In the event youโre planning a household journey to South Korea and questioning whether or not Gyeongju belongs in your itinerary, the reply is an emphatic sure โ the traditional capital of the Korean peninsula is a captivating distinction to the trendy cities, and also you positively gainedโt be in need of issues to do in Gyeongju with children.
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Usually known as the โmuseum with out partitionsโ, Gyeongju was someplace I needed we had longer to discover and would positively be excessive on my record to spend just a few extra days if (when?!) we return to South Korea.
The historic capital of the Silla Kingdom, between 57BCE and 935CE, you’ll be able to go to as a day journey from Busan (lower than an hour by high-speed KTX practice), and itโs solely round two hours by KTX from Seoul, however that is positively someplace which is value permitting greater than a single day.
Why go to Gyeongju with children
In the event youโre questioning what makes Gyeongju so particular, this metropolis nonetheless retains a lot of its historic appeal โ count on low-rise picket buildings, hanok lodging, and the prospect to step again in time to the times earlier than Korea was a single unified kingdom.
One of many first issues that strikes you’re the numerous grassy domes which seem throughout the panorama, all of which conceal a royal tomb. Solely a handful of those royal burial mounds have been excavated up to now, with over 150 left untouched.
However even these few which have been explored by archaeologists (learn on to study one open to the general public) have held 1000’s of artefacts, together with astonishing quantities of gold.
Town itself, which additionally goes by the names of the Golden Metropolis and the Thousand-year Metropolis, has historical past round each nook โ youโll additionally discover a stargazing tower thatโs stood for over 1,300 years, together with Buddhist temples tucked away in hillside bushes, and streets the place in case you look previous the 7-Elevens, you’ll be able to think about your self again in time.
Gyeongju Historic Areas: Understanding what youโre visiting
Earlier than you set foot on the primary website, itโs value understanding that Gyeongjuโs UNESCO World Heritage designation isnโt a single location โ it covers 5 distinct historic zones unfold throughout town and surrounding mountains, collectively inscribed in 2000 because the Gyeongju Historic Areas.
So in case youโre anticipating to show up and go to a single website or tick off every part in a single day, youโll must readjust your plans a bit when you begin to perceive the size and number of what there may be to discover. The 5 zones are:
Namsan Belt, a mountain scattered with a whole bunch of Buddhist carvings and relics
Wolseong Belt, the location of the traditional palace grounds together with Cheomseongdae Observatory and Donggung Palace
Tumuli Park Belt, dwelling to the good royal burial mounds of Daereungwon
Hwangnyongsa Belt, the place the foundations of a once-magnificent nine-storey pagoda and royal temple survive
Sanseong Belt, the mountain fortress of Myeonghwalsan to the north-east.
Collectively they characterize one of the vital extraordinary concentrations of historic heritage in all of Asia.
In the event you solely have limted time, you’ll be able to see a number of highlights in Wolseong Belt and Tumuli Park Belt that are inside strolling distance of one another, round 15-20 minutes aside. The Hwangnyongsa is round quarter-hour in the other way from Cheomseongdae Observatory within the Wolseong Belt, so itโs not too laborious to mix these both.
Namsan Belt, round Mount Namsan, is outdoors town, as is the Sanseong Belt round Myeonghwal Mountain Fortress, barely north-east of Gyeongju.
We stayed not removed from the Tumuli Park Belt space, within the space round Poseok-ro and Hwangnidan-gil โ a bit touristy however pretty to stroll round, and with plenty of locations to eat and seize souvenirs.
You may also get a Gyeongju tour go from Klook which features a preloaded transport card and entrance to varied points of interest โ you additionally get some freebies like hanbok rent and Gyeongju bread too
Gyeongju Nationwide Museum
The Gyeongju Nationwide Museum makes the perfect start line for any household journey to Gyeongju, setting the scene earlier than you truly enterprise out to the archaeological websites themselves, or serving to to place every part in context in case youโre visiting afterwards.
