Themes & Stories

Today, I went on a walking tour of Gyeongju without a car—just on foot. Following the alleys and stone walls where the breath of Silla, the thousand-year capital, still remains, I walked slowly, step-by-step.

The total walking distance is about 3 km, which you can fully enjoy in 2 to 3 hours even at a leisurely pace. A day where each step connects the time of Silla with my own. Gyeongju is far more beautiful and profound when experienced on foot rather than by car.

The tour begins at Daereungwon, the ancient tomb complex of Silla kings and nobles that represents Gyeongju. Daereungwon in the early morning is serene and dreamlike. A mist hangs lightly between the gently rising mounds, and the photo zone with a magnolia tree standing among them is a must-visit spot. If you explore Cheonmachong Tomb, whose interior is open to the public, you can feel Silla’s grand burial culture even more closely.

Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex Address: 10 Poseokjeongan-gil, Gyeongju-si Inquiries: Cultural Heritage Management Office: +82-54-779-8744  View details

I had lunch at Goyu Hanwoo Gukbap, a nine-minute walk away. The deep flavor of the broth made daily with hanwoo (Korean beef) is truly excellent. With a spoonful of gukbap (rice soup) and a bite of kimchi, fatigue melts away. Korean beef tartare bibimbap and the washbasin-sized cold beef tartare soup are also popular menu items. The traditional hanok-style interior is comfortable and seems suitable for solo diners, couples, and families alike.

Goyu Hanwoo Gukbap Address: 1058-13 Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si Inquiries: +82-507-1380-8092  View details

After lunch, I moved to gabaehyangju. It’s near Hwangnidan-gil, but I really appreciated the quiet atmosphere as it is slightly away from the bustling streets. The aroma of coffee lingers in the air as I unwind with a cup of hand-drip coffee. Its Au Lait Glacé and homemade bakery items are also delicious. As I sit by the window with a warm cup of coffee, even the flow of time seems to slow down. And since pets are allowed, it’s a definite plus for pet owners.

Gabaehyangju Address: 1F, 1063 Poseok-ro, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si Inquiries: +82-507-1334-1615  View details

While strolling from the café, Cheomseongdae Observatory reveals itself in the distance. Built during the reign of Queen Seondeok, the 27th ruler of Silla, it’s the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia. Though smaller and more modest than expected beneath the clear sky, Cheomseongdae carries a profound, almost mystical presence that reflects the weight of time. The area around Cheomseongdae, surrounded by canola flowers in spring, cosmos in summer, and silver grass in autumn, offers picturesque scenery whenever you visit.

Cheomseongdae Observatory Address: 140-25 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si Inquiries: +82-54-772-3843  View details

The final stop is the night view of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. When the sun sets and lights turn on one by one, the reflections of the buildings shimmering on the pond are simply enchanting. Once a secondary palace where Silla princes resided, it was also used to host esteemed guests and grand banquets. The scene where moonlight in the night sky harmonizes with lighting on the rippling water was the perfect finale for my Gyeongju trip.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond Address: 102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si Inquiries: +82-54-750-8655  View details