Gyeongsangbuk-do Travel Guide

The Gam Wine Tunnel opened its doors in 2006 in Songgeum-ri, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do and is the world’s FIRST persimmon wine cellar! The Wine Tunnel is the perfect place for aging persimmon wine, which is made by the process of fermenting seedless persimmons, a local specialty of Cheongdo. The tunnel has become increasingly popular due to its scenic location, elegant inside atmosphere, and its beautiful surrounding orchards. At the tunnel, group tourists can participate in a number of programs such as making their own wine or picking persimmons. For the individual traveler, there are exhibitions, wine sampling, a café, and a wine market. The tunnel, located in the middle of a mountain, stays at a temperature of 15 Celsius with 60~70% humidity all year round, making it a naturally refreshing place to visit during the summer. The tunnel was originally called “Namseonghyeon Tunnel” and was built back in 1898 during the Joseon Dynasty. The wine cellar as we know it today was created a hundred years ago when persimmon growers put red bricks on the ceiling of the tunnel and reinforced the tunnel walls with natural stone, turning the railroad tunnel into a great wine cellar and unique tourist attraction!      

 Seoul departure - Gyeongju Cherry Tour【TKGJ-C1D 】 Enjoy a day tour to Gyeongju, the most historically rich city in South Korea. Cherry blossom blooming all over Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO), Cheomseongdae – the world's oldest astronomical observatory and Bomunho Lake. A relaxed day trip in Spring between Seoul and Gyeongju.   Schedule Seoul departure - Gyeongju Cherry Tour【TKGJ-C1D 】 ※Only available on April 1,2,3,4,5 *Joint Tour-Minimum 6 persons  ※Cancellation policy： non-refundable 1. 06:00：Pick up at Hongdae Station Exit 3 (홍대역3번출구미팅)  2. 06:30：Pick up at Myeongdong Exit 3 (명동역3번출구미팅)  3. 11:00 - 12:00 : Bulguksa Temple (불국사)     Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world. 4. 12:30 - 13:30 : Cheomseongdae / Daereungwon Tomb Complex (첨성대 / 대릉원)     ▶Cheomseongdae Observatory Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (632-647), it was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather. ▶Daereungwon Tomb Complex Large ancient tombs of kings and nobles of the Silla Kingdom can be seen around Gyeongju at the Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Cheonmachong Tomb). There are twenty-three large tombs located here; the most famous being Cheonmachong and Hwangnamdaechong. 5. 13:30 - 14:30 : Lunch (Not provided) (점심 자유식) 6. 15:00 - 16:00 : Bomunho Lake (보문호)      Bomunho Lake is a man-made lake 1,652,900m² in size. It was built on the site of an old fortress in Mount Myeonghwalsan in the east of Gyeongju in accordance with the Gyeongju Bomun Tourist Resort development plan. There are many leisure facilities and parks around the lake, including an international hotel and Gyeongju World. Bomun Lake is very popular among bikers and walkers. 7. 20:00 : Drop off at Myeongdong Station Exit 3 (명동역3번출구하차) ※Cancellation policy： non-refundable ★Included 1. Admission tickets 3. Driver tips  4. Fuel / parking fee ★Not included 1. Personal expenses 2. Travel insurance 3. Meal fee  

The tomb of General Kim Yusin (595-673) is Historic Site No. 21. It is located in a scenic area thick with pine trees, on the eastern hill of Songhwasan Mountain.Known as the Hero of the Silla Kingdom, General Kim Yusin was the great grandson of King Guhae, the last king of the Geumgwan Gaya Dynasty, and the son of Seo Hyeon, a great general of the Silla Kingdom. Yusin joined the Hwarang (aristocratic youth military corps) at 15 and began dreaming of ways to unify the peninsula’s three kingdoms.Kim Yusin gained his political foothold by establishing a strong relationship with nobleman Kim Chunchu and made a name for himself through his valor on the battlefield.When Kim Chunchu eventually succeeded to the throne as the 29th king of the Silla Kingdom (changing his name to King Muyeol), Kim Yusin rose through the ranks and was eventually promoted to the extraordinarily high-ranking position of Sangdaedeung in the year 660 (7th year of King Muyeol’s reign). Kim Yusin then went on to defeat the Baekje Kingdom in cooperation with the Tang Dynasty, also later conquering the Goguryeo Kingdom in the year 668.The Tang Dynasty turned against Silla after the collapse of Goguryeo, but was defeated by Kim Yusin’s army in cooperation with the armies of Goguryeo and Baekje. With the fall of the Tang, Kim Yusin finally realized his dream of unifying the three kingdoms and was appointed the highest government post in Silla in honor of his heroic achievement.The tomb of General Kim Yusin is a large tomb measuring roughly 30m in diameter. The relief carvings of 12 Oriental zodiac gods (half man, half animal) stand guard around the tomb, brandishing weapons. The elaborately decorated tomb is second in grandeur only to those of royalty, further underscoring Yusin’s major contribution in unifying the three kingdoms.The path to this tomb is also a sight not to be missed. The street leading up to the tomb is called Heungmu-ro, and has been selected as one of the 100 Most Beautiful Streets in Korea. The street is full of cherry blossoms in spring and is famous for being a great place to take a walk or go for a drive.

