Gyeongju was the cultural and political heart of Silla

11월 05, 2024

Gyeongju, the capital city of the Silla Dynasty, is often called “the museum without walls” because of its rich collection of historical sites and artifacts that reflect Korea’s ancient history. Located in the southeastern part of South Korea, Gyeongju was the cultural and political heart of Silla, which ruled for nearly a thousand years and unified most of the Korean Peninsula in the 7th century.

1. A Glimpse into Ancient Korea

For foreigners, Gyeongju offers a rare chance to see how people in ancient Korea lived, worshiped, and celebrated their culture. Because it served as the capital for such a long time, Gyeongju is filled with well-preserved relics and monuments from the Silla period (57 BCE–935 CE).
Gyeongju is like an open-air museum where you can see grand burial mounds, old temples, royal palaces, and other structures that reflect the glory of Silla’s ancient civilization.

2. Buddhist Culture and Architecture

Buddhism was deeply integrated into Silla society, and many temples and statues were built during this time. Two of the most famous Buddhist sites in Gyeongju are Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto.
- Bulguksa Temple: This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful stone pagodas and impressive Buddhist statues. It reflects the architectural sophistication and spiritual devotion of the Silla people.
- Seokguram Grotto: This is a stone cave temple housing a large Buddha statue looking out over the East Sea. Built to represent enlightenment and protection for the kingdom, it remains one of Korea's finest Buddhist masterpieces.

3. Royal Tombs and Burial Mounds

Gyeongju is famous for its royal tombs and burial mounds, which are massive grass-covered hills scattered around the city. These tombs were built to honor Silla kings and queens, with treasures and artifacts buried alongside them.
The Daereungwon Tomb Complex is a popular site where visitors can see these ancient tombs up close and even enter one of the tombs to view the royal artifacts that were discovered.

4. Observatories and Astronomy

Gyeongju was also a center for science and astronomy during the Silla Dynasty. Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia, was built in the 7th century and used to study the stars and planets. It’s a small but iconic stone tower that gives insight into the Silla people’s scientific curiosity and knowledge.

5. Exploring Gyeongju Today

Modern Gyeongju combines ancient sites with a vibrant city atmosphere. Tourists can enjoy traditional Korean food, explore historical neighborhoods, and participate in cultural festivals.
The Gyeongju National Museum also houses many relics from the Silla period, offering a deeper understanding of the Silla Dynasty's culture and achievements.

Visiting Gyeongju is like stepping back in time to experience the grandeur of Korea’s ancient Silla Dynasty. With its blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, Gyeongju remains a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in Korea’s rich history.