Gyeongju: Jewel of Silla

Gyeongju is the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Silla, victor of the Three Kingdoms period, which fell during the 10th century CE to the rising Goryeo (pronounced ‘Ko-ryo,’ from which we derive Korea’s western name.) To this day, the grass atop burial mounds housing the remains of Silla’s royalty is kept trimmed and weed-free. Foundations of ruined buildings lay beside trendy hanok-style cafes. Cracked and weather-worn buddhas dot the hills, looking out over the fertile rice paddies.