Najeong Beach (나정고운모래해변)

0m 21970 2021-08-02

1915, Donghaean-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6325

Najeong Beach is situated on the shores of the East Sea. The beach offers many facilities as well as a seawater hot spring. The parking lot and pine tree forest by the hot spring are open to the public. Various water sports are also available in the area.

Songdaemal Lighthouse (송대말 등대)

3.3 Km 25094 2024-02-08

18-94 Cheoksa-gil, Gampo-eup, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Songdaemal Lighthouse was constructed for maritime safety off the coast of Gampo Port. Its name "Songdaemal" signifies "the end of the pine trees". It was initially built as a manned lighthouse and underwent a comprehensive overhaul in 2001. The renovation was designed to resemble the three-story stone pagoda at the Gameunsa Temple Site. Near the lighthouse is the Songdaemal Light Exhibition, displaying information about the lighthouse and various sea-related materials. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll on the trail in front of the lighthouse. This location is also renowned for its stunning views of the sunrise over the east coast.

Gameunsaji Temple Site (경주 감은사지)

4.1 Km 26697 2020-04-04

Yongdang-ri, Gyeonju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-772-3843

Gameunsaji Temple Site was built by King Munmu (AD 661-681), the king of Silla who unified Baekje and Goguryeo in the late 7th century. The purpose of the temple site was to pray for help and guidance from Buddha against Japanese invasion. Unfortunately, King Munmu passed away before the completion of the temple, and left a will to be cremated and buried in the East Sea so that he may reincarnate as a sea dragon in order to protect the country. As he wished, King Munmu's ashes were scattered at Daewangam of the East Sea. The temple was completed and was named by his son, King Sinmun (AD 681-692) in respect and appreciation for his father.
Gameunsaji Temple Site was rebuilt in 1979 based on the discovery of the site's foundation after two years of archeological research. The three-story stone pagoda at the temple site is a reminent of the early period of unified Silla, assembled with several parts which rise up to 13.4m high, known to be Silla's highest three-story pagoda.

Oryu Goarahaebyeon Beach (오류고아라해변)

4.6 Km 41219 2024-02-23

277-8 Oryu-ri, Gampo-eup, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Oryu Goarahaebyeon Beach, located near Gampo Port, is known for its soft sand and is famous for sand baths. It's an ideal spot for camping, boasting a 1km stretch of white sandy beach, shallow waters, and a lush pine forest. Within the pine forest, there's a campsite where visitors can enjoy caravan or tent camping. During the summer, marine leisure facilities like banana boats and motor boats are available. Nearby tourist attractions include Songdaemal Lighthouse and Gampo Marine Park.

Tomb of King Munmu (경주 문무대왕릉)

4.8 Km 58932 2023-01-02

1366-9, Donghaean-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-8743

A little rocky islet approximately 200 meters from the shore at Bonggil-ri is the Tomb of King Munmu (AD 661-681), who unified the three kingdoms and became the 30th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. The king gave specific instructions to be buried in the East Sea after his death so that he would become a dragon and protect Silla from foreign invaders. The rocky island, about 200 meters in circumference, is divided by a cross-shaped waterway, forming a pool at the center, at the bottom of which is a granite stone 3.6 meters long, 2.9 meters wide and 0.9 meters thick. Legend has it that the remains of King Munmu’s cremated body are buried under this rock. Historians still debate whether the ashes of the King Munmu were scattered or stored in an urn and placed under the rock.

Golgulsa Temple (Gyeongju) (골굴사(경주))

7.8 Km 51272 2024-02-27

101-5 Girim-ro, Munmudaewang-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Golgulsa Temple is a temple located within the Hamwolsan Mountain, situated between Gyeongju City and the East Sea. With a history of over 1,500 years, it houses many Buddha statues preserved within its twelve grottoes. Maintaining the tradition of Korean Buddhism's practice of Seonmudo, visitors can witness Seonmudo performances. Additionally, there are templestay programs available, offering opportunities to experience Korean temple culture.

