:Gyeongju

{{Main|History of Gyeongju}}The early history of Gyeongju is closely tied to that of the Silla kingdom, of which it was the capital. Gyeongju first enters non-Korean records as Saro-guk, during the Samhan period. Korean records, probably based on the dynastic chronicles of Silla, record that Saro-guk was established in 57 BCE, when six small villages in the Gyeongju area united under Bak Hyeokgeose. As the kingdom expanded, it changed its name to Silla.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=284393&v=42 |script-title=ko:신라 (新羅) |trans-title=Silla |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054427/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=284393&v=42 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} During the Silla period, the city was called "Seorabeol" (this toponym would eventually evolve into a Korean word for "capital city" as in Seoul),{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008022 |script-title=ko:경주시의 역사 |trans-title=History of Gyeongju |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054335/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008022 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} "Gyerim" (lit. Rooster's forest), or "Geumseong" (lit. City of Gold or Metal i.e. Impenetrable Fortress).Lee, Ki-baek, (1984), p.78

After the unification of the peninsula up to Taedong RiverRobinson et al. 2007. p.26 in 668 AD, Gyeongju became the center of Korean political and cultural life.Robinson et al. 2007. p.28 The city was home to the Silla court and the great majority of the kingdom's elite. Its prosperity became legendary, and was reported as far away as Persia according to the 9th century book The Book of Roads and Kingdoms.{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pjklDwAAQBAJ&q=persians+in+gyeongju&pg=PA64|title=Gyeongju: The Capital of Golden Silla|author=Milledge Nelson|first=Sarah|date=17 February 2017|publisher=Taylor & Francis |access-date=2018-04-24|isbn=9781317237938|language=en}} The historical text Samguk yusa give the city's population in its peak period{{When|date=August 2023}} as 178,936 households, suggesting that the total population was almost one million.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfm.go.kr/exhi/e2_1kor_02.jsp |script-title=ko:제 1전시 한민족 생활사 |trans-title=Exhibition Hall 1, History of Korean People |publisher=National Museum of Korea |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019024528/http://www.nfm.go.kr/exhi/e2_1kor_02.jsp |archive-date=2015-10-19 }}Breen (1999), p.82{{Cite episode |url=http://www.kbs.co.kr/history_old/review_txt/981219.txt |series=역사스페셜 (History Special) |series-no=9 |transcript=Transcript |transcript-url=http://cgi.kbs.co.kr/cgi/ram/hisspecial/981128.rm |script-title=ko:신라의 왕궁은 어디에 있었나? |trans-title=Where was the royal palace of Silla? |network=KBS |location=Seoul, South Korea |credits=Presenters: Yu In-chon |station=KBS 1TV |airdate=1998-12-19 |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804025759/http://www.kbs.co.kr/history_old/review_txt/981219.txt |archive-date=2012-08-04 |url-status=dead }} Many of Gyeongju's most famous sites date from this Unified Silla period, which ended in the beginning of 10th century by Goryeo (918–1392).File:King Kyungsoon of Silla 2.jpg (r. 927–935). After his surrender to King Taejo, Gyeongju lost its status as capital city.]]

In 940, the founder of Goryeo, King Taejo, changed the city's name to "Gyeongju",Kim, Chang-hyun, (2008), pp.1–6 which literally means "Congratulatory district".{{cite web|url=http://handic.nate.com/dicsearch/view.html?o=2&i=1026494 |script-title=ko:慶州 경주 |trans-title=Gyeongju |publisher=Nate Hanja Dictionary |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714155140/http://handic.nate.com/dicsearch/view.html?o=2&i=1026494 |archive-date=2011-07-14 }} In 987, as Goryeo introduced a system in which three additional capitals were established in politically important provinces outside Gaegyeong (nowadays Kaesong), and Gyeongju was designated as "Donggyeong" ("East Capital"). However, that title was removed in 1012, the third year of King Hyeongjong's reign, due to political rivalries at that time,Lee, (1984), pp. 115–116 though Gyeongju was later made the seat of Yeongnam Province. It had jurisdiction over a wide area, including much