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Places & Activities

Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Buddhist culture of the Silla Kingdom and the Confucian culture of the Joseon Dynasty are well preserved in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Among a wide variety of tourist attractions, Gyeongju, the capital of the Silla Kingdom, and Andong Hahoe Village are most celebrated. Mt. Juwangsan National Park, the fine beaches, and the natural springs provide excellent tourist destinations.

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Andong is famous as the home of the intellectual yangban classes of Korean society. Andong breathes traditional culture as the birthplace of the Hahoe masks, Chajeon games and the Hahoe spirit rituals. The Queen of England Elizabeth II visited Andong several years ago, marking it as an international tourist attraction. Andong soju is the prize product of this city.

Recommended Destinations

Andong Hahoe Village: has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon dynasty.  Moreover, the village was not artificially created; there are people who actually live there.

Bongjeongsa Temple: was built in the 12th year of King Munmu (reign from 661~681) of the Silla Dynasty as, according to the legend, the Great Buddist Monk Ui-Sang (625~702) launched from Buseoksa Temple landed on this spot. Documents from Geuknakjeon state that Neungin Daedeuk, a disciple of Monk Ui-Sang, had established the temple and it has been rebuilt several times during the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). Bongjeongsa Temple is the largest temple in Andong, and possesses the oldest Korea wooden building Geuknakjeon.

Past the Ilju Gate and the forest path is the Bongjeongsa Temple. Bongjeongsa Temple has a unique elegant atmosphere. The old trees and hermitages nearby are also worth the look.

Dosan Seowon (Confucian School) Dosan Confucian School: was established in 1574 (7th year under the reign of King Seonjo), by the disciples and others who cherished their memories of the premier Lee Hwang.

Gyeongju-si As the capital of the Silla Kingdom for almost a thousand years, Gyeongju preserves vast amount of significant and fascinating historical heritages. Along with Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, the Gyeongju Historical District has been designated as a World Heritage by UNESCO. Due to the bountiful historical, natural and cultural attractions, this region has long been a major tourist destination in Korea.

Recommended Destinations

Daereung-won Tumuli Park (Cheonmachong Tomb): large ancient tombs of kings and noblemen of the Silla Dynasty can be seen around Gyeongju at the Daereung-won Tumuli Park. There are twenty-three large tombs located here; the most famous ancient tomb being Cheonmachong and Hwangnamdaechong. In an excavation of the area in the 1970's, Cheonmachong was discovered with a painting of mounted horse.

Gyeongju National Museum: is deep in tradition, with a history of about 90 years.  Representing Gyeongju, which used to be the capital of Silla (BC57~AD935), the museum is where you can view the cultural history of Gyeongju district.  The exhibit hall is divided into 4 large parts: the Main hall, Annex I, Annex II, and the Outdoor Exhibit Area (Museum Grounds).  In the Main Hall you can see earthenware, and in the Arts and Crafts room you can see various artwork and craftwork.

Seokguram: is known to have been built with Bulguksa Temple.  According to the history book Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty (the country that unified the Korean peninsula at the end of the Silla Dynasty, 918~1392), Kim Dae-Seong had built Bulguksa for the parents who were alive, and Seokguram for the parents of his former life.

Ulleung is a charming island located on the eastern tip of Korea. Created by volcanic movements, the island is a prime tourist attraction with its clear blue waters and peculiar rock formations. The island is abundant with rare animal and plant life, and hosts an annual celebration of the wonder of nature. Ulleung’s local products include cuttlefish and squash.

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