Stroll through history
Walking through history and culture toward the future
As the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Silla during its golden age, Gyeongju is a city with thousands of years of history, and an important part of the cultural heritage of Korea. As part of our mission to encourage personal growth through unique travel experiences, we here at Airbnb would like to draw your attention to the ‘70GETHER’ campaign: a chance to stroll through the history and culture of Gyeongju, and witness a meeting between past, present, and future. We invite you to travel back through time to experience the living, breathing history of Silla, and transform an ordinary trip into something extraordinary as you stay in this city that bridges past and future.
70GETHER walking campaign
More than a city, Gyeongju is like a huge open-air museum, and following these UNESCO World Heritage trails can transform your simple stroll into a great journey, bringing you face-to-face with the spirit of human greatness that is still found here. Airbnb has partnered with UNESCO to bring you the ‘UNESCO 70GETHER walking campaign,’ inviting you to find a deeper understanding of World Heritage as you consider its true value and the importance of preserving it.The campaign is made up of two separate walking routes, letting you choose the route that best suits your own personal interests or travel itinerary. Stroll at your own pace through the different historic regions of Gyeongju, and enjoy some meaningful moments that connect the past, the present, and the future.
Find out moreTaking a stroll through a living traditional village
Course 1.
Yangdong Folk Village
Yangdong Folk Village is a peaceful 600-year-old settlement, founded in the Joseon era. The village has developed organically over time, allowing you to get a glimpse into the peaceful everyday lives of its inhabitants. Each house bears a name that reflects the values, philosophies, and legacies of the family who built it. Contemplating the significance of these names while you walk through the village can help make your experience more meaningful and unique. Around 200 residents from 120 households continue to live in Yangdong Folk Village to this day, preserving their heritage through community festivals such as tug-of-war competitions on the first full moon of the lunar year and Jisinbapgi, a traditional stepping ritual with drums and dancing to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune.
Seobaekdang
Located at the innermost part of the village, Seobaekdang is well-known as the home to a majestic juniper tree that is over 500 years old. The oldest residence in the village and seat of the head family line, this house serves as a representation of early Joseon architecture for noble residences.
Mucheomdang
Alongside Seobaekdang, Mucheomdang is one of Yangdong’s most recognizable buildings. It is a detached pavilion-style structure from the Joseon period and served as the sarangchae (men’s quarters) of the head family.
Gwangajeong
This house is a quintessential example of mid-Joseon southern architecture, and the path leading up to it is lined by imposing ginkgo and juniper trees.
Hyangdan
Hyangdan is the ancestral home of the Yi family, one of the two main lineages in Yangdong. The house features a lavish roof and a unique layout, designed to pay respect to the mother of the family.
Lotus Field
A large 6,600㎡ lotus field, home to around 200 varieties of lotus and water lily; the lotus field is best viewed starting from June, when it becomes a truly spectacular sight.
Ganghakdang
Ganghakdang is a traditional Confucian academy dating back to the Joseon dynasty, a place for young scholars to study and exchange knowledge.
A journey suspended between past and present
Course 2.
The Wolseong Belt
What makes the Wolseong Belt especially remarkable, even compared to other parts of Gyeongju, is how the grand palaces and royal burial mounds of ancient Silla seamlessly blend and coexist with the Gyeongju of today and its people. As you leave the hush of the massive royal burial mounds, you will stumble upon stylish cafés; or perhaps you will choose to enjoy a picnic amidst the broad field of flowers in the shadow of Cheomseongdae, a monument to the surprisingly sophisticated scientific achievements of Silla.
Hwangnidan-gil
Perfectly captures the unique charm of Gyeongju: a city out of time, hanging between past and present. From trendy restaurants and cafés to shops full of one-of-a-kind souvenirs, every alley offers you new glimpses into the diverse facets of Gyeongju.
Cheomseongdae
Built in the 7th century, Cheomseongdae is recognized as the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and is a treasured landmark showcasing the advanced scientific knowledge of Silla.
Gyeongju Gyerim Forest
Nestled between Cheomseongdae and Banwolseong lies the legendary and sacred birthplace of the Kingdom of Silla. Over 100 trees, some over a thousand years old, stand guard over this storied site.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
Built to accommodate the princes of Silla, Donggung Palace, and the surrounding Wolji Pond, was used to host royal banquets during the Unified Silla period, and is regarded as a prime example of the period’s architecture. The nighttime view of Wolji Pond, whose name literally means “the pond that reflects the moon”, is one of Gyeongju’s most iconic images.
The Gyeongju National Museum
This museum has been preserving and exhibiting the thousand-year history of Silla since its founding in 1913, though it did not move to the current site until 1975. Inside, you can explore exquisite artefacts, such as golden crowns unearthed from royal burial mounds, and gain insight into day-to-day life in Silla.
Become a part of the thousands of years of history in Gyeongju
Become a part of the thousands of years of history in Gyeongju
As these unique walking courses guide you back through time and history, a new chapter will open in your life, connecting the past, the present, and the future.
As these unique walking courses guide you back through time and history, a new chapter will open in your life, connecting the past, the present, and the future.
To explore the courses in more detail, don’t forget to check out our bespoke guidebook, filled with detailed course information, travel tips, and useful resources for your journey through Gyeongju.
To explore the courses in more detail, don’t forget to check out our bespoke guidebook, filled with detailed course information, travel tips, and useful resources for your journey through Gyeongju.
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