Gyeongju Travel Guide: Gyeongju National Museum

The Gyeongju National Museum is a place where you can directly encounter the thousand-year history of the Silla Dynasty. It's a must-visit destination during your trip to Korea, as it allows you to see artifacts that you might have only encountered in textbooks up close. Upon entering, the first thing that catches your eye is the original Emille Bell (Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok). The resonance of the massive bronze bell and its intricate patterns will leave you in awe of Silla's advanced craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities. Inside the exhibition halls, you'll find gold crowns, Buddhist statues, bronze ware, pottery, and more, showcasing the lifestyle of Silla's royalty and nobility as well as its Buddhist culture. A single tour around the museum provides a comprehensive understanding of Silla's history. 🏺✨ For an enriching itinerary in Gyeongju, consider combining the museum visit with stops at Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji), Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Woljeong Bridge. This makes for a fulfilling day trip, where you can learn history through artifacts and exhibitions during the day and enjoy a romantic stroll at illuminated historical sites at night. 📸 While Gyeongju is often referred to as "a city that is itself a museum," the Gyeongju National Museum is undoubtedly its centerpiece. If you want to deeply appreciate the splendid Buddhist art and the history of the Silla Kingdom, be sure to include it in your itinerary. 📍 Address: 186 Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea