Golden Era Route

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1. 1

   Heritage site

   Gyerim Forest, Gyeongju

   27-20, Gyochonan-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

   Stamp: Gyeongju Gyo-chon Traditional Village Korean Culture & Tourism Guide

   Gyerim Forest in Gyeongju is a woodland steeped in the legend of Kim Al-ji, the progenitor of the Kim clan. The forest is lush with ancient trees and is located between Cheomseongdae and Wolseong. In the Silla Kingdom, the throne was alternately occupied by members of three royal clans: Park, Seok, and Kim. Kim Al-ji is recognized as the founder of the Kim clan. Gyerim Forest in Gyeongju, which exudes a mysterious atmosphere, is the place where the legend of Kim Al-ji’s birth began. According to the Samguk Sagi (Historical Records of the Three Kingdoms), the story goes as follows: One night, King Talhae heard the crowing of a rooster from a forest west of Geumseong. The next morning, he sent his servant Hogong to investigate. Upon reaching the forest, Hogong discovered a golden chest hanging from a tree branch, with a white rooster crowing beneath it. When King Talhae was informed of this, he ordered the chest to be brought to him. Inside the chest was a baby boy. Believing that the heavens had sent him a son, King Talhae took the child in and raised him. He named the boy Al-ji, meaning "child born from an egg," and gave him the surname Kim (金), derived from the golden chest. This forest, which existed since the founding of the Silla Kingdom, was originally called Silla's Birth Forest (Sirim, 始林). However, after the child was born, it was renamed Gyerim (鷄林), meaning "Forest where a Rooster Crowed."

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2. 2

   Heritage site

   Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Gyeongju

   53, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

   Stamp: Cultural Tourism Interpreter’s House next to Cheonmachong within Daereungwon

   The 23 Silla tombs scattered throughout the city of Gyeongju are mainly located around Daereungwon. Although they are close to each other, the tombs are spread over such a large area that it is recommended to visit Hwangnamdaechong, Cheonmachong, and the Tomb of King Michu in Gyeongju first. Hwangnamdaechong, the largest of the Silla tombs, is presumed to be the tomb of a Silla royal family. The tomb consists of two mounds connected in a gourd shape, one to the north and the other to the south. Numerous artifacts have been discovered here, with notable examples including the gold necklace from the southern mound and the gold belt from the northern mound. Cheonmachong, which caused a sensation when over 10,000 artifacts were unearthed during its excavation, is the only tomb among the Silla tombs where the interior can be viewed. Among the artifacts, there is a saddle flap (jangni) depicting a flying horse, which gave the tomb its nickname, "Cheonmachong" (Tomb of the Heavenly Horse). The painting of the heavenly horse on the jangni from Cheonmachong is of immense value as it is the only surviving example of Silla painting. Gyeongju's Tomb of King Michu is the burial site of Michu, the 13th king of Silla. He was the first Silla king from the Kim clan and is known to be the seventh-generation descendant of Kim Alji, the founder of the Kim clan. According to the Samguk Sagi (Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms), King Michu was buried in "Daereung," and the name "Daereungwon" (Great Tomb Complex) is derived from this very term. The Gold Necklace from the Southern Mound of Hwangnamdaechong: This gold necklace was discovered in the southern tomb of Hwangnamdaechong, still hanging around the neck of a person inside the coffin. Unlike most necklaces found in Silla tombs in the Gyeongju area, which typically feature a curved jade ornament at the ends, this unique necklace is made entirely of gold, with even the ends adorned with gold in the shape of the curved jade. The Gold Belt from the Northern Mound of Hwangnamdaechong: This gold belt (Gwadae) and its pendants (Yopae) were discovered in the northern tomb of Hwangnamdaechong. The belt, made of 28 plates, is believed to have been sewn onto a material like leather, as indicated by the small holes around the plates. The belt was found in perfect condition, providing valuable insights into the wearing method and the arrangement of the pendants during the Silla period. The Cheonmado (Heavenly Horse Painting) on the Saddle Flap from Cheonmachong in Gyeongju: Discovered in the tomb of Cheonmachong in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, the Cheonmado is a painting of a horse (referred to as the "Heavenly Horse") depicted on the saddle flap (jangni), which hung on both sides of the horse's saddle. The style of the horse in the Cheonmado, along with the vine patterns along the border, resembles the designs found in Goguryeo's Muyongchong (Dancing Tomb) and other tomb murals. This indicates that Silla painting was influenced by Goguryeo's artistic traditions. Daereungwon, along with Cheomseongdae and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, is one of Gyeongju's iconic national heritage sites that offers nighttime viewing. The site is famous for the "Daereungwon Photo Zone," where a magnolia tree stands. Visiting this photo zone around sunrise or sunset, which is the best time for photography, you'll often encounter numerous photographers aiming to capture the night view of this location.

