Tourism in Gyeongju

Gyeongju is a major cultural site and tourist destination for South Koreans and foreigners with about 8 to 9 million visitors annually.

[1] A great deal of this is due to the city's status as a center of Silla heritage, derived from its former role as the capital of that ancient kingdom.

A notable tomb outside the usual historical precincts of Gyeongju is that of King Munmu, d. 681, who was buried at sea just off the coast of Yangbuk-myeon.

Although Gyeongju no longer played a particularly central role during the Joseon Dynasty, a number of relics from that period have been preserved alongside the Silla sites.

Adjacent to the Royal Tombs Complex in downtown Gyeongju, the houses of the Gyodong neighborhood also keep the hanok form they had in Joseon times.

A significant portion of Gyeongju's tourist traffic is due to the city's successful promotion of itself as a site for various festivals, conferences, and competitions.

It features athletic events, folk games, music, dance, literary contests and Buddhist religious ceremonies.

A theme park named Gyeongju World is located on the reservoir's western shore, as is the Seonjae Art Gallery and the Bomun Outdoor Performance Hall.