Seokguram Grotto is a stone temple that was initially built by Kim Dae-seong for his parents from his past life before reincarnation and was completed under the reign of King Hyegong in 774. Originally named Seokbulsa Temple, it was constructed by piling stones into a domelike structure then covering it with dirt to make it look like a cave. Old records describe Seokguram as “the shrine that was built by weaving silk out of stones,” and such delicate and beautiful features of the Buddha are unique aspects of Unified Silla Buddhist art. Seokguram Grotto is a masterpiece of Buddhist culture, created with the science and artistic spirit of the Unified Silla era. Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage on Dec, 9, 1995.

Daereungwon is the largest of the ancient tomb sites in Gyeongju. It contains 30 ancient tombs including Cheonmachong(Ancient Tomb No. 155), Silla King Michu’s Tomb, and Hwangnamdaechong Tomb. Daereungwon is a beautiful park so tourists can enjoy a relaxing and educational walk between the ancient tombs.

Among other ancient tombs in Daereungwon, Tomb Cheonmachong(Tomb No. 155) is the only tomb that is open to the general public. Cheonmachong literally means ‘heavenly horse tomb’ and received its name from the picture of flying white horse painted on the saddle flap, a leather flap hung on the sides of the horse saddle in order to prevent dirt from splashing up on the rider’s clothes, which was excavated from this tomb in 1973. This tomb is estimated to have been built between the 5th and 6th century. Luxurious gold relics such as gold crowns, a gold hat, a bird shaped crown, a gold belt, gold shoes, and other fancy garments worn by the dead were excavated from this tomb. Particularly, the Cheonmachong gold crown was the biggest and most luxurious gold crown ever have been excavated.

Cheomseongdae Observatory, built built during the reign of Queen Seondeok, is known as the oldest observatory in Asia. It is a structure that reflects the scientific spirit of the Silla people with every piece of stone having a symbolic meaning. The diameter of each row gradually decreases from bottom to top, creating a smooth curved structure. The circular shapes of this structure represent the curvy and flowy image of the sky, while the square shapes impression. The upper diameter of the observatory is 5.17 metres and the base diameter is 5.35 metres. The total height is 9.17 metres.

It is a popular place stretching about 700 metres between Naenam Crossroads and the former Hwangnam primary school crossroads. Named after Gyeongridan-gil in Seoul, it has been hailed as the #1 stop on a Gyeongju trip with offbeat attractions and entertainments including coffee shops, restaurants, photo studios, souvenir shops, murals and photo zones lining the street.

Gyeongju National Museum was inaugurated upon the establishment of the Gyeongju Historic Sports Preservation Society in 1913. It was renamed the Gyeongju Branch of the National Museum in 1945, and finally in 1975, it officially opened as Gyeongju National Museum. The museum is divided into sections classified by types of relics. Archaeology Hall, Art Hall, Donggung ans Wolji Hall, and the Special Exhibition Hall. There is also a section of the museum devoted to children. This Children’s Museum helps young people acquire further interest and understanding about Korean culture. The museum includes such treasures as the Sacred Bell of the Great King Seongdeok(National Treasure No.29). There are about 3,000 great pieces on display

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond is a representative historic site of the Unified Silla era. There are many buildings and gardens including lmhaejeonji at the site, and it is said that during his 14th year of reign(A.D. 674), King Munmu of Silla had the pond dug, added some plants, and even raised rare birds and animals inside the palace. According to records, King Gyeongsun hosted a banquet for the Goryeo Dynasty’s King Wanggeon in 931, and by this it can be assumed that Donggung and Wolji used for entertaining the nobility and royal guests. Originally called Wolji (pond of the moon), it was later renamed Anapji as geese and ducks came to the ruined palace in the Joseon Dynasty. The original shape of the pond, from the Silla era, was restored after dredging and excavation of the pond in 1975. The names carved in Bosanghwamunjeon meaning(carving of jewels and flowers on brick), which was excavated from the Donggung and Wolji Site, confirms the year the palace was constructed.