Gyeongju Eupseong Fortress, a major historical site symbolizing the millennium-old city of Gyeongju since the Silla period, is located in the center of Gyeongju city. While Wolseong was the center in the Silla era, the center shifted to Gyeongju Eupseong after the Goryeo period. It served as the heart of Gyeongju, concentrating administrative, residential, and military functions through the Goryeo and Joseon periods. First built during the Goryeo dynasty, the fortress was repeatedly repaired in the Joseon era, with the current restored form dating from the 21st year of King Yeongjo’s reign (1745). The fortress repaired during Yeongjo’s reign once had a circumference of 2.3 km and featured four gates to the east, west, south, and north. Although all four gates have been lost, the eastern gate, Hyangilmun, was recently restored. In November 2018, the remaining eastern wall stretch of about 100 meters was extended, and the fortress's cheoseong, ongseong, and eastern gate were restored and opened to the public.
Tanhae-wang Tomb is the burial site of the 4th king of Silla, Tanhae-wang (reigned 57–80), located in Dongcheon-dong, Gyeongju. It is surrounded by a pine forest. The tomb’s design is typical but significant as an early Silla royal tomb, especially as the first stone-surnamed royal tomb. The tomb is a round earthen mound 4.5m high and 14.3m in diameter. There are no surrounding facilities, and it is presumed to be a horizontal stone chamber tomb. At the tomb entrance is the shrine Sungsinjeon, dedicated to the king’s memorial rites. Tanhae-wang was the first king with the stone (Seok) surname in Silla, ascending the throne at age 62 and ruling for 24 years. According to legend, the queen of Dapana (or Wanha/Yongseong kingdom), 1,000 ri northeast of Wa-guk, gave birth to a large egg after seven years of pregnancy. Deeming this ominous, the egg was placed in a box and cast into the sea, eventually washing ashore at Ajinpo on the east coast. An old woman opened the egg, found a baby inside, and raised it. Magpies followed the boat, so the surname 'Seok' (昔) was taken by removing the bird radical from the word for magpie (鵲). The child was named Tanhae (脫解), meaning one who came out of a box. Tanhae-wang became the progenitor of the stone-surname and the first stone-surnamed king of Silla.
The Gyeongju Gulbulsa Site Four-Faced Stone Buddha is a Unified Silla period rock Buddha located at the Gulbulsa site in Gyeongju. Approximately 3 meters tall, it is carved on all four sides of a rock, which is why it is called the Four-Faced Stone Buddha. The west side depicts Amitabha Triad Buddha of the Western Pure Land, the east side shows Medicine Buddha of the Lapis Lazuli World, the north side features Maitreya Buddha, and the south side has Shakyamuni Buddha, forming a Buddha facing all four directions. According to the Samguk Yusa, when King Gyeongdeok of Silla visited Baekryulsa Temple, chanting was heard from underground. Upon digging, this rock was found, and the statues were carved on all four sides with a temple built called Gulbulsa. Although this record is not definitive, considering various circumstances, it is estimated the statues were made around this time. The Gulbulsa Site Four-Faced Stone Buddha is distinctive for its three-dimensional expression, the use of concave and convex carvings, and the varied depiction of sitting and standing postures, showing the characteristics of early Unified Silla sculpture with full, soft, and lively craftsmanship.
Baekryulsa Temple, located on the mid-slope of Sogeumgangsan in northern Gyeongju, is a temple dedicated to Lee Chadon, who was martyred to legalize Buddhism during the 14th year of King Beopheung of Silla (527), and is a Buddhist sacred site of Silla. According to the and written during King Heondeok's reign, Lee Chadon was martyred under King Beopheung's command to legalize Buddhism and build a temple; after his beheading, his blood flowed white and a rain of flowers fell, causing strange phenomena. Even officials opposing the legalization of Buddhism were persuaded by this event, and Lee Chadon's wife is said to have built Jachusa where his severed head flew off. Baekryulsa is believed to be this Jachusa mentioned in the records. The Baekryulsa buildings were burned during the Imjin War and rebuilt later; the base retains some Silla-era styles. The gilt-bronze Yaksa Buddha statue once enshrined in the Daeungjeon is believed to have been made around the same time as the gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha statue and gilt-bronze Vairocana Buddha statue of Bulguksa, known as the three great gilt-bronze Buddhas of the Unified Silla period. The gilt-bronze Yaksa Buddha statue and Lee Chadon's stone shrine are preserved at the National Gyeongju Museum.
Located in Hwangseong Park, 'Gyeongju Soccer Park' is a soccer park equipped with six soccer fields and one futsal field, allowing for both youth soccer matches and professional soccer games of various sizes. It consists of six soccer fields (three natural grass, three artificial turf) and one futsal field (artificial turf). Use is possible after completing a reservation through the Gyeongju public service reservation site. With its spacious and ample facilities, it is an ideal place for exercise.
Located behind the Arts Center in Hwangseong Park, Gyeongju Bitnuri Garden is a popular spot for night views in Gyeongju. During the day, visitors can enjoy a walk surrounded by beautiful nature, and at night, various music such as popular songs, traditional Korean music, classical songs, and classical music flows from sound facilities installed along the walking path, allowing visitors to enjoy the night view while listening to music. Behind Bitnuri Garden, there is Sangujeong pavilion and a pond reconstructed based on architectural methods from the Silla period. Additionally, benches are placed throughout, making it a great place to rest while enjoying your favorite scenery.
