Gyeongju: The Silla Capital, 2025 Edition
By Dhivyaa S. P.
They call it the “city of the open museum.”
A place where history doesn’t just sit behind glass.
I’m not talking about prehistoric dinosaurs here. This is a few centuries after that. Welcome to Gyeongju, South Korea’s living time capsule.
Last June, I suddenly decided to take a trip from Gwangju to Gyeongju. No overthinking, just a quick booking of bus tickets through the T-money app.
The ride was three hours and 20 minutes long as I watched the scenery shift from city bustle to
peaceful countryside. The moment I stepped out of Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, something caught my eye. Burger King, Starbucks, and other big-name franchises… all in hanok style structures.
A short local bus ride took me to Sogeum- gangsan Guest House, run by a sweet grandma who welcomed me like family. It was actually her home, turned into a guest house. She cooked, fussed over me, and chatted for at least 40 minutes about her son.
I had a full itinerary planned, but I put it aside. Sometimes, travel is about moments like these staying in, listening, and being present.
Loneliness among the elderly in Korea is real, and that evening, I was happy to simply keep her company.
Day 1: Tombs, Villages, and Museums
The next morning, I set out to explore Gyeongju’s ancient tombs and cultural spots.
Day 1 Itinerary
- Breakfast at Isaac Toast, Geumni-dang Trail
- Geumgwan-chong Ancient Tomb – 3,000 won
- Daereung-won Ancient Tombs, Gyeongju Historical Park – free
- Cheongsu-dang Gyeongju – a picturesque, Instagram-famous café
- Hwangnam-dong Ancient Tombs
- Sungmun-dae – media art space, perfect for cooling off in early summer heat
- Hanok Village near Gyeongju – pottery painting & traditional activities
- Woljeong-gyo Promotional Hall (월정교홍보관)
- Gyeongju National Museum – free admission
Day 2: Heat Wave to Seaside Breeze
The next day, I almost stayed in, thanks to a summer heat wave. But after lunch, adventure called, and I hopped on a local bus to the East Sea.
It took about an hour and a half, but when I saw the blue waters, I forgot all about the heat. After 2.5 years in Korea, it was my first time to see the East Sea.
Day 2 Itinerary:
- Songdaemal Lighthouse
- Songdaemal Light Exhibition – interactive heritage art
- Gyeongju Expo Grand Park & Gyeongju Tower – 12,000 won; highlights included:
- Solgeo Art Museum (visited by RM of BTS)
- A top-floor video experience where projector screens lift to reveal a breathtaking real-life view
- Donggung (Palace) and Wolji (Pond) – night view, entrance 3,000 won (very crowded!)
- Royal Tomb of King Naemul
- Cheomseong-dae Observatory at night – peaceful stroll in cool evening breezes
I planned to leave in the afternoon, but work pulled me back early. The grandma prepared a healthy, traditional Korean breakfast and teased me: “Next time, bring your boyfriend!”
It was the perfect send-off.
Gyeongju is more than its famous tombs, temples, and museums. It’s a living storybook. I learned how ancient Koreans built their burial mounds, but I also learned that history isn’t just in the stones. It’s in the people who live there today.
Next time, I’ll return in early spring, when the cherry blossoms turn the city into a pink dream. Until then, Gyeongju will stay in my memory – still open, still alive.
The Author
Dhivyaa S. P. believes that every action, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture of change. Now beginning chapter three of her academic life, she steps into her PhD journey with curiosity and resolve, knowing that each page she turns brings her closer to shaping new knowledge for the world.
Cover Photograph by Dhivyaa S. P.