Travel Destinations: Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
South Korea is fast becoming a popular travel destination with travellers. With its beautiful scenery, majestic temples and fantastic shopping opportunities, it is little wonder thousands of us travel to this beautiful country. Seoul is the first stop for many travellers, but Gyeongsangbuk-do offers many great sights to see.
Gyeongsangbuk-do was spared the damaged other areas suffered during the Korean War and even today it still retains that olde worlde feel.
Places to see in Gyeongsangbuk-do:
Daegu –
Around 20 km north of Daegu, the Palgongsan Provincial Park is a must see. Spreading, mountainous and utterly breathtaking, it is known as ‘mountain of the eight meritorious officers’. It was given its name at the end of the Silla period when eight generals saved the founding Goryeo kingdom’s king, Wang-Geon.
In the park, the medicinal Buddha is the national treasure and is located about 850m above sea level. Famous for its flat stone ‘hat’ hovering above his head and with the thick incense and mountainous mists, visiting the Buddha is almost a spiritual experience.
Gyeongju –
This city is known as ‘the museum without walls’ and holds more tombs, rock carvings, pagodas, Buddhist iconography, temples, palace ruins and gardens than any other city.
The Noseo-dong Tombs should be on the list. Located in Noseo-dong district, the Seobongchong and Geumgwanchong are tombs build adjacent between the fourth and fifth centuries CE. They were discovered in the 1920’s and are a popular area for visitors.
Anapji Pond can be found across the main road, Wolseongno, and was commissioned by King Munmu in 674 CE. He had then constructed as a pleasure garden to celebrate the unification of the Korean peninsula during the Shilla period. Although many of the buildings have disappeared, the pond has been refilled and a popular area for couples when taking their pre-wedding photos.
Pohang –
Bogyeongsa temple, around 30km north of Pohang, is a wonderful sight to see. Boasting 12 waterfalls, gorges spanned by bridges, hermitages, stupas and the temple as well, makes for a breathtaking moment for the traveller. Tourists can take one of the many hiking routes, including ascending Naeyeonsan. The summit is called Hyangnobong and a return trip from Bogyeongsa will take around six hours. Travellers will find that the summit hike should only be attempted by those who arrive early.
Andong –
There are many places for a traveller to visit in Andong, located roughly in the middle of Gyeongsangbuk-do. It is quiet, peaceful and holds its traditional characters. The town is famous for its mackerel, the strong soju and the beautiful wooden masks.
The Andong folk village and folklore museum is located on a hillside, about 40 minutes walk from the city centre. The folk village was created in such as realistic manner that it has been used by the KBS TV network for historical dramas.
Next door is the Andong Folklore Museum where visitors can see the fascinating displays of Korean traditions, from birth to death.
There are many other different cities, towns and villages tourists can explore whilst in Gyeongsangbuk-do, and endless sights and tours one can experience. Nature lovers, history and archaeological lovers and adventurer lovers can each find their ideal experiences in this beautiful and fascinating part of South Korea.
Written by Lysianassa