Gyeongju, in the Global Spotlight, Shines Again with the Sentiment of November

From the Success of APEC to Autumn’s Golden Glow
A Season Where Light, Culture, and People Color the International Tourism City

After successfully hosting the 2025 APEC Summit, Gyeongju has taken its first significant steps toward becoming a true "international tourism city" on the global stage.

The city, which once drew the attention of world leaders and the media, is now welcoming tourists as a destination where a thousand years of history blend with the sentiments of autumn.

Hagok-ri Ginkgo Tree. Provided by Gyeongju City

In November, when the crisp air carries a chill but the sunlight still feels warm, Gyeongju is a city that invites you to slow down and savor the passage of time.

Yellow ginkgo trees color the streets, and at night, Daereungwon comes alive through media art installations.

At the Gyeongju National Museum, the brilliant golden crowns of the Silla Kingdom shine once again after a millennium.

Even without extravagance, Gyeongju is once again capturing the hearts of people around the world with the understated yet profound atmosphere of the season.

◆ The Peak of Autumn, Spreading in Golden Waves

The ginkgo tree at Ungok Seowon in Wangsin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, creates a breathtaking golden spectacle every early to mid-November.

This 400-year-old tree, harmonizing with the traditional pavilion Uyeonjeong, creates a tranquil landscape. When the fallen ginkgo leaves cover the courtyard, it becomes a living painting.

The Hagokri Ginkgo Tree at the entrance of Hagok Village in Angang-eup is a guardian tree estimated to be about 300 years old, boasting an impressive height of 22 meters and a circumference of 6.4 meters.

Beneath the golden foliage in November, the pavilion and resting area offer an ideal spot to fully enjoy the leisure of autumn.

Even in the heart of the city, you can feel the serene elegance of the season. The ginkgo tree behind the Gyeongju Cultural Center Local History Museum in Dongbu-dong is over 500 years old and is designated as a monument by North Gyeongsang Province.

Planted during the Joseon Dynasty when the area served as a government office, the moment its yellow leaves blanket the ground, it brings a sense of nostalgia and tranquility to the urban landscape.

Daereungwon Dream Painting. Provided by Gyeongju City

◆ Night Where Light Meets Heritage - 2025 National Heritage Media Art 'Gyeongju Daereungwon'

Running until November 16, the "2025 National Heritage Media Art Gyeongju Daereungwon" festival reinterprets the Silla Ancient Tomb Park with light and art under the theme "Daereungwon Dream Painting: The Gate of a Thousand Years Opens."

The event features a variety of programs, including the media facade performance "Daereungwon Dream Painting," which uses the Hwangnam Daechong burial mound as a massive screen, interactive content along the stone wall path of King Michu's Tomb, and lighting installations along the pine forest trail, transforming Daereungwon into a nighttime fantasy.

Notably, during the event, Cheonmachong-which typically requires an admission fee-will be open to the public free of charge, allowing visitors to experience Silla history more intimately.

On autumn nights, "Daereungwon of Light," where ancient tombs come alive after a thousand years, is captivating tourists from around the world.

◆ Encountering the Splendor of the Golden Kingdom, Silla - Gyeongju National Museum Special Exhibition "Silla Gold Crowns: Power and Prestige"

To commemorate the APEC Summit and the 80th anniversary of the Gyeongju National Museum, this special exhibition marks a historic occasion: for the first time in the 104 years since the Silla gold crowns were first revealed to the world, six crowns are being displayed together in one place.

The exhibition brings together gold crowns and golden belts excavated from Geumgwanchong, Hwangnam Daechong, Cheonmachong, Seobongchong, Geumryeongchong, and Gyodong-artifacts symbolizing the dignity of the Silla royal family. It highlights the essence of Silla artistry through the forms and decorations of the crowns from different periods.

Intricately crafted accessories such as gold earrings, bracelets, and rings from Cheonmachong are also on display, allowing visitors to appreciate the delicate and refined artistry of Silla craftsmen.

This exhibition, presented as an official APEC cultural event to distinguished guests from around the world, will be open to the general public from November 2 to December 14.

◆ Gyeongju, the Starting Point for Journeys to the World

Having regained global attention through the APEC Summit, Gyeongju is now embarking on a new leap forward as a global city where culture and tourism coexist.

With its thousand-year history and the beauty of all four seasons, Gyeongju, together with the warmth and dedication of its citizens, is once again stepping onto the world stage.

Joo Nakyoung, Mayor of Gyeongju, stated, "The success of the APEC Summit is an achievement made possible by the pride of our citizens and marks a new beginning for Gyeongju's future. Going forward, we will widely promote the city’s historical, cultural, and natural attractions to the world and, together with our citizens, continue to grow as an international tourism city."