South Korea Guide
Gyeongsang
The surprisingly low number of travellers who choose to escape Seoul usually make a beeline to the Gyeongsang provinces at the southeast of the country, and with good reason – a land of mountains and majesty, folklore and heroes, this area is home to some of the most wonderful sights that Korea has to offer. Gorgeous Gyeongju was capital of the Silla kingdom that ruled for nearly a thousand years, and there is more to see than in Korea's modern-day capital, all crammed into a fraction of Seoul's area. A dynastic seat of power from 57 BC to the tenth century, but now pleasantly carefree, Gyeongju has preserved its long history well, and evidence of imperial times can be found all over town. The main sights here are the regal tombs, small hillocks that held the city's kings, queens and nobles; Bulguksa, one of the country's most revered temples; and Namsan, a holy mountain criss crossed with paths, and studded with relics of Silla times. Evidence of later dynasties can be seen in the Joseon-era folk villages and Confucian academies around Gyeongju and Andong, a similarly relaxed city, while Busan, the major urban base in the region and the second biggest in the country, had a pivotal defensive role to play in both the Japanese invasions of the late sixteenth century and the Korean War in the 1950s.
Highlights
1 Gyeongju Once the Silla kingdom's capital and now Korea's most laid-back city, Gyeongju has enough sights to fill at least a week.
2 Bulguksa Combine a trip to the country's busiest temple with a visit to Seokguram, a holy grotto set in the mountains above.
3 The Underwater Tomb of King Munmu Take an easy but enjoyable day-trip east of Gyeongju to two remote temples, before finishing at this unique coastal tomb.
4 Oksan Seowon This Joseon-dynasty academie can be found in the Gyeongsang countryside.
5 Hahoe Folk Village Savour a taste of Korean life long forgotten at Yangdong, a village near Gyeongju, and Hahoe, an equally gorgeous version near Andong.
6 Ulleungdo This island's isolation out in the East Sea makes it the perfect place to see traditional life first-hand, or kick back and relax for a few days.
7 Busan This smaller, more characterful version of Seoul has many sights including the Jagalchi Fish Market and Haeundae, the country‘s most popular beach.
8 Jirisan Korea's largest national park – with its own resident population of bears – has umpteen lofty trails, including a three-day hike across the ridge.