It homes one of many most interesting collections of Silla artefacts on this planet โ intricate gold crowns, jewelry, pottery, and weapons โ together with originals of a number of the shows youโll see within the historical tombs, and does an excellent job of serving to to deliver the traditional kingdom to life for younger guests.
Thereโs an audio information to offer a bit extra data, however trying on the shows of golden crowns goes to attraction to all ages. The out of doors sculpture backyard is a stunning spot too. Entry is free, so in case your children have a restricted tolerance for museums, it doesnโt matter in case you whizz spherical shortly both.
Thereโs additionally a separate kidsโs museum which may be very palms on and which makes the historical past accessible for youthful children โ there are restricted numbers, so itโs value attempting to order a spot if potential. Or there are walk-up locations for non-Koreans.
Daereungwon Tomb Complicated
Our favorite of all of the issues to do in Gyeongju with children, the Daereungwon Tomb Complicated stands out even amidst all of the historical past.
Even simply strolling previous this extraordinary cluster of 23 historical royal burial mounds is barely surreal, with the symmetrical grassy mounds rising up like one thing out of a fairytale. Some are as much as 22m tall, and the actual fact youโre a stoneโs throw from town streets makes it much more uncommon.
The most important attraction is Cheonmachong, the one tomb the place you’ll be able to truly go inside. Identified too because the โHeavenly Horse Tombโ due to a portray on a saddle among the many treasures buried right here, you’ll be able to discover a reproduction of the unique burial chamber together with shows of a number of the particular person finds.
And strolling by way of, you begin to get a way of the fabulous wealth belonging to the Silla dynasty, with golden crowns, equipment, even gold (or gilt) sneakers, alongside jade ornaments, ornamental gear and trappings for hoses and a complete lot extra.
Strolling in by way of the darkish entrance does really feel a little bit like residing out any Indiana Jones/treasure-hunting fantasies too, particularly as you see the primary glimmers of the gold replicas. We additionally liked watching the movies on the finish, which confirmed how the items had been most likely made.
The encompassing park itself is gorgeous too, particularly in spring with the blossom in bloom, so itโs properly value saving a while to stroll round and absorb the views โ and ponder what else is hidden inside the opposite mounds.
Itโs free to enter the park itself and solely 3,000 gained for adults to go contained in the tomb (2,000 gained for teenagers/1,000 gained for youthful children) and you should purchase your tickets on the sales space by Cheonmachong itself. Alternatively, itโs included within the Gyeongju tour go from Klook.
In the event you choose a guided tour, this small-group tour is led by a historical past specialist and takes you to the Daerungwon Tomb Complicated in addition to different key historic websites โ itโs a full-day tour so higher with tweens and teenagers although.
Cheomseongdae Observatory
The most effective-known sights to go to in Gyeongju with children, Cheomseongdae Observatory can also be one of many oldest surviving astronomical observatories in Asia, constructed through the reign of Queen Seondeok within the seventh century.
This 30ft-tall bottle-shaped stone tower โ constructed from 362 exactly stacked granite blocks โ was utilized by Silla students to watch the heavens and monitor the seasons.
Whilst you may in any other case overlook the tower in case you didnโt know its historical past, itโs a good way to get children speaking and serious about life within the Silla dynasty โ how may this be constructed with out fashionable instruments, what the oldest observatory in Asia saysย the early days of science, even about feminine rulers and the way the Queenโs identify has endured in consequence.
If that doesnโt seize your loved ones, the observatory stands amid open fields surrounded by flower gardens and itโs significantly pretty in spring with the cherry blossom and autumn when the muhly grassย turns pink. Or in case you head there at night time, itโs lit up for an additional nice view.
Cross Woljeonggyo Bridge
The unique Woljeonggyo Bridge was inbuilt round 760CE, however was later burned down through the Joseon dynasty โ and reconstructed in 2018 primarily based on historic data, changing into the most important picket bridge in Korea right now.
