I first visited Gyeongju in early Spring 2008 and again that following Summer, those memories remain special. Yet, at the time I knew little about what sites in Gyeongju to prioritize. Returning in 2025 meant truly exploring and appreciating the icons of Gyeongju. I planned long in advance that an essential visit would be Chilburam in Namsan Mountain.

Chilburam (Namsan) - The fastest route to Chilburam is starting from the Three-story Stone Pagoda of Yeombulsa Temple Site, a local route that is not included in a lot of the brochures or promoted hiking routes for Namsan Mountain. It only takes 2-3 hours round-trip and that includes times for pictures and options to visit the Sinseonam Hermitage directly above Chilburam.

Tumuli - The variety of tumuli in around the Gyeongju city center is impressive, I enjoyed the view from the OAR Contemporary Art Museum.

Cheomseongdae - A delightful structure (night picture)

Bunhwangsa - Built only a little after the Baekje stone pagoda at Mireuksa, this is a particularly magnificent example of an ancient Silla Buddhist Temple.

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