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3. 3

   Heritage site

   Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju

   385, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

   Stamp: Available at the Cultural Tourism Interpreter’s House in Bulguksa Temple

   Bulguksa Temple, located on the mid-slope of Tohamsan Mountain, is a pride of Gyeongju and a representative national heritage site of Korea. The name "Bulguk" means "Land of Buddha," and this temple is a place where the Silla people manifested their vision of an ideal world on earth. According to the "Bulguksa Seoseoktap Jungsuhyeongjigi" (Record of the Restoration of Seokgatap at Bulguksa) discovered in the Three-story Stone Pagoda of Bulguksa, the temple was founded in 752. Each structure within the temple, crafted with both skill and sensibility, embodies the Buddhist worldview. The temple grounds are divided by stone terraces, with the lower level representing the human world and the upper level symbolizing the land of Buddha. On this stone terrace are the Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, which lead to the Daeungjeon Hall and are designated as National Treasure No. 23. These bridges, which connect the human world to the land of Buddha, feature arched passages at their base, creating an impression that is both grand and delicate. Next to them are the Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, designated as National Treasure No. 22. These bridges have a unique structure that combines stairs and a bridge. Symbolically representing the Buddhist scripture's depiction of paradise adorned with lotus flowers and seven treasures, these bridges were said to be traversed only by those who had attained enlightenment in the Pure Land. At the center of the temple grounds stands the Daeungjeon Hall of Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, designated as Treasure No. 1744. To the east and west of the hall are the Dabotap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 20) and the Three-story Stone Pagoda (National Treasure No. 21), respectively. These two pagodas, considered masterpieces of Buddhist art, represent the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, where Shakyamuni Buddha preaches, and Prabhutaratna Buddha verifies. The Dabotap Pagoda, known for its ornamental beauty, exudes elegant individuality, while the Seokgatap Pagoda, noted for its sense of proportion, radiates a balanced stability. The creative combination of these two pagodas achieves a harmonious unity. Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju: These bridges connect Jahamun Gate to the Daeungjeon Hall and symbolically link the ordinary human world below the bridge with the Buddha's world above. Cheongungyo (Bridge of Blue Clouds) is metaphorically associated with a young man in his prime, while Baegungyo (Bridge of White Clouds) is likened to an elderly person with white hair, symbolizing the journey of life. Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju: These bridges connect Anyangmun Gate to the Geungnakjeon Hall and are said to have been traversed only by those who had attained enlightenment in the Western Pure Land. Since the temple's founding, many people have crossed these bridges, praying for rebirth in paradise. It is also said that Queen Heongang of Silla, who became a nun, crossed these bridges while praying for the rebirth of the king in the Pure Land. Daeungjeon Hall at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju: This important building preserves the original stone structures such as the foundation and stone lanterns from the temple's founding. The current structure was rebuilt in 1765 (the 41st year of King Yeongjo's reign) on the original foundation, making it a significant architectural work that also retains records of the reconstruction and the painting of the decorative patterns (dancheong). Dabotap Pagoda at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju: This pagoda is one of Korea's most iconic stone pagodas and exemplifies the pinnacle of 8th-century Unified Silla art. Unfortunately, it was completely dismantled and restored around 1925 during the Japanese occupation, leading to the loss of the relics inside the pagoda, with no records of them remaining. The stone lions that once stood on the stone steps were also looted, leaving only one of the original four lions remaining today. Three-story Stone Pagoda at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju: Originally named "Sakyamuni Yeoraesangju Seolbeop Tap," it is also known as Seokgatap. During repairs in 1966, after the pagoda had been damaged by tomb raiders, several relics were discovered inside, including the Mugujeonggwang Daedaranigyeong (National Treasure), the world's oldest known woodblock print.

