjeon Hall, which is believed to bring good luck. A copy of Seokgatap can also be seen at the Gyeongju National Museum.

   09:00 – 18:00 (Exit by 19:00)·Free

2. See

   Daerungwon Burial Mound

   경주 대릉원

   This tumuli park is the main attraction of the region and consists of 30 burial mounds in the central part of the city. In the Grave of the Heavenly Horse (Cheonmachong, 천마총, Grave #155) there is an entrance that allows you to take an inside look. In addition to the grave, replicas of artefacts found in the grave are displayed. Among these the most valuable item is a golden crown (national treasure #188). Cheonmachong is 13 m high and 47 m across and was built in the 5th century. It got its current name, because a saddle with a picture of a white horse on it w(cheonmado, national treasure #207) as found inside the grave. All of the original relics can be seen in the national museum. The biggest burial mound is the double mound of Hwangnam Daechong, having an area of 80 x 120 and heights of 23 m and 22,2 m. Yet another remarkable mound is the grave of King Michu, 13th king of Silla. During the reign of the 14th king, king Yurye, the Japanese invaded the kingdom. According to a legend, the invaders were defeated by soldiers that had emerged from King Michu's grave.

   9:00 – 22:00 (last admission 21:30, open year-round)·₩3000(adult standard) ₩1000(child standard)

3. See

   Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

   동궁과 월지

   The artificial Anapji pond was created by King Munmu in 674. The pavilions on its banks were destroyed by fire and fell into the pond in 935. Archeological finds from the pond can be seen in the National Museum today. The pond is covered from late July to early August with blooming lotus flowers. In the middle stands a pavilion, which can be reached via steps. This place is popular with wedding couples who want to be photographed in the middle of the flower spectacle. Anapji has been renamed "Donggung and Wolji" since 2011. According to a Korean history book called the Three Kingdoms Saga, the pond, Wolji, was created in the 14th year of King Munmu (674), and Donggung was built in 679, after the unification of the Three Kingdoms was completed. Donggung and Wolji is one of the most beautiful place in Gyeongju. They are decorated with many lights. It will be good choice, if visit here in the night.

4. See

   Gyerim Forest

   Located between the Cheomseongdae observatory and the National Museum, some of the trees here are over 2000 years old. According to a legend King Talhae heard a rooster in the forest in the middle of the night. The next morning a baby was found in the forest. The king adopted him, named him Kim Alji and he would eventually become the founder of Gyeongju. The forest was named Gyerim which translates to rooster.

5. See

   National Museum of Gyeongju

   국립경주박물관

   A museum with four exhibition buildings, it contains treasures such as the golden crown of Geumgwanchong, the pottery piece Gimainmulhyeongtogi (a mounted soldier from the kingdom of Gaya), King Michu's golden sword.

   Weekdays 09:00 - 18:00, weekends and holidays 09:00-19:00

6. See

   Sonje Museum of Contemporary Art

   Permanent exhibition consisting of pictures, sculptures and media installations. Also differently themed temporary exhibitions.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00·₩3,000

7. See

   Woljeonggyo Bridge

   월정교

   Scenic bridge reconstructed in Silla style near Gyeongju National Museum and Gyochon Traditional Village. It is a popular place for its night view

   9:00 – 22:00·free

8. See

   K Pop Museum

   한국대중음악박물관

   9 Expo-ro

   Wed to Sun 10:00 – 18:00 (last admission 17:00), closed on Mon and Tue·Adult ₩15,000; youth ₩10,000; child ₩8,000; discounts for seniors, welfare/disabled, military ₩8,000; free for children under 36 months

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Gyeongju (CC BY-SA 4.0).