The city where the beauty of day and night coexist, Gyeongju

Walking through a thousand years – A travelogue of Gyeongju Gyeongju is a city where historical relics breathe life, but at night, it reveals a completely different side. During this trip, I visited Gyeongju Tower, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Woljeong Bridge, and the Gyeongju National Museum at night. The illuminated scenery created a resonance distinct from the tranquility of daytime. Gyeongju Tower, despite its name, is not a typical high-rise observation tower. Instead, it is a hollow frame structure inspired by the symbolic cultural heritage of Silla, the nine-story wooden pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple. The night sky visible through its gaps felt like a massive window. Under the lights, its silhouette was highly symbolic and impressive. It’s a place where the focus is more on the structure itself and the atmosphere of the surrounding space rather than its interior. Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are iconic nighttime attractions in Gyeongju. On a dark night, the pavilion lights reflected on the pond were truly enchanting. The image of the building mirrored on the still water was so surreal that it was hard to tell if it was reality or a painting. Whether viewed from afar or up close, each perspective offered its own unique beauty. Woljeong Bridge, with its elegant wooden structure and softly glowing lights, created an atmosphere that seemed to bring Silla’s nighttime scenery to life. The lights reflecting on the gently flowing water beneath the bridge enhanced the charm of a nighttime stroll. Surprisingly, the Gyeongju National Museum, often visited only during the day, also has its own allure at night. After exploring the relics and exhibition halls inside, the exterior remains illuminated, making it perfect for a leisurely walk. Its proximity to Gyeongju Tower naturally connects the itinerary. During the day, I explored the massive tombs of Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Bulguksa Temple, and Hwangnyongsa Temple Site, immersing myself in the thousand-year history of the ancient capital. At night, I encountered another face of Gyeongju, brought to life by lights. A city with different expressions depending on the time of day, Gyeongju is a place to walk slowly and revisit multiple times.