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

5.4 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.

Commodore Hotel Gyeongju (코모도호텔 경주)

5.4 Km 19498 2021-01-28

422, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-7701

Located in the middle of the Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, Commodore Hotel has been in service for over 20 years. Its unique interiors and exteriors, influenced by Buddhism, regularly attract film makers and photographers. A popular walking course around Bomun Lake is also near the hotel.

Hilton Gyeongju (힐튼 경주)

5.5 Km 18819 2020-04-14

484-7, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-7788

Located next to Gyeongju’s beautiful Bomun Lake, Hilton Gyeongju features 330 rooms, banquet halls of different sizes for various occasions, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and Wooyang Gallery, located inside of the hotel, displays world famous modern art works. It takes only 30 minutes from Singyeongju Station (KTX Station) and 1 hour 30 minutes from Gimhae Airport.

Wooyang Art Museum (우양미술관)

5.5 Km 12088 2021-12-21

484-7, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-7075

Wooyang Art Museum, located in the Bomun Tourist Complex, is a private gallery of modern art established in 1991. The collections of major modern and contemporary artists are on display. The museum targets famous modern art collections and retrospective exhibitions of artists in the middle of their careers.

The place has also been showcasing modern and contemporary art from a historical perspective through a large-scale international exhibition, and plans to hold a special exhibition for renowned domestic and foreign artists in the middle of their careers who have suggested art trends ahead of their time. Furthermore, various lecture and exhibitions have been held to meet the diverse needs of local citizens, making Wooyang Art Museum a major cultural center in the community.

Laseonjae (한국역사문화음식학교 라선재)

5.5 Km 9308 2021-09-25

424-33, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-771-6005

Housed in the Culinary School of Korea History and Culture in Gyeongju, the Laseonjae restaurant serves unique culinary delights that recreate the cuisine served in the royal courts of the Silla Kingdom. The school has a well-established reputation as a culinary institution that excels in preserving the taste and cooking styles of the past. Laseonjae was opened with the goal of promoting Isageum, the Silla-style course meal that the school developed after many years of research.
The Isageum table consists of various dishes served in the royal court of Silla: the dishes are made of nine rare, medicinal ingredients called gujinmi. The interior of Laseonjae is decorated mostly in gold, the color that defines the Silla Kingdom. Note the columns with lotus leaf patterns and other characteristics unique to banquet halls from the Silla royal court. The restaurant staff further portrays the splendor of the era by wearing traditional Shilla dress, seemingly transporting diners back in time while they enjoy an elegant and delicious meal experience.

Bomun Tourist Complex (경주 보문관광단지)

5.6 Km 78440 2024-04-08

Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-7601

Bomun Tourist Complex is the international tourist district of Gyeongju. This tourist district is formed with Bomunho Lake at its center, located about 10 kilometers east of downtown Gyeongju. The area spans approximately 8,000 km², and contains an international-scale luxurious hotel, family-friendly condos, golf range, and pleasant walking passages that are designed to suit the diverse needs of tourists. The tourist complex attracts crowds of visitors in April, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The sight of cherry blossoms around Bomunho Lake and Bulguksa Temple are popular even among domestic travelers.

Bomun Korean Food Restaurant (보문민속식당)

5.7 Km 24958 2024-02-23

435 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
054-748-3200

Bomun Korean Food Restaurant is located near the Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju and is known for its delicious samgyeopsal (pork belly). The signature dish is saengsamgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), and they only use domestic pork. The meat is sliced immediately after your order, so it is fresh. Grilled on a hot caldron lid, it is characterized by its low fat and chewy texture. In addition to this, gopchang jeongol (small intestine hot pot) made with Korean beef intestines is also popular.

Gyeongju Bomunjeong Pavilion (보문정 (경주))

5.8 Km 8840 2022-05-06

Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-7601

Bomunjeong Pavilion has a beautiful scenery and was listed on CNN's "50 Beautiful Places to Visit in South Korea." The octagonal pavilion and two ponds are surrounded by cherry blossom trees and maple trees making it a must-visit spot all year round.

Gyeongju National Park (경주국립공원)

5.8 Km 28900 2024-02-27

12 Cheonbungnam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-778-4100

Gyeongju National Park, designated as a national park in 1968, holds a special status as Korea's only historical national park. The park spans 136.55㎢ across eight districts, including Tohamsan Mountain, home to the exquisite Buddhist treasures of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, as well as Namsan Mountain, known as the "Buddhist Museum," showcasing the pinnacle of Buddhist culture. The park boasts significant relics from the Silla dynasty alongside breathtaking natural landscapes. Recognized by UNESCO in 1979 as one of the top ten historic sites globally, it stands as a world-renowned cultural heritage site.

Gyeongju Expo Park (경주엑스포공원)

5.8 Km 42121 2024-02-27

614 Gyeonggam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Gyeongju Expo Park is located in the Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, offering a thematic experience of Korean culture through exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities showcasing the art and culture of the Silla dynasty (BC 57-AD 935). The park features various attractions such as Gyeongju Tower, Timeless Media Art, Solgeo Art Museum, Lumina Night Walk, Cheomseongdae Film Hall, and Asadal Sculpture Park.

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