You donโt really want to know the again story to understand it although, because itโs simply one of the vital photogenic locations in Gyeongju. Set throughout the Munheon Stream, the colorful picket bridge has roofed pavilions at both finish and loads of ornament.
Itโs properly value a go to at any time however in case you head there round sundown, youโll benefit from the views at twilight earlier than the bridge is illuminated after darkish โ the entire space close by is nice for a relaxed household wander with road meals stalls, or thereโs additionally a riverside strolling path close by in case youโre visiting through the day.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
Only a quick stroll from town centre, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (additionally recognized traditionally as Anapji Pond) is likely one of the loveliest spots to wander round in Gyeongju with children.
The decorative pond was created in 674CE as a part of a royal pleasure backyard, with the three reconstructed palace halls on the western edge reflecting within the calm water.
A secondary royal palace, itโs the place the prince of the Silla dynasty would stay in addition to being the situation for vital feasts and the pond was designed with three islands within the centre and to deal with uncommon birds and animals. Itโs identify, discovered on a chunk of excavated poetry, was โa pond that displays the moonโ.
So whereas itโs nonetheless excellent for a mild stroll through the day, itโs magical within the night when the buildings are lit up and glow amber, their reflections shimmering within the water. In the event you arrive simply earlier than sundown, you’ll be able to watch the sunshine flip golden earlier than the illuminations change on, all to the sound of frogs calling throughout the pond.
Itโs open till round 10pm (final entry half-hour earlier than), priced 3,000 gained for adults, 2,000 for teenagers and 1,000 for youngsters.
Bulguksa Temple
Arguably probably the most well-known temple in South Korea, Bulguksa is an intricate complicated of picket halls, stone staircases, and manicured gardens, with a backdrop of forested mountainside round 40 minutes from Gyeongju itself.
Additionally a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, it was first constructed round 528CE and rebuilt in its present kind through the Joseon Dynasty earlier than being severely broken by hearth and restored within the twentieth century.
This masterpiece of Silla Buddhist structure is as magical for teenagers as adults. The colorful dancheong paintwork (the standard Korean ornamental patterns in vivid blues, greens, and reds) transforms each constructing, when youโll additionally spot large bronze bells, dragon carvings, and stone pagodas.
The 2 well-known and placing stone bridges โ Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) and Baekun-gyo (White Cloud Bridge) are an excellent spot for pictures.
There aren’t any audio guides (until you discover a third-party one), so in case you do need to perceive extra of the symbolism, itโs value contemplating a tour information. Many day excursions are primarily based on a day journey from Busan, however this non-public tour of Gyeongju has a family-friendly four-hour choice primarily based on pick-up in Gyeongju.
Alternatively, if you wish to journey by yourself, there are a number of buses which run from Gyeongju to Bulguksa temple together with Golden Line bus 10 (and 11 which follows an analogous loop in the other way), in addition to bus 700.
Itโs additionally straightforward to mix a go to to the temple with Seokguram Grotto which is a brief bus trip up the mountain โ bus route 12 shuttles between the 2 and takes about 20 minutes, leaving Bulguksa at 40 minutes previous the hour, and getting back from the grotto on the hour. You should utilize a T-money card to pay.
Girimsa Temple
Much less visited than Bulguksa however no much less stunning, Girimsa Temple is tucked right into a valley within the Hamwol Mountains to the north-east of Gyeongju โ round half an hour away by taxi (realistically this one is tougher to achieve with public transport, so taxi or tour is greatest).
Based within the seventh century, itโs the second largest temple complicated after Bulguksa however has a splendidly peaceable, unhurried ambiance โ significantly welcome in case youโre visiting throughout peak season when Bulguksa can really feel a little bit crowded.
The strategy alongside a forested valley path is beautiful, and the temple buildings themselves are spectacular; itโs break up into two areas, with one part round Daejeokgwangjeon Corridor and the second round a 500-year-old bo tree, with a picket pagoda, museum and three different halls.
