- Address: 186 Iljeong-ro, Wolseong-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
- Phone: +82 54-740-7500
- Opening hours: 09: 00-18: 00 (Tue-Fri), 09: 00-21: 00 (Sat), 09: 00-19: 00 (Sun), the weekend ¬- Mon
- Website: gyeongju.museum.go.kr
- Year of foundation: 1945
In the south-east of South Korea , Gyeongju city is one of the largest and most fascinating museums in the country. Because of the fact that once the city served as the capital of the state of Silla, it is this era that is dedicated to its main exposition. The state museum of Gyeongju exhibits artifacts that allow historians and archaeologists to learn more about the development of the civilization of this region of the country.
History of Gyeongju State Museum
Despite the fact that the year of foundation of this museum complex is 1945, its main building was built only in 1968. Before the creation of the Gyeongju State Museum, the entire collection of exhibits belonged to the local Society for the Protection of Historic Places. It was established in 1910. In 1945 the Society became the official branch of the State Museum of South Korea in the city of Gyeongju .
In the early 2000s, a large warehouse was opened on the territory of the complex, in which are now stored mountains of archaeological materials found during excavations in the vicinity of Gyeongju and the province of North Gyeongsang.
Collection of the Gyeongju State Museum
The museum complex consists of several buildings, exhibits in which are divided into the following areas:
- archeology;
- art;
- the historical district of Anapchi;
- hall of special exhibitions.
Each particular collection occupies a separate building, distinguished by a special design. The Gyeongju State Museum also has a section for children in which they can learn about the culture and history of South Korea. If you want, you can visit the following historical sites located in the neighborhood:
- complex of royal tombs;
- forest Kerim ;
- the Chhomsonde Observatory ;
- the Palace of Bannolsone;
- pond Anapchi .
In total, the State Museum of Gyeongju exhibits 3000 artifacts, 16 of which are among the National Treasures of Korea. Among them, special attention deserves a huge bronze bell, also known as the "Divine Bell of the Great Sondok", "bell of Pondox" and "bell Emily". At a height of more than 3 m and a diameter of more than 2 m, the weight of this colossus is 19 tons. The bell occupies the 29th position in the list of National Treasures of Korea.
Many of the exhibits of the Gyeongju State Museum date back to the Silla era, including the royal crowns. Here you can see historical relics that were found during excavations near the Hwannöns temple or raised from the bottom of Anapchi pond. For the convenience of visitors, many artifacts are located directly under the open sky, which is typical for many museums in South Korea .
The significance of the Gyeongju State Museum
The number of historical and archaeological exhibits is so great that most of them remain unattended. The state museum of Gyeongju collected the results of the labors of the research department, which he supported for decades. It was these archaeologists who conducted field research and excavations in the North Gyeongsang Province. Since the mid-90's, their activities have become less active, but this did not prevent the Gyeongju State Museum from becoming a center for the preservation of cultural heritage.
How to get to the Gyeongju State Museum?
The cultural site is located in Gyeongsangbuk-do in the north-west of the city of the same name. Next to it lie the roads IIjeong-ro and Bandal-gil. From the city center to the Gyeongju State Museum can be reached by metro . Approximately 300 meters away is the station Wolseong-dong, which can be reached on routes Nos. 600, 602 and 603. From the station to the museum, 5-10 minutes walk.