Things to see and do Gyeongsangbuk-Do 경상북도

Very pleasant beach with the advantage of being much less busy than the other beaches in the vicinity.

The bay is almost closed on Sangju beach. It turns out to be very large but, being considered, crowded with the smallest sunshine. There are only minbaks to sleep there.

These beaches are not far from the city (Gampo, the main village, is 30 km from Kyeongju), but they are rather disappointing, which is a pity, because the coast is pretty, with its rocks bursting with beautiful water and its pine forests. From north to south we meet Oryu (grey sand), Gampo (idem, and dirty in addition), Daebon, Munmu (dirty), Bonggil (nuclear power station), Gwanseong (galets). But finally, if you really want to swim, there is all along the coast of hotels, yeogwans, restaurants in abundance.

Designated a natural monument in 1962, this forest is unique. Indeed, it was built by the inhabitants of the area nearly 300 years ago to protect themselves from winds and waves that were sometimes a little too violent. It is an unusual experience to be surrounded by hundreds of trees while having the sea just a few steps away. It is a famous spot for its sunrises and sunsets and many people flock there during the New Year.

In the heart of the Sinbulsan mountain (1,209 m) nestles this little jewel of a waterfall that waters the valley with streams in which one can bathe without any problem in summer. It takes 45 minutes to reach it, a rather intense ascent, but the effort is quickly forgotten, as the site is a true earthly paradise. On the way it is not uncommon to come across squirrels who will keep you company for a few metres. Once at the waterfall you have the choice between going back down or continuing the ascent.

Amusement park with rides.

On the road to Mageumsan is this lake which is a reserve of migratory birds. According to the season, the shores of the lake host hundreds of remote cranes and other rare birds in Korea from Siberia. It is better to be equipped with binoculars. The surrounding area is not ugly but not wonderful. Above all, the lotus fields that make a beautiful landscape early in the summer will be noticed.

Along the sea this park mixes charming ochre cliffs, blue azure waves and a green nature. In season, magnolias and camellias are also on display. Via a bridge you can go to a small island, ideal for taking pictures but which becomes mystical. On a small rocky mass in the open sea, there are the ashes of Queen Jaeui, wife of the dragon Munmu-Wang. In Gyeongju are the king's. Just at the entrance to this superb park are restaurants, cafés and a huge dragon-shaped play structure

Although not the largest or most beautiful, Borisa's temple remains pleasant. The main hall has interesting wooden bas-reliefs. You can take a path on the right (beware it slips) that climbs to a stone bas-relief representing the Buddha of the future surrounded by flames dating from the 8th century. A path on the left leads us a little higher to a large rock carved on its 4 sides with several Buddhist bas-reliefs from Silla. We will also notice the engraved pagodas, unique in their kind.

This underwater royal tomb is unique in the world and has a beautiful history as its origin. It is the one of the 30th king of Silla, the great king Munmu (661-681). He gave instructions to rest in the sea so that he could protect the country from Japanese invaders by turning into a dragon. Unfortunately, it is very disappointing, because there is nothing to see, the tomb being underwater, in the middle of a rock quite far from the shore. We will just remember this king's love for his country.

This temple, which was built during the reign of King Munmu, was completed in 682 under the reign of his son Sinmun, who dedicated it to him. It was a very large temple of which only foundation stones remain as well as 2 large stone stupas 13 m high. Although damaged, they are still impressive. We also see a basin that was once connected to the sea by a canal to allow King Munmu, who became a sea dragon, to come to the temple at his leisure.

This cultural complex, established in a former cable factory closed in 2008 and creatively renovated, will delight lovers of art, cuisine or architecture. With its bamboo grove, bookshop, galleries (including an annex of the famous Kukje gallery), stores, micro-brewery, bars, cafés and restaurants, it's a great place to spend a few hours. The space offers a variety of programs and activities for every age group, so there's something for everyone. It also hosts events related to the Busan Art Biennale.

This small tomb is not the most beautiful, but it is the tomb of the first and most beloved queen of Silla, Seondeok. She promoted the arts, Buddhism and ordered a large number of buildings during her reign. He is responsible for the construction of the Bunhwabgsa Temple, the Cheomseongdae Observatory and the nine-storey pagoda at Hwagyongsa Temple. You will often read her name when visiting the country and many Korean dramas are dedicated to this queen.