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Gyeongju

경주
Municipal City
Korean transcription(s)
 • Hangul 경주시
 • Hanja 慶州市
 • Revised Romanization Gyeongju-si
 • McCune-Reischauer Kyŏngju-si
A collection of six photographs of famous things in Gyeongju. The first row shows tumuli and trees. The second row consists of three images; from left to right, a stone observatory, a seated stone Buddha statue, and a modern glass tower are arranged. At right on the third row, a photo of a colorful wooden building with a stone bridges is shown. At left, a pavilion reflecting the image on a pond is shown.
Gyeongju City Hall
A region on an east coast is divided into 23 districts, with the southern coastal district highlighted.
Country South Korea
Region North Gyeongsang province
Administrative divisions 4 eup, 8 myeon, 11 dong, 305 ri
Area
 • Total 1,324.39 km2 (511.35 sq mi)
Population
 (2008)
 • Total 269,343
 • Density 212/km2 (550/sq mi)
 • Dialect
Gyeongsang
Website gyeongju.go.kr

Gyeongju (경주) is a coastal city in the southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. It is the second largest city in the province (Andong is the first largest city). It is 1,324 km2 (511 sq mi) large, with 269,343 people living in the city, according to the 2008 census. From southeast, Gyeongju is 370 km (230 mi) away from Seoul, and from the east, 55 km (34 mi) away from the provincial capital, Daegu. Cheongdo and Yeongcheon are on the west side of the city. Ulsan is to the south side, and Pohang is to the north. On the east there is the coast of the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Many low mountains are around the city. They are part of the Taebaek range.

Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57 BC – 935 AD). Silla ruled most of the Korean Peninsula between the 7th and 9th centuries, and many archaeological sites from that time are still in the city. This is why Gyeongju is often called "the museum without walls". For example, Gyeongju Historic Areas and Yangdong Folk Village were made World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The many important historical sites have helped Gyeongju become one of the most popular places in Korea for tourists.

In 1995, the city of Gyeongju and Gyeongju County were put together. There are 53 other small and medium-sized cities with about 300,000 or less people in South Korea. Today, Gyeongju is not only influenced by its history–it is influenced by the economic, demographic and social changes in South Korean culture. Its economy is mostly based on tourism. Manufacturing has also developed because Gyeogju is near large industrial cities such as Ulsan and Pohang. It is also connected to railways and highways that are often used by tourists.

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Images for kids

  • King Kyungsoon of Silla 2

    A portrait of the last king of Silla, King Gyeongsun (r. 927–935). After his surrender to King Taejo, Gyeongju lost its status as capital city.

  • Korea-Gyeongju-Namsan-Chilbulam-01

    Chilbulam (rock-engraving of seven Buddhas) on Namsan, Gyoengju.

  • Korea-Gyeongju-Seokguram-13

    Seokguram grotto on the slopes of Toham mountain.

  • Korea-Gyeongju-Map of mountains and drainage-02

    Principal mountains and drainage patterns of Gyeongju. Mountains of 500 to 700 m (1,600 to 2,300 ft) are in green, those taller than 700 m (2,300 ft) in violet. The rest three in gray are under 500 m (1,600 ft).

  • Korea-Gyeongju.National.Museum-02

    Gyeongju National Museum.

  • 금관총금관

    A gold crown excavated from Gold Crown Tomb. National Treasures of South Korea No. 87.

  • Divine Bell of King Seongdeok

    Divine Bell of King Seongdeok

  • Yi hae-hyun of 1504

    Yi Je-hyeon (1287–1367)

  • Korean.cuisine-Gyeongju.bread-01

    Gyeongju bread, a local speciality.

  • Korean food-Bibim ssambap and various banchan-01

    Ssambap, a rice dish served with vegetable leaves, various small side dishes and condiments.

  • Korea-2008 Gyeongju Citizens' Athletics Festival-Track and field-02

    2008 Gyeongju Citizens' Athletics Festival held at Gyeongju Public Stadium.

  • Korea-Gyeongju-Gampo.port-01

    Gampo Port

  • Korea-Gyeongju-Rice paddy field-01

    Paddy fields in Gyeongju

  • Korea-Gyeongju-Seongdong Market-Fruit shop-01

    A fruit shop at Seongdong Market

  • Bulguksa Dabotap

    Dabotap pagoda at Bulguksa temple

  • Asl13

    Bunhwangsa pagoda, National Treasure of Korea No. 30

  • Korea-Gyeongju Sinmun-Building

    Gyeongju Sinmun, a local newspaper company is housed in this building.

  • Korea-Gyeongju Hyanggyo-04

    A building of the Gyeongju Hyanggyo

  • Dongguk University at Night

    Campus of Dongguk University in Gyeongju at night

  • Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital 2

    Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital

  • Korea-Gyeongju-Hyeongsan River-1

    A view of Hyeongsan River from Dong Bridge. The river is one of water sources of Gyeongju.

  • Korea-Gyeongju Station-01

    Gyeongju train station

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gyeongju para niños

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