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Treasure Trove of World Cultural Heritage
Gyeongju (경주), located in southeast Korea, was the capital of the Silla
Kingdom for 992 years (BC 57-935), the longest surviving kingdom in the
history of Korea. Not only is it astounding that it was ruled by 56
kings spanning a
period of almost a thousand years, it is
equally remarkable that the kingdom of Silla originally started as a
small tribal state and later expanded to occupy more than half of the
Korean peninsula. The area was initially known as ‘Seorabeol' (서라벌) or
'Gyerim' (계림), and it wasn’t until the end of the era in 935 that it was
first referred to as 'Gyeongju.'
Living up to its former glory as the capital of the longest-surviving
kingdom in Korea, Gyeongju still shines today, more than a millennium
after the kingdom’s demise. Buddhism was introduced in Silla in the 6th
century and played a significant role in strengthening royal authority
and unifying the people, becoming the foundation of the area's art,
tradition, and culture. Consequently, Gyeongju is the home of the
greatest Buddhist art treasures in Korea, and is the nation's most
popular fieldtrip destination.
Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are Gyeonju's most celebrated
relics and are said to capture the essence of the Korean Buddhist
culture. These two sites were the first sites to be registered as
UNESCO World Cultural Heritages in 1995. In 2000, five districts were
added to the list of World Cultural Heritages under the title 'Gyeongju
Historic Areas.' Gyeongju is a virtual cornucopia of history, meriting
praise and preservation worldwide. |
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A Journey to the ‘Museum without Walls’
The journey from Seoul to Gyeongju may only be a 4 to 5-hour train or
bus ride, but be prepared for this area’s beautiful heritage to
transport you back more than a thousand years. Even though the area has a
relatively small size and population, it takes more than just a few
days to truly appreciate the history of this ancient capital. In fact,
the more you see of Gyeongju, the more there remains to be seen.
As you walk around downtown Gyeongju, you will come across huge grave
mounds (tumuli) and relics, which are uniquely different from the royal
tombs in and around Seoul. There are so many historic treasures
scattered throughout the city that it is almost impossible to pinpoint
them all. For this reason, the entire area of Gyeongju is registered as a
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage under the title 'Gyeongju Historic
Areas.' The city is also commonly known as a ‘Museum without Walls.'
In Gyeongju, the past and present comingle in a beautiful reminder of
Korea’s proud past and bright future. To truly appreciate all the area
has to offer, you must be able to appreciate both the face-value of each
relic as well as its under-lying significance. Read on to learn more
about the city as an ancient epicenter of Buddhism, science, and
artistic excellence. |
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in Gyeongju
Considered the pinnacle of Buddhist art in Korea, Bulguksa Temple and
Seokguram Grotto were registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in
1995. In 2000, five districts in downtown Gyeongju were registered as a
World Cultural Heritage under the title 'Gyeongju Historical Areas.' As
such, it is not an exaggeration to say that the city in itself is a
world cultural heritage.
More info:
Bulguksa Temple
Seokguram Grotto
Gyeongju Historic Area
Related sites:
Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto
Gyeongju Historic Areas |
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Gyeongju City Tour
It’s impossible to visit all the major Silla relics in just a few days,
especially if it’s your first time visiting the area. If your time is
limited and you want to see as much as possible, try the Gyeongju City
Tour. You can choose from three different tour courses, each of which
includes visits to some of the area’s major historical sites, including
Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Daereungwon Tumuli
(Cheonmachong).
Click here for details of Gyeongju City Tour
Related columns:
Gyeongju Travel - Journey into Silla at Korea’s Living Museum!
Visiting Gyeongju: Luxury vs. Budget Trips
Best Gyeongju 3Night/4Days Course
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