Seated Rock-carved Buddha at Golgulam Temple (경주 골굴암 마애여래좌상)

8.0 Km 19106 2022-12-28

101-5, Girim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-744-1689

The Seated Rock-carved Buddha at Golgulam Temple consists of a Maebul (a Buddha carved in a cliff) at the very top of 12 Buddha images carved in natural rock caves located in a steep cliff of Girimsa Valley. A painting of the caving titled "Golgulseokgul" by Gyeomjae Jeongseon, a famous painter of the era, revealed that there was once a wooden room located in front of the Maebul, but today only a hint of the room remains on the rock. The head of the Buddha (Yukgye) is perched solid and high on the body with a clear profile of the face – sharp eyes, small lips and a long and narrow nose. In contrast to the three-dimensional face, the body is broader and flatter. The neck and upper chest sections have eroded over time. The folds in the clothing are nearly parallel, and the arm area has a v-pattern wrinkle, giving it a more realistic and three-dimensional quality. Around the head of the Buddha is a lotus-shaped halo, while the body is surrounded by a rhythmic flame-like halo. The Maebul is believed to have been created during the late Unified Silla Kingdom, as it shows similar craftsmanship to Seated Stone Vairocana Buddha (National Treasure), which was created in the year 876 and is located in Chukseosa Temple.

Girimsa Temple (기림사)

10.0 Km 15060 2022-12-29

437-17, Girim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-744-2292

Girimsa Temple is located in Hamwolsan Mountain in Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju. The temple was built in the Silla Era and, with 16 buildings, is the second largest temple after Bulguksa.

Legend has it that the temple was originally built by the Venerable Gwang-yu, a sage from India, in the early part of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was reportedly called Imjeongsa at first, but was later changed to Girimsa after undergoing expansive renovations by Monk Wonhyo. It is still unclear exactly what year the temple was built in.

Girimsa is divided into two main areas. The first is the area around Daejeokgwangjeon Hall where the statue of Birojanabul is enshrined. The second is the area around the majestic 500-year-old bo tree (a kind of large fig tree) that is home to a wooden pagoda, the Seongbo Museum, Samsingak, Mangbujeon, and Gwaneumjeon halls. Daejeokgwangjeon Hall was first built during Queen Seondeok's reign, and was rebuilt six times since its original construction. Its simple but majestic architecture is characterized by baeheullim (aka, entasis columns) and a Dapoyangsik (Dapo-style) single-tiered gabled roof.

Girimsa is famous for Ojongsu, water that is said to have five different tastes. It consists of gamrosu, which is best for making tea; hwajeongsu, which supposedly gives comfort to the drinker; janggunsu, which makes the body stronger; myeongansu, which gives clear vision; and otaksu, which is said to sparkle so brightly that it attracts all the birds of the air. During Japanese colonial rule, the source of janggunsu, literally meaning ‘water of a general,’ was reportedly blocked off by Japanese soldiers, who were afraid the water would give the Korean people the strength to overthrow them. Except for janggunsu, water still continues to flow from each source.
On the way to Girimsa temple is Golgulsa Temple, well known for its 12 grottos. Golgulsa was originally a hermitage of Girimsa. After becoming an independent institution, it became the center of Seonmudo practice in Korea. The temple aims to promote the art of seonmudo on a national and international level.

Gyeongju Yangnam Columnar Joint Observatory (경주 양남 주상절리 전망대)

10.6 Km 16 2023-04-04

498-13 , Donghaean-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-775-6366

This observatory was built in October 2017 and allows visitors to enjoy the view of columnar joints of Yangnam, a national geopark. The columnar joints are formed along the shoreline of Eupcheon-ri in Yangnam-myeon. Several different forms of columnar joints can be observed from columnar joints that point upward to those that fan out or lean to the side. In particular, the fan-shaped columnar joint is a rare sight not only in Korea but also worldwide, and thus has been designated as a Natural Monument in 2012. Visitors can also see informational exhibits on diverse geographical resources at the observatory as well as ask for a detailed guide by the geology commentator on-site.

Tohamsan National Recreational Forest (토함산자연휴양림)

11.5 Km 37338 2021-04-08

1208-45, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-750-8700

Tohamsan National Recreational Forest, located in Gyeongju, is in close vicinity of major attractions such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. Visitors can enjoy the culture as well as relaxing in a peaceful nature.

Najeong Beach (나정고운모래해변) - Area information - Korea travel information