Seoul may be the capital of South Korea, but Gyeongju is the cultural and historical hub with the country’s most temples, tombs, Buddhist statuaries and palace ruins than anywhere else within the Republic of Korea. Once the capital of the Shilla dynasty, for nearly 1,000 years and later becoming the capital of the entire Peninsula, Gyeongju acquired a population of around one million people. Thanks to president Park Chung-hee, the city underwent a cultural revival in the 1970s and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the beautiful Anapji Pond and admire the unique landscape, flora, and fauna, introduced during King Munmu’s reign. Witness the marvelous view during sunrise from the Seokguram Grotto, constructed with granite by the rulers of the Silla Dynasty. With so many historic points of interest, Gyeongju is the place for history buffs.