Gyeongju National Park
In search of mountains for hiking routes, we decided that Gyeongju was the perfect place, as it was strategically located in our itinerary, which would be Seoul – Gyeongju – Busan – Jeju Island – Seoul.
Gyeongju is a picturesque city 335 km from Seoul, and only a two-hour high-speed train ride away.
Arrival in Gyeongju
Gyeongju Bongwhang Mansion – Hostel
Upon arriving in Gyeongju, we took a taxi to our accommodation, Gyeongju Bongwhang Mansion. This hostel is opposite the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, perfect for exploring the city center and its surroundings.
The hostel was modern, with white walls that, combined with the light, made everything look impeccably clean. From the very beginning, we felt very welcome; unlike other hostel experiences, this one featured a private bathroom and an open kitchen overlooking the dining area (with a view of the tombs), where we enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast, with the star of the meal being the freshly prepared fried eggs made by a friendly chef.
The Mysterious Mounds of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex
We decided to explore the tomb complex on our first afternoon after arriving. What a surprise to see that cherry blossoms were already adorning the park’s surroundings at the end of March! A pleasant sun accompanied us as we tried to understand those large mounds, which reminded me of The Little Prince standing on a small, round planet.
I learned that beneath these mounds lie the burial chambers, designed to house the remains of the Silla elite (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.). Within them, wooden coffins were placed alongside various funerary treasures, such as ceramics, ornaments, tools, and ceremonial objects, all intended to honor the deceased and accompany them on their journey to the afterlife.
The vast park includes a visitor center where you can learn more about the Silla kingdom. If you’re in the area, don’t miss the royal tomb of King Michu; after passing through the traditional entrance with large, colorful wooden gates, we strolled through gardens with beautiful cherry trees in bloom, carpeting the ground in shades of pink.
The Nighttime Atmosphere
At night, the city center—with its traditional architecture—would light up and transform into an enchanted village. Gyeongju has a rich history, having been the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom for over a thousand years. Walking along the main street, we wandered down cobblestone alleys in search of a traditional restaurant.
Hiking in Gyeongju National Park
The next day, we embarked on our expedition to the mountains of Gyeongju National Park. Reaching one of the park’s entrances by bus from our hostel was very easy. After briefly explaining and receiving a map from the friendly volunteers at the information booth, we began our hike along the park’s steep and long trails.
Our first stop was to catch our breath near “The Seated Rock-Carved Buddha in the Samneung Valley” and enjoy a complimentary cup of hot coffee offered to hikers.
Before reaching that spot, we encountered elderly locals walking briskly. Clearly, they were very accustomed to hiking, as they had arrived before us and were already enjoying their coffee.
It’s wonderful to see how hiking in nature is part of the lifestyle of Gyeongju’s residents and South Korea; look at the number of shops in the city dedicated to selling hiking gear and mountain activity apparel.
After traversing paths lined with countless species of pine trees, we reached our next stop: “The Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Yongjangsagok Valley,” a testament to the Silla kingdom. There, we took a short break and enjoyed the breathtaking views of Gyeongju.
Our hike lasted about four hours. One of the most beautiful sights we encountered was the cherry blossoms, which grew everywhere, unlike in some parks, where they are perfectly positioned and planted. Finally, we reached a river, which marked the end of our hike.
Final Reflections
After returning to the city and having lunch to regain energy, we enjoyed a delicious coffee on one of the downtown terraces.
The sun still shone faintly at the end of the afternoon. The Dongju Café terrace offered an impressive view of the ancient rooftops, making it the ideal spot to reflect on our journey and savor our final moments before returning to our hostel and continuing to Busan.
The kindness of the Korean people and the attentive service at our hostel made our stay truly special, making us feel welcome and at ease.