Extra unexpectedly, the temple can also be well-known for its water from the Ojong-su Spring: itโs stated to have 5 distinct tastes (candy, bitter, salty, spicy, and plain).
You may also go to Golgusa Temple with its 12 grottos close by โ it was initially the temple hermitage
A few of Koreaโs temples additionally run temple keep programmes, a few of that are appropriate for households โ search for relaxation programmes as these are usually extra versatile. Higher for older kids and teenagers who’re curious about studying extra about Buddhism and collaborating in meditation and rituals than youthful ones although.
Gyochon Conventional Village
Proper within the coronary heart of town, Gyochon Conventional Village is a superb place to get a style of conventional Korean village life in Gyeongju with children. Fairly just a few of the well-preserved hanok homes at the moment are transformed into workshops, teahouses and locations to find totally different cultural experiences, so thereโs loads of probability to get hands-on.
The village itself is legendary for its conventional gyodong rice wine, gyeongju beopju, which has been brewed right here for over 1,000 years โ though that is perhaps extra fascinating to oldsters!
There are workshops, together with choices to make bracelets in addition to rice muffins, or you may as well rent hanbok, conventional Korean clothes, to discover in. Itโs straightforward to mix with the Cheomseongdae Observatory in case youโre quick on time or donโt need to enterprise too far out of the centre of Gyeongju.
In the event youโd like to rent hanbok elsewhere, you’ll be able to reserve for a few hours or the complete day on Klook for one of many shops with the widest vary in Gyeongju โ itโs strolling distances from the historic websites so you’ll be able to profit from dressing up as you discover
Yangdong People Village
Somewhat means outdoors Gyeongju, Yangdong People Village is one other UNESCO World Heritage Web site and Koreaโs largest conventional village.
Based within the early Joseon interval, the village has been constantly inhabited for over 500 years โ which implies actual households nonetheless stay in these extraordinary homes, somewhat than a number of the different reconstructed folks villages throughout South Korea.
The village itself is ready within the shadow of Seolchangsan Mountain, with 54 properties courting again greater than 200 years, in addition to some 500-year-old cottages with thatched roofs.
Itโs a stunning approach to discover various kinds of conventional Korean homes too, with some aristocratic yangban homes larger up and dwellings for decrease lessons decrease down โ a residing illustration of Joseon social hierarchy.
Go on a weekday in case you can because it will get a lot busier at weekends. There are buses which run straight from Gyeongju to the village in round 45 minutes, or itโs straightforward to get a taxi on the market which is faster.
In the event you donโt have time to go to, Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul and Yongin Korean People Village (round an hour outdoors Seoul on the way in which to Gyeongju by street) are a few options to go to in case youโre spending time within the capital
Be a part of a cookery class
Thereโs no query that embracing native tradition is much more enjoyable when you will get palms on, and meals is likely one of the best methods to do this in Gyeongju with children.
This enjoyable half-day tour takes you a little bit means outdoors town to Ura Village, round an hour from Gyeongju itself, the place youโll craft your individual picket chopsticks earlier than studying tips on how to prepare dinner two conventional dishes โ gimbap and jumeokbap (Korean rice balls).
Plus, in addition to attending to eat your creations, you’ll be able to wander by way of the village and meet some native inhabitants.
Or when you’ve got children aged 10+, this bibimbap and gimbap cooking class takes place in Gyeongju itself, whereas this Gyeongju cooking expertise features a go to to a market, in addition to studying tips on how to make quite a lot of dishes together with gimbap and japchae (all ages, though under-fives should work with an grownup).
Unsure what to eat in Korea with children? Take a look at my information to child-friendly Korean meals to start out you off
Keep in a hanok
A lot of Koreaโs conventional single-storey hanok homes have been transformed into locations to remain, and itโs a incredible expertise when youโre visiting South Korea with children.