Daemyung Resort Gyeongju is the fifth Daemyung Resort location in Korea. The Gyeongju location has a total of 417 guestrooms divided into two categories: Royal Suites (51 pyeong each) and Family Suites (42 pyeong each). In addition to being located in the historical city of Gyeongju, the resort has extensive facilities, the most impressive of which is Aqua World. Aqua World is an indoor and outdoor water facility that combines spa systems and treatments with water park amusements (such as an aqua play zone and wave pool). Other amenities at Daemyung Resort Gyeongju include a cafeteria, arcade, Korean restaurant, 500-seat wedding hall, and reception hall perfect for parties and company workshops.

BomunTourist Complex is the international tourist district of Gyeongju. This tourist district is formed with Bomunho Lake at its center, located about 10km east of downtown Gyeongju. The dimensions of the area is 19.38 square km, and it is designated as a spa and special tourist district. It is a total tourist complex that opened in April 1979. At the entrance, the stream from Deokdongho Lake flows in, powering a water mill inside, and flows on to a 12m artificial waterfall.Within the Bomun Tourist Complex are facilities designed in a traditional style such as the tourist center, international conference room, golf resort, shopping mall, and a tourist hotel. It contains many amusement facilities such as a ferry port, Yukbu Village, Seonjae Art Gallery, Bomun Outdoor Performance Hall, drive-in theater, and Gyeongju World. Every year from April to January the following year, traditional Korean music (Gugak) performances are held free of charge at Bomun Outdoor Performance Hall. You can also enjoy the hot spring in the Bomun District. Along the lake is a long walkway with many cherry trees. In April the whole walkway is covered with pink petals of cherry blossoms.

Andong Soju Museum was established in 1995 to promote and hand down the history and cultural characteristics of Andong Soju. The museum mainly displays the origin of Andong soju, the making process, Korean folk alcoholic drinks, the lineage of alcohol, and bottles and cups throughout history. The museum also offers a hands-on program and sampling area. The Traditional Food Museum is connected to Andong Soju Museum, so visitors can learn about traditional food and Andong’s folk dish, as well as traditional patterns of rites of passage.

Hwangnam-style bread was first made by Choi Yeong-hwa in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, in 1939. The Gyeongju Choi family has a rich history of baking and rice cakes with red bean, and has passed on the secrets of their trade from generation to generation. When it came time for Choi Yeong-hwa to learn the family recipe, he added his own special touch, creating the Hwangnam Bread Koreans know and love today. Hwangnam Bread is made using red beans grown in Korea, and is widely recognized across the nation. The handmade artisan bread is made without the use of any artificial sweeteners or preservatives, and boasts a rich flavor with just the right amount of natural sweetness.  

Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world.Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 during the Silla Kingdom, in the 15th year of King Beop-Heung's reign (514-540). The temple was originally called ‘Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple’ or ‘Beopryusa Temple’ and was rebuilt by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774), who started rebuilding the temple in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (r. 742-765) and completed it in 774 during the reign of King Hye-Gong (r. 765-780). Upon completion, the temple’s name was changed to Bulguksa.Bulguksa Temple underwent numerous renovations from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), but was burned down during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598).Reconstruction started again in 1604 during the 37th year of King Seon-jo’s reign (Joseon Dynasty) and was renovated about 40 times until 1805 (during the reign of King Sun-Jo, 1790-1834). After this time, the temple suffered serious damage and was often the target of robbers.In 1969, the Bulguksa Temple Restoration Committee was formed and in 1973, Mulseoljeon, Gwaneumjeon, Birojeon, Gyeongru, and Hoerang (all of which had previously been demolished) were rebuilt. Other old or broken sites (such as Daeungjeon, Geungnakjeon, Beomyeongnu and Jahamun) were repaired.Even today, Bulguksa Temple is home to many important cultural relics such as Dabotap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 20), Seokgatap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 21) Yeonhwa-gyo & Chilbo-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 22), Cheongun-gyo & Baegun-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23), the Golden Seated Vairocana Buddhist Figure (National Treasure No. 26), the Golden Seated Amita Figure (National Treasure No. 27), and Saritap Pagoda (Treasure No. 61).

Mammoth Bakery, serving fresh baked goods for the last 40 years, has been recommanded by Michelin Green Guide South Korea. The most popular items are seasonal pies (strawberry pies and blueberry pies), cream cheese bread, and citron pound cake. Macaroons, morning breads and cakes are also customer favorites.