There are many historic sites in Gyeongju that are considered important milestones in Korea’s 신라 period. (For some more info on the 신라 period, check out the blog post on 4/20/09.) Here are some of the sites that I recommend:

첨성대 is one of the oldest intact astronomical observatories in East Asia. It was built in the 신라 period by Queen Seondeok (선덕여왕). The base of the observatory consists of twenty-seven stones, which may have been placed to honor the twenty-seventh monarch of Korea, Queen Seondeok. It is 9.4 meters tall and made out of granite. There is an opening, which may have served as a window to view the stars.

포석정 is a site that is said to have been part of a royal pavilion. Today, all that remains are granite blocks that served as a stream. It’s said that the nobles would float their wine goblets on the stream, in which one person would recite a line of poetry. Another person would have to provide the second line before the cup of wine reached the person. If the person failed to provide the 2nd line, he would have to drink the entire cup as punishment.

천마총 is a tomb from the 5th to 6th century. The tomb is wooden with around 11,500 burial artifacts. The tomb is distinct for its painting of a white horse with eight legs and wings on its feet. An actual horse was also buried in the tomb, indicating the importance of horses in 신라 society. A gold jewelry chest, a gold crown, jade beads, and a dragon motif around the tomb indicate that the tomb was built for a king.

분황사 is a Buddhist temple still used by worshippers today. Today only three stories of the temple remain, but in its heyday it may have been as tall as nine stories. Gold coins, a needle and scissors have been found within the walls of the temple. These artifacts may have been from a woman of royal blood. The cremated remains of a priest were also found within the walls.