Though youโll discover choices in Seoul too, for instance, that is simply among the finest issues to do in Gyeongju with children โ youโll be surrounded by historical past through the day, so itโs enjoyable to maintain the theme going at night time as properly.
Fortunately a number of the standard buildings have had just a few fashionable upgrades so that you get one of the best of each worlds. Youโll must take your sneakers off earlier than going into the room, and also youโll be sleeping on a futon mattress on the ground, however the one we stayed in had underfloor heating and a mini fridge in addition to an en-suite lavatory, all set round a stunning courtyard. You may must deliver your individual towel, or count on pretty small ones to be offered, though we didnโt have any drawback.
Our keep was a part of our tour with Intrepid Journey however itโs straightforward to guide your individual in case youโre travelling independently โ reserving.com has a range or there are a number of to select from on Klook.
Take a look at Gallery Jin Hanok Guesthouse which is strolling distance from the historic centre (and has a room with a correct mattress in case youโre undecided about sleeping on the ground) or Gyeongju Hwangnamkwan Hanok Lodge which can also be very central.
Discover Hwangnidan-gil
Half the enjoyable of visiting Gyeongju with children isnโt the precise websites, though these are incredible, itโs wandering across the streets of this historic city.
Hwangnidan-gil among the finest locations to start out your wanderings โ itโs touristy, certain, however itโs additionally full of low-rise buildings, enjoyable souvenirs and many locations to get meals, together with coin bread (coin-shaped rounds of bread filled with melted cheese).
Wander the little streets off to the facet and also youโll stumble throughout one other street which is one restaurant after one other, tons set round fairly courtyards with streams, together with varied various kinds of meals together with loads of locations to search out conventional Korean meals and dessert.
Look out too for hwangnam-ppang โ extra generally referred to as Gyeongju bread. These small pastries are full of candy crimson bean paste and bought in bakeries all through the previous city too.
Seokguram Grotto
Excessive within the forested mountains above Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto dates from the eighth century and is one other of Gyeongjuโs UNESCO-listed websites.
Strolling up feels faintly otherworldly, wandering by way of the pine forest โ look out for chipmunks โ earlier than gazing out to the encompassing peaks. Within the grotto itself, the Buddha statue is surrounded by dozens of guardians and bodhisattvas, though theyโre all behind protecting glass so a cloudy day typically provides you higher views than when the solar displays.
Thereโs additionally an 11-faced carving of the Goddess of Mercy, though thatโs hid behind the statue. Whereas itโs a big Buddhist monument, itโs additionally spectacular for the truth that large blocks of granite had been introduced right here alongside a slender mountain path when the grotto was initially constructed.
Simple to mix with Bulguksa Temple (see above), thereโs a bus which runs between the 2, or you might come again down the steps โ itโs lower than 1.5 miles and never too strenuous.
Namsan Mountain
Namsan Mountain is well one of the vital surprising locations to discover in Gyeongju, with greater than 50 temple websites, 100 stone pagodas and 80 stone Buddha photos scattered across the slopes โ many courting from the Silla interval.
In order you observe one of many mountainโs well-marked trails, it feels much less like your common hike and extra like one thing of a treasure hunt, with every part from carvings to stone lanterns showing abruptly across the subsequent bend.
In case your children are sufficiently old to tackle an extended trek, the Samneung Valley path stretches for round 6km and takes round three hours to finish and get again to your start line, taking you previous a number of the Buddha carvings as you stroll by way of the pine forests.
Thereโs additionally a 10km model taking you to Chilbul-Am, though the upper stretch is tougher, or you might simply stroll a shorter a part of the Samneung Valley path.
Buses run from central Gyeongju to the Samneung Royal Tombs cease, the place the route begins. Itโs greatest for households to sort out the route throughout spring and autumn, to keep away from the excessive temperatures and rain of the summer time, in addition to the a lot colder climate in winter. At all times deliver loads of water and permit loads of time everytime you go.
