Seochulji Pond in Gyeongju (Lotus Flower) (경주 서출지)

7.1 Km 16837 2020-04-04

17, Namsan 1-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6079

Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju, Seochulji Pond dates back to the Three Kingdoms Period. There are two, three-storied stone pagodas in the heart of Namsan Village and a small, elegant pond to the east. The pond is famous thanks to a Korean legend, written below:

In the 10th year of King Soji (488) of Silla, a crow and a mouse approached the king as he was on his way to Namsan Mountain. The mouse told the King to “follow after the crow” for an easy journey. So, the King and his servant (who was traveling with him) followed the crow, but became distracted and lost their way. As they were wandering about a pond (now known as Seochulji), an old man appeared from the waters’ depths and presented an envelope to the King. Based on the message in the envelope, the King instructed his servant to fire an arrow at the Geomungo (Korean musical instrument) case nearby. The shot killed the queen and a monk who had been hiding there, both of whom had been hatching a plot against the King.

The name of the pond, “Seochulji” (literally meaning “writing from the pond”) originates from this legend. It is said that a man named Imjeok built a building by the pond in the 5th year of King Hyeonjong (1664) to enjoy the scenery. The simple, yet elegant building still remains at the northwest of the pond.

Gyeongju Najeong Well (경주 나정)

7.1 Km 12765 2020-04-06

Tap-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6100

To the southeast of the royal tomb, is a small monument that has been erected among the pine trees; next to the monument is a well called Najeong. According to Samguksagi (Historical records of the Three Kingdoms) and Samgungnyusa (Memorabilia from the three dynasties), Park Hyeokgeose, the founding monarch of Silla, was born by this well. In 69 BC, Sobeolgong, the head of Goheochon Village, saw a white horse on its knees by the well. When he approached the well he found that the horse had magically disappeared and that a large egg was left in its place, from which a boy was born. When the boy turned 13 years old (57 BC), he was appointed king by the village chiefs and began to rule the area then called ‘Seorabeol’. A memorial stone (2.25 meters high, 45 centimeters long, and 21 centimeters wide) was erected in 1803 in the third year of King Sunjo's rule (Joseon dynasty) detailing the historical origins of the founding father of Silla.

Moda Outlet - Gyeongju Branch (No. 1) [Tax Refund Shop] (모다아울렛 경주1점)

7.6 Km 0 2024-04-18

4930, Saneop-ro, Cheonbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

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Gyeongju Tomb of Kim Yu-sin (경주 김유신묘)

7.6 Km 30138 2022-08-12

44-7, Chunghyo 2-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-749-6713

The tomb of General Kim Yu-sin (595-673) is located near the Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal at the end of a scenic lane, popular in spring for its walls of yellow forsythia and pink cherry blossom trees in bloom. The tomb itself is located in a scenic area thick with pine trees, on the eastern side of Songhwasan Mountain. The tomb of General Kim Yu-sin is a large tomb measuring roughly 30 meters in diameter, circled by a stone fence with 24 guard posts. The tomb base wall features relief carvings of the 12 Oriental zodiac gods standing guard over the tomb, brandishing weapons. The carvings are unique in that while their bodies face outwards, the heads are all turned to the right. The elaborately decorated tomb is second in grandeur only to those of royalty.

Moda Outlet - Gyeongju Branch (No. 3) [Tax Refund Shop] (모다아울렛 경주3점)

7.7 Km 0 2024-04-22

4954-1, Saneop-ro, Cheonbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

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Gyeongju Poseokjeong Pavilion Site (경주 포석정지)

7.7 Km 36450 2020-10-06

816, Namsansunhwan-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-8484

Poseokjeong Pavilion served as a separate palace where kings enjoyed banquets with nobles. The building no longer exists, but the abalone-shaped stone water canal still remains, speculated to have been built during the Unified Silla period although the exact year is unknown. The water canal has an estimated length of 10 meters, with a x_width of approximately 35 centimeters and an average depth of 26 centimeters. Based on Chinese writings from 353, it is said that drinking glasses were floated on the canal. One popular party game had guests creating poems before the glass had passed nine sections of the canel. Guests who could not do this had to drink three glasses. Modern research has shown that the site was not merely a place for fun, but also served as a meeting venue for the royal family, as well as for holding memorial services.

