Gyeongju, located not so far from Daegu, is famous as the city of culture and tourism. Gyeongju, the capital of Silla, has many historic relics which reveal the glorious civilization of Silla at that time. Among them, Seokguram Grotto, designated by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site, is mostly known to people. In Gyeongju, there are not only historic relics but also many tourist attractions like Bomun Lake Resort and Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park. Especially, it is famous for its cycling date tour course through a cherry blossom street at Bomun Lake Resort. You can also tour historic relics by cycling by applying for the ‘bike culture tour’ program.
Another good way of touring Gyeongju is by taking Gyeongju Tour Bus. To take Gyeongju Tour Bus, you should make a reservation one day in advance by telephone. Then, you have to go to the express bus terminal of Gyeongju and you can pay a fare at the ticket office. As an example of a six hour-taking course I chose, the route taken was: Gwae-reung→ Seokguram Grotto → Daewangam Rock → Gameunsa Temple Site→ Golgulsa Temple.Gwae-reung is the tomb of King Won-seong, the 38th king of Silla. On both sides of the mound, stone figures of civilian and military men as well as stone lions are symmetrically erected. They protect the king from demons. Seokguram Grotto is a representative Buddhist temple and the Buddhist statue in it is evaluated as the culmination of Silla art. Heavy glass is set up for preservation of the Buddhist statue, but entrance on the Day of Buddha’s Coming is allowed. Daewangam Rock is a rocky islet at Gampo and King Munmu’s ashes were scattered there followed by his will that he would be the dragon of the East Sea and defend the country even after his death.Gameunsa Temple Site, located near the Daewangam was made by King Sinmun, the son of King Munmu. The name of the temple signifies king Sinmun’s gratitude for parental love. Two grand stone three-story pagodas, designated as National Treasure No.112, are rected in front of the temple site. Golgulsa Temple is famous for Sunmudo, a kind of martial art of the Silla period. On granite cliffs, behind the temple, a Buddhist Image, designated as Treasure NO.581 was carved.
If you want more information, you can visit the Web site: www.gyeongju.travel. I would like to recommend Gyeongju Tour Bus not only to foreigners but also people who have not been to Gyeongju yet.