Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla kingdom for nearly a thousand years, and it is often called a museum without walls. Huge grassy burial mounds rise right in the middle of town — Daereungwon is the park where many of them are gathered, and inside Cheonmachong you can see how a royal tomb was built. The area is part of the Gyeongju Historic Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
A short walk away stands Cheomseongdae, said to date from the reign of Queen Seondeok in the 7th century and known as one of the oldest surviving astronomical observatories in East Asia.
How to explore
Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond and the hanok lanes of Gyochon Village are all within walking distance. Stroll among the tombs by day, then see Cheomseongdae lit up and Wolji Pond reflecting its pavilions after dark. Take the KTX to Singyeongju Station (about two hours from Seoul) and combine it with Bulguksa — or with Busan for a two-day trip.