Goguryeoganeungil (고구려가는길 (낙지랑 쭈꾸미랑))

7.7 Km 4495 2017-01-12

66-6, Chunghyocheon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-777-3389, +82-54-777-5589

This restaurant boasts the typical rustic look of a hwangto building, exemplifying the beauties of the past with traditional folk dishes. At night, customers can hear the soft melodies of live music.

Cheonggong [Korea Quality] / 청공한옥 [한국관광 품질인증]

8.3 Km 9380 2020-09-08

5-6, Igu 2-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-4577-5223

Cheonggong Hanok is a mere 10 minutes away from Bulguksa Station (Donghae Line) on foot. The two traditional Hanok buildings house 10 rooms. Once you enter the main gate, the harmonious scene of a big grassy yard, a very old pine tree, a small pond, and the graceful Hanok buildings welcomes you. The garden looks a bit exotic, but there is a back story to it. The first architect of the house did business in Japan with his wife living alone in Gyeongju but regretted not having spent a long time with her; thus, he came back to Korea, built the biggest house possible, and lived with his wife for the rest of his life. Afterward, his descendants took over it, named it after the architect, Cheonggong, and opened it as a Hanok stay. That is how the space where Korea’s traditional Hanok and Japanese garden were put together by the Korean architect who did an extended stint in Japan came to be. The table used by the couple is preserved in the garden for guests to look at. Although it is a traditional Hanok, every room is equipped with a TV, a refrigerator, an air-conditioner, and a bathroom to make the space comfortable to stay even for children.

Huewon [Korea Quality] / 휴원 [한국관광 품질인증]

8.3 Km 10427 2019-12-05

154, Chunghyoseoak-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-5651-1253

Huewon (休垣) Huewon is a cozy hanok guesthouse located in Seoak-dong, Gyeongju. Since Gyeongju had been the capital of the Silla Dynasty for about a thousand years, Huewon is surrounded by various cultural heritage sites such as Tomb of King Muyeol, Tomb of King Jinji, and Seoakseowon Confucian Academy with a serene atmosphere.
Built in the 1970s and renovated later, Huewon started its accommodations service around 2011. Entering the gate, one can see a square-shaped courtyard giving a very bright and warm impression, in the middle of which is an old beautiful magnolia tree that is popular among visitors.
The garden is well-arranged with flower trees and bonsai trees and decorated with vintage items such as an old well and a water pump. Behind the house, the surroundings along with the low-altitude Seondosan Mountain make for beautiful seasonal scenery.
This cozy and pleasant hanok house has been well-maintained with the will and care of the owner, preserving the traditional hanok features including columns, beams, and rafters of the ceiling that show traces of time past.
The guestrooms are bright and clean with a delicate fragrance. Aside from red clay walls and clean beddings, however, there are no other additional facilities such as BBQ set because the guesthouse seeks to offer guests a quiet, healthy, and stable environment.
The guesthouse’s host, who has lived in Gyeongju for about 30 years and has engaged in promoting Gyeongju’s cultural heritages, willingly recommends to guests special travel destinations in Gyeongju and tells stories about Gyeongju.
In particular, the way to Dobongseodang Village School located behind Huewon is highly recommended by the host. Going up to the village school early morning, one is treated to a fantastic open view of Gyeongju in the fog. Moreover, Namsan Mountain, nicknamed Outdoor Museum since it is full of various Buddhist statues and towers here and there, is another recommended destination near the guesthouse.

Kolon Hotel Gyeongju (코오롱호텔)

8.3 Km 16302 2021-04-15

289-17, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-746-9001

Kolon Hotel Gyeongju is located in front of Bulguksa Temple, one of the world’s top ten historic sites. The building features arch-shaped fortress wall with spacious areas, designed with both traditional and modern elements. As a recuperation hotel, it houses a spa using sodium bicarbonate water, and a 9-hole public golf course. It offers a cozy ambience and sincere service with varied facilities including pleasant guestrooms viewing the sunrise of Tohamsan Mountain, sports facilities for golf, swimming, jogging and spas. It is the only premium-class hotel in Gyeongju to have hot spring spa facilities. The lobby on the third floor is famous for the lounge where people can enjoy the panoramic scenery of Tohamsan Mountain while relaxing, as well as a coffee shop serving various drinks and a luncheon over live music.

Seochulji Pond in Gyeongju (Lotus Flower) (경주 서출지) - Area information - Korea travel information