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4. 4

   Heritage site

   Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju

   238, Seokguram-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

   Stamp: Available at the Cultural Tourism Interpreter’s House in Seokguram

   Seokguram Grotto was constructed during the reign of King Gyeongdeok (742-765), a period often considered the zenith of Silla Buddhist art. Construction began simultaneously with Bulguksa Temple and was completed in 774 (the 10th year of King Hyegong's reign). Originally, it was named "Seokbulsa" (Stone Buddha Temple). Unlike naturally formed caves or grottoes carved from rock, Seokguram is an artificial grotto meticulously designed and constructed, making it uniquely valuable. The overall structure of Seokguram Grotto consists of a corridor that serves as a passageway, connecting the entrance antechamber (jeonsil) with the circular main chamber (jusil). The rectangular antechamber symbolizes the human world and features carvings of the Eight Guardian Deities (Palbushinjang), who protect the Buddhist law. At the entrance to the corridor stands the guardian figure of Vajrapani (Geumgangyeoksa), while the walls are adorned with the Four Heavenly Kings (Sacheonwang), who guard the four directions. Beyond the corridor lies the main chamber, representing the world of Buddha. Under the perfectly balanced and aesthetically pleasing domed ceiling of the main chamber sits the principal Buddha statue (Seokgamoni Buddha), a masterpiece of Buddhist sculpture. This statue, exuding a mysterious majesty and gentle vitality, depicts Shakyamuni Buddha in the moment of enlightenment. The statue is a testament to the skill and deep faith of Silla artisans. As the pinnacle of Silla Buddhist art, Seokguram Grotto stands out as a masterpiece achieved during the zenith of Silla Buddhism. It is particularly remarkable for its organic integration of architecture, craftsmanship, geometry, religion, and art. In December 1995, Seokguram Grotto was jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Bulguksa Temple.

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5. 5

   Heritage site

   Wolseong Palace Site, Gyeongju

   387-1, Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

   Stamp: Available at the Cultural Tourism Interpreter’s House in front of Cheomseongdae (Due to the absence of a management office or information center at this location, the stamp is placed at the Cultural Tourism Interpreter’s House in front of Cheomseongdae, which is within walking distance.)

   The capital city where the Silla palace once stood, Wolseong in Gyeongju, is a popular nighttime attraction, along with Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. According to the Samguk Sagi, there is a record stating that it was constructed in 101 AD (the 22nd year of King Pasa's reign), which suggests that the capital was moved from Geumseong to Wolseong at that time. During the reign of King Munmu, the area around Anapji Pond, Imhaejeon Hall, and Cheomseongdae Observatory was incorporated, expanding the scale of the fortress. This site, which served as the royal palace for successive Silla kings until the kingdom's fall in 935, was called "Banwolseong" or "Sinwolseong" because the fortress was shaped like a half-moon. It was also referred to as "Jaeseong," meaning "the fortress where the king resides." Except for the southern side, which is bordered by cliffs, the eastern, western, and northern sides of the fortress were constructed with earth and stone. Below the fortress walls, there was a defensive moat, an artificially dug trench around the fortress filled with water to prevent enemy invasions. Originally, there were several gates, pavilions, and government buildings, but most of these have disappeared. Today, only the site of the gate that led to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, along with the stone ice storage (Seokbinggo) that was relocated from the western side of Wolseong, remains. Photo Credit: Provided by Gyeongju Culture and Tourism Website

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6. 6

   Heritage site

   Andong Dosan Seowon

   154 Dosanseowon-gil, Dosan-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongbuk

   Stamp: Dosan Seowon Tourist Guide Office

   Toegye Yi Hwang, who passed the state examination at the age of 34 and served four kings, was a great scholar of Joseon who systematized Neo-Confucianism. In 1561, he built Dosanseodang for academic research and training younger generations. After his death, his disciples and Confucian scholars built Dosan Seowon at the site of the Seodang to honor his scholarly virtues. Completed in 1576, the Seowon includes Dosanseodang and Nongunjeongsa, designed by Yi Hwang himself, Sangdeoksa, which enshrines his memorial tablet, and Jeonggyodang, the lecture hall of the Seowon. Nongunjeongsa, designated as Treasure No. 2106, is a well-preserved relic where young scholars from Yeongnam received direct teachings from Toegye Yi Hwang, who played a significant role in the academic and political world of Joseon. Additionally, Sangdeoksa, located at the rear of the Seowon, enshrines Yi Hwang’s spirit tablet, and Jeonggyodang, built in 1574 (7th year of King Seonjo) and restored in 1969, is a lecture hall for self-cultivation and education of students. The plaque with the name 'Dosan Seowon' bestowed upon the Seowon by King Seonjo was written by the famous calligrapher Han Seok-bong in front of the king.

