Gyeongju

(Korean Culture 100) Gyeongju, the City of a Thousand-year-old Promise_경주

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• published: 28 Jan 2013
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Gyeongju is a city filled with cultural heritages, traditions and historic sites. It was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Unified Silla and during its peak period the total population of the city reached nearly one million. As time passed, Gyeongju became one of the favorite tour destinations among Koreans. Huge mounds of ancient tombs overwhelm the modern buildings with their dignity, and the entire city exudes magnificent beauty of tradition from every corner. Take a walk along the trail surrounded by pine trees, and you will be deeply impressed whenever you come to Gyeongju because it is an endless cache of traditions. Anapji is an artificial pond constructed in the year 674. It displays a beautiful landscape creating harmony with the palace located nearby. Silla kings used to hold banquets for their guests at Anapji. The name literally means 'a pond of ducks and wild geese,' and scholars of the Joseon Period named the pond as such, looking at the scene of ducks and wild geese swimming in the pond. Over a thousand years ago, Silla was one of the most advanced kingdoms in Northeast Asia, and this pond demonstrates the splendid culture and generous minds of the Silla people. Cheomseongdae Observatory is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia. Silla people had a keen interest in astronomy, and it is said that they observed solar eclipses as many as 29 times. The overall structure and individual stones have significant meaning, representing the deep philosophy of Silla people. Daereungwon Tombs (Historic Site No. 512) : A complex housing of 23 ancient tombs of kings, queens and aristocrats of the Silla Period Cheonmachong Tomb (National Treasure No. 188) : Presumed to be the tomb of King Jijeung, the 22nd ruler of the Silla Dynasty. The only ancient tomb that is open to the public. Tomb of General Kim Yu-sin (Historic Site No. 21) : Located in a pine forest, the tomb measures 30m in diameter. Statues of Twelve Zodiac Animal Deities : The carvings are simple but they show sophisticated and excellent techniques. Tomb of King Taejong Muyeol (Historic Site No. 20) : He laid the foundation for the unification of ancient three kingdoms in Korea. In particular, this tomb has a beautiful curve. Memorial Stele for King Taejong Muyeol (National Treasure No. 25) : It has a unique pedestal in the shape of a turtle and displays a dynamic aspect of Silla culture. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond) : A place for receptions and banquets for foreign envoys. It represents the international status of Silla as an advanced kingdom of that period. Cheomseongdae Observatory (National Treasure No. 31) : The oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia Bulguksa Temple (National Treasure No. 24, UNESCO World Heritage) : The ideal land of Buddhism was described at this temple by the hands of Silla people. Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23) : Bridges leading to the peaceful land of Buddha. Seokgatap and Dabotap Pagodas (National Treasure No. 21) : Highlights of Korean Buddhist pagodas. An outstanding combination of simplicity (Seokgatap) and elaborateness (Dabotap) Seokguram Grotto (National Treasure No. 24, UNESCO World Heritage) : The masterpiece of Korean Buddhist art based on the ideal of the Buddhist world, advanced scientific technology, and sophisticated sculpture techniques. Poseokjeong Pavilion Site (Historic Site No. 1) : A banquet space adorned with a curved watercourse for floating wine cups. Hwangnyongsa Temple Site (Historic Site No. 6) : The site once occupied by the largest Buddhist temple named Hwangnyongsa. Gameunsa Temple Site (Historic Site No. 31) : The remains of Gameunsa, a Buddhist temple related to King Munmu who is believed to have become the dragon god of the East Sea after the unification of the three kingdoms. Three-story Stone Pagoda of Gameunsa Temple Site (National Treasure No. 112) : It provides important information as it followed the typical architectural style of Buddhist temples in Silla Period. Tomb of King Munmu (Historic Site No. 158) : The underwater tomb of King Munmu, the 30th ruler of the Silla Dynasty Columnar Joint of Gyeongju : The beautiful columnar joint and coastal walkway are called 'the flower of the East Sea.