Spring in Gyeongju, a sight worth seeing

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Ma. Lilia Pedellume 

Photos = Ma. Lilia Pedellume 

Gyeongju is one of the oldest cities in Korea. It's historically known as Seorabeol, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. It was once one of the most prosperous and wealthy cities in the world. Traces of its glorious days are pretty much visible all over the modern-day Gyeongju. It truly makes sense to call this city a “museum without walls.” 

While Gyeongju is known for its historical and cultural significance, there are a lot of other reasons to visit Gyeongju, like leisure and relaxation.

In the spring, visitors flock to Gyeongju not only to see the temples and ancient royal tombs, but also to see the beautiful spring scenery of this ancient city.

Cherry blossoms at the popular tourist sites, like the Cheomseongdae Star Observatory and the Daereungwon Royal Tumuli Belt, are really beautiful.

The ones along the road from downtown Gyeongju going toward the Bomun Tourist Complex will make your bus ride a lot more enjoyable. 

The flowers across the bridge from the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal look great, also.

Basically, whichever way you go, you’ll be able to find beautiful cherry blossoms trees. 

My favorite spots, however, were the ones along the Bomun Lakeside Trail, behind the Hyundai Hotel, going toward the trail behind the Hilton Hotel, and the ones surrounding the Bomun Pavilion.  

The Bomun Pavilion is a photographer's favorite cherry blossom photo location because of the beautiful reflection of the cherry blossoms and the pavilion in the pond.

During my visit, an SBS Plus rom-com online soap opera, “Wednesday 3:30 p.m.,” starring VIXX member Hongbin and actress Jin Ki-joo, was being filmed in the area.  I saw them while they were filming a scene at the wooden bridge behind the Hilton Hotel. 

Aside from the endless lines of beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, Gyeongju also offer a golden field of canola near the Cheomseongdae Star Observatory.  Some visitors rent traditional Hanbok clothes from the rental shops near the Daereungwon and cheerfully walk around flaunting their colorful traditional attire.  

There are also some who were wearing Sillabok, a special type of royal Hanbok attire specifically from Silla times. 

After seeing this beautiful spring scenery, I was enamored.  Gyeongju is now my favorite spring destination in Korea.

If you're planning to visit Korea to see the cherry blossoms, you should really consider adding Gyeongju to your list. 

Getting around the city is easy.  Both the Daereungwon and the Cheonseongdae are within walking distance of both the train station and bus terminal.  

The Bomun Lake, Bomun Tourist Complex and Bulguksa can be reached by Bus No. 10. If you're going back downtown from the Bomun area, take bus No.s 11 or 150.

wisdom117@korea.kr

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