Situated on a broad plain near South Korea's southeastern coast in North Gyeongsang province, this former capital of the Kingdom of Silla (57 BC–AD 935) is also referred to as "the museum without walls" due its treasure trove of historical artifacts and cultural sights. As it result, it has grown into one of South Korea's premier tourist destinations, with all of the resources and infrastructure that comes with that.
Just half an hour by train from the frenetic hustle of Busan, Gyeongju makes the perfect day trip. The city's scenic, historic core has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can largely be explored on foot, though there are also enough nice hotels, restaurants, and other attractions to keep you there overnight.