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7. 7

   Heritage site

   Bongjeongsa Temple, Andong

   222, Bongjeongsa-gil, Seohu-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

   Stamp: Available at Bongjeongsa Tourist Information Center, Cultural Tourism Interpreter’s House

   Bongjeongsa Temple, located on Cheondeungsan Mountain, is said to have been founded in 672 (the 12th year of King Munmu's reign) by Neungin, a disciple of the great monk Uisang. The name "Bongjeong" (鳳停) means "the phoenix stays," reflecting the serene and sheltered atmosphere of the temple, surrounded by dense forests and mountains. After climbing the steep steps and passing through Manseru Pavilion, the entrance to the temple, you enter the temple grounds, where a collection of ancient pavilions stands. Each of these buildings is constructed in a different architectural style, making a tour around Bongjeongsa Temple akin to tracing the history of wooden architecture. Architecturally significant pavilions at Bongjeongsa Temple include the Geungnakjeon Hall and the Daeungjeon Hall. Each of these halls is structured with its own courtyard, embodying the faith in Amitabha Buddha and Shakyamuni Buddha, respectively. The Geungnakjeon Hall at Bongjeongsa, the oldest surviving wooden building in Korea, emulates the architectural style of the Unified Silla period. In contrast, the Daeungjeon Hall reflects the architectural styles of the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods. Additionally, the Hwaeomgangdang Hall, where monks study the fundamental teachings of Buddhism, and the Gogeumdang Hall, which is believed to be an annex for enshrining Buddha statues, also draw attention for their diverse architectural techniques. These structures add to the rich architectural heritage of Bongjeongsa Temple. Geungnakjeon Hall at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong: Originally called Daejangjeon, the name was later changed to Geungnakjeon. During restoration work in 1972, a record detailing roof repairs from 1363 (the 12th year of King Gongmin's reign during the Goryeo Dynasty) was discovered. Considering that traditional wooden structures typically undergo major repairs approximately 100 to 150 years after their construction, it is estimated that Geungnakjeon Hall was originally built in the early 1200s. This makes it recognized as the oldest existing wooden building in Korea. Daeungjeon Hall at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong: The main hall of Bongjeongsa, Daeungjeon, enshrines the Shakyamuni Buddha Triad. Based on records discovered during its dismantling and restoration in 1962, the hall is believed to be a structure from the early Joseon period. The interior of the building still retains well-preserved dancheong (traditional decorative coloring on wooden buildings), providing important material for studying the patterns and designs of that era. Hwaeomgangdang Hall at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong: This hall is where monks study the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. According to records such as the Yangbeopdang Jungsu-gi (Record of the Restoration of Yangbeop Hall), it is believed that Hwaeomgangdang was renovated in the 17th century, around the same time as the Geungnakjeon and Daeungjeon Halls within the same temple complex. The building, characterized by its calm and stable construction, is a valuable asset in the study of traditional Korean architecture. Photo Credit: National Heritage Portal, Korea Heritage Service

