Gyeongju

Known as ‘the museum without walls’ Gyeongju is South Korea’s historical hub. Backed by green, rolling hills it is a lovely city to wander, packed with traditional architecture, complete with colourful roofs and, as the capital of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years, nowhere else in the country has more palaces, pagodas, tombs and temples than here.

The city is centred around a park filled with grassy knolls, called tumuli, which hide old royal tombs, whilst sights including the National Museum and Anapji Pond are close by. Just outside the city you’ll find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bulgaksa Temple, considered a premiere example of Silla architecture and one of South Korea’s most celebrated attractions.