Gyeongju World
Thereโs extra than simply historic websites, temples and grottoes in Gyeongju, so in case youโre on the lookout for one thing utterly totally different, take a look at Gyeongju World theme park.
This amusement park is a little bit means east of the centre, not removed from Bomun Lake, with a complete collection of rides in addition to two separate seasonal points of interest โ the California Seashore water park for the summer time, with slides, swimming pools and a lazy river, then a snow park for the winter.
There are gentler rides to go well with youthful children, with peak restrictions beginning at 100cm; in case your children are 110cm or taller, theyโve obtained 10 choices for select from. Or in case your children are older/taller/braver, there are alternatives like Phaeton, one of many worldโs strongest inverted rollercoasters., whereas Draken is the worldโs sixth dive coaster (and the primary one in Korea).
Youโll discover western quick meals on sale alongside some conventional Korean meals and snacks, or you’ll be able to deliver your individual with you. Get discounted day passes for Gyeongju World on Klook.
Klook.com
Pororo Aqua Village
Not too removed from Gyeongju World, Pororo Aqua Village is a water park themed round Pororo the Little Penguin โ most likely probably the most beloved kidsโs animated character in South Korea.
However even when your children havenโt encountered Pororo earlier than, this little water park is beautiful for households with youthful kids. There are shallow splash areas, gentler slides and a few enjoyable interactive water options, all designed across the characters from the Pororo tales.
Itโs not large however in case youโve obtained toddlers or preschoolers particularly, theyโll have loads to entertain them on this vibrant world. Unsurprisingly busier throughout Korean faculty holidays.
Ideas for visiting Gyeongju with children
Gyeongju is positioned in North Gyeongsang Province within the south-east of South Korea, roughly 170 miles from Seoul because the crow flies and round 50 miles from Busan.
For my full set of ideas for visiting South Korea with children, take a look at this publish
Attending to Gyeongju
The simplest approach to attain it’s by KTX high-speed practice to Singyeongju Station (round two hours from Seoul, lower than an hour from Busan) which might be booked on the Korail web site โ seats on the KTX trains promote out shortly at peak instances, so itโs properly value reserving prematurely.
You may also discover categorical bus providers to Gyeongju, which take as much as 4 hours from Seoul and round an hour from Busan.
Getting Round
When you get there, most of the sights are in straightforward strolling distance of one another and there are good bus hyperlinks, in addition to taxis (together with Uber). Bus route 10, the Golden Line, is especially helpful because it passes points of interest together with Cheomseongdae Observatory, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and Bulguksa Temple (and route 11 does an analogous loop in reverse).
Itโs properly value downloading Naver maps to navigate by as Google Maps doesnโt at present work properly in South Korea โ we used Google Maps to pin locations of curiosity, and you should use it to navigate quick distances between them on foot, however Naver makes getting buses very easy. Kakao Map is one other different to strive.
The principle historic sights โ the tomb complicated, Cheomseongdae, Donggung Palace, Woljeonggyo Bridge โ are all inside comfy strolling or biking distance of one another, and you’ll rent bikes within the metropolis together with choices for teenagers.
When to go to Gyeongju
One of the best time to go to is spring (late March to Could) when itโs not too scorching, not too chilly, and also youโll get to see the cherry blossoms in bloom in case you go to round early April. Autumn (September to November) is one other good different with incredible colors on the bushes and the bizarre pink grass across the observatory.
Summers are scorching and humid, so pack gentle clothes and loads of solar cream, though be ready for rain as properly. Winter temperatures get very chilly, though in case you wrap up heat, youโll typically get clear blue days.
Disclosure: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks โ any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Photos: Nationwide Museum/Woljeonggyo Bridge/Donggung Palace/Bulguksa/ Gyochon/Yangdong/bibimbap/ Seokguramย grotto/Namsan Mountain/Samneung Royal Tombsย courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
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