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8. 8

   Heritage site

   Hahoe Village, Andong

   1176-1, Hahoe-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

   Stamp: Available at Hahoe Village Tourist Information Center

   Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning natural scenery, is a clan village of the Pungsan Ryu family. The name "Hahoe" (meaning "river turning") comes from the way the Nakdong River flows around the village in an "S" shape. For over 600 years, the descendants of the Ryu family have lived in this village, which preserves Confucian traditions, folk culture, and Joseon-era architecture. Notably, Hahoe Village is the birthplace of the prominent Joseon scholars Ryu Unryong and Ryu Seongryong, a meritorious subject of the Imjin War, and the village is home to many cultural heritage sites associated with them. Notable sites in Hahoe Village include Yangjindang, the head house of the Pungsan Ryu clan and the residence of Ryu Unryong; Chunghyodang, the main house of Ryu Seongryong; and Hwagyeongdang, a grand 99-room house located in the northern part of the village. To truly experience the village, one should wander through the radiating alleys centered around the 600-year-old Samshindang Zelkova tree. Another must-visit spot is the Nakdong River’s sandy beach. From the expansive sandbank, one can admire the breathtaking view of Buyongdae Cliff, offering a glimpse into the sentiments of the scholars who once appreciated nature's beauty and composed poetry here. In Hahoe Village, where traditional ways of life are still preserved, two traditional performances have been passed down through generations: the Hahoe Seonyu Julbul Nori and the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori. The former was an entertainment for the nobility, while the latter was a folk performance enjoyed by the common people. Every year on the night of the 16th day of the 7th lunar month, the nobility would gather under the full moon for a boat ride accompanied by poetry, music, and dance, known as Seonyu Nori. This event was enhanced by a spectacular fire play called Julbul Nori. Ropes were strung from the top of Buyongdae Cliff to the Mansongjeong Forest in Hahoe Village, and hundreds of bags filled with charcoal dust were hung along the ropes. When ignited, these bags would burst into small flames, creating a mesmerizing display of sparks falling towards the Nakdong River. This Hahoe Seonyu Julbul Nori was considered the epitome of elegance and refined entertainment. The Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori is known as the oldest mask dance in Korea. Byeolsingut is a shamanistic ritual performed to pray for peace and a bountiful harvest, dedicated to the village guardian deity, Seonangshin. In Hahoe Village, this ritual has been performed every ten years on a full moon or during special occasions for over 500 years. As part of the ritual, a mask dance was performed to entertain the Seonangshin. The Talnori humorously depicted the corrupt aspects of Buddhism, offered sharp satire of the noble class, and expressed the joys and sorrows of the common people. Yangjindang in Hahoe Village, Andong: This house, one of the oldest head houses of the Pungsan Ryu clan, was the residence of Gyeomam Ryu Unryong (1539-1601). A plaque with the name "Ipam Gotaek" (Ipam Old House) is hung here, borrowing the pen name of Ryu Joongyeong (1515-1573), who was Ryu Unryong's father. The name "Yangjindang" comes from the childhood name of Ryu Unryong's sixth-generation descendant, Ryu Young (1687-1761). Chunghyodang in Hahoe Village, Andong: This house belonged to Seoae Ryu Seongryong (1542-1607), a renowned scholar-official of the mid-Joseon period. Ryu Seongryong held various high-ranking positions and made significant contributions as Prime Minister (Yeonguijeong) during the Imjin War, helping to navigate the country through the challenging wartime circumstances. His writings, Jingbirok (Book of Recollections) and Seoaejip (Collected Works of Seoae), are considered invaluable resources for the study of the Imjin War. Hwajeongdang House in Hahoe Village, Andong: This large house is a prominent residence in Hahoe's Bukchon area and is considered a valuable example of a yangban (noble) house. Positioned at the center of Bukchon, it is recognized as an important cultural resource, representing the architectural style and lifestyle of the noble class.

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9. 9

   Heritage site

   Cheomseongdae Observatory

   839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

   Stamp: In front of the Cultural Tourism Interpreter's Office near Cheomseongdae

   Cheomseongdae, believed to have been constructed during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla (r. 632-647), is considered the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia and a valuable cultural heritage site that demonstrates the advanced scientific knowledge of the time. As an astronomical observatory used during the Silla period to observe celestial movements, Cheomseongdae features a base (gidanbu) that supports a cylindrical body shaped like a bottle, topped with a square-shaped platform (jeongsangbu). The structure stands at approximately 9 meters tall. The cylindrical body of Cheomseongdae is constructed with 27 layers of fan-shaped stones. While the exterior is smoothly finished, the interior walls are uneven, with the rough ends of the stones protruding irregularly. The lower portion of the structure is filled with rubble up to the window on the southeast side, above which the interior is hollow all the way to the top. The top section, which is partially sealed with slab stones on the eastern half, features a square-shaped design where the ends of long stones interlock and extend outward. Similar projections of stone can be observed at the 19th-20th and 25th-26th layers, suggesting they were likely used to support ladders. According to ancient records, "a person could ascend through the middle," indicating that observers would place a ladder against the exterior, enter through the window, and then use an internal ladder to climb to the top to observe the sky. Astronomy is closely related to agriculture, as it allowed ancient civilizations to determine the timing of farming activities based on the movements of celestial bodies. Additionally, astrology, which involved predicting a nation's fortunes based on astronomical observations, was of immense importance in ancient states, indicating a strong connection between astronomy and politics. As a result, astronomy became a major focus of national interest early on, likely providing a strong rationale for the construction of Cheomseongdae. Photo Credit: Gyeongju Tourism Resource Video Images provided by Gyeongju Tourism

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