Hyemin Lee (Illustration by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea)

Known as the “museum without walls,” Gyeongju is one of Korea’s most historically rich cities. It was the capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.–935 A.D.), which once unified the Korean Peninsula during ancient times. The city is full of royal tombs, ancient temples, palace ruins, and stone pagodas. Many historic sites including Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Gyeongju also is even more beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. 

(Illustration by Stripes Korea)