[One Day Walk] 'Moonlight Therapy' in the Thousand-Year-Old Capital... Gyeongju Night View Walking Trail

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The view of Woljeonggyo Bridge in Gyeongju at night. / Photo by Gyeongju City (Gyeongju City Tourism Resource Video Image)

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] Today's walking course is Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Gyeongju, the thousand-year-old capital of Silla, has most of its area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving numerous relics from the Silla period. Besides historic sites like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, there are many tourist spots popular among young people, such as Hwangridan-gil.

The Gyeongju Night View Walking Trail is exactly as its name suggests?a walking course passing through various beautiful nightscapes of Gyeongju after sunset. When darkness falls over the city and the lights turn on, you can fully enjoy Gyeongju’s night views. At the end of the course, you can satisfy your hunger at the night market in Gyeongju Central Market. Take a stroll through Gyeongju under the moonlight along the Night View Walking Trail.

The course begins at Hwangridan-gil, which has emerged as a 'hot place' in Gyeongju. Hwangridan-gil is an alley near Poseok-ro in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, formerly known as 'Hwangnam Big Street.' It preserves old buildings from the 1960s and 70s, allowing visitors to experience the old atmosphere. Moreover, it is home to cafes and restaurants designed in traditional hanok style, attracting young people seeking a 'hip vibe.' There are rooftop cafes where you can sit and enjoy Gyeongju’s sunset leisurely.

Now it’s time to walk and enjoy Gyeongju’s night view in earnest. The first stop is Daereungwon, located not far from Hwangridan-gil. Daereungwon is a site where 23 Silla-era tombs are gathered, covering an area of about 38,000 pyeong (approximately 125,700 square meters). There is a photo zone with magnolia trees and tombs as the backdrop, and taking pictures against the twilight is a unique experience. Daereungwon is open at night until 10 PM daily, allowing ample time to enjoy the night view.

Not far from Daereungwon is Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia. Cheomseongdae, a landmark symbolizing Gyeongju, creates another spectacular scene at night with its ever-changing lighting. The nearby pine forest, Gyerim, also offers beautiful night views and is great for walking.

Next, head to Woljeonggyo Bridge. Woljeonggyo connected Woljeong and Namsan in Gyeongju but was lost during the Joseon Dynasty. Restoration work began in 2008, and by 2016, both the bridge and the gatehouse were fully restored. Woljeonggyo is also a representative night view spot in Gyeongju, with the bridge softly illuminated, making it worth admiring. Walking across Woljeonggyo is also recommended.

About a 15-minute walk from Gyerim leads to Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, a site where banquets were held during the Silla period. This place, once a secondary palace of the Silla royal palace, is also listed among the 'Top 100 Night Tourism Spots' selected by the Korea Tourism Organization due to its beautiful night views. Wolji, meaning 'pond reflecting the moon,' has an irregular edge, so you cannot see the entire pond from any single point. Walk around Wolji and enjoy the reflection of Donggung Palace in the pond.

The final course is Gyeongju Central Market. About a 30-minute walk from Donggung Palace and Wolji, this market is a representative traditional market of Gyeongju. The Central Market hosts a night market every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 PM to 11 PM, so there is no worry about visiting late after enjoying the night views. You can satisfy your hunger from walking exercise with the night market’s street food. The market’s generous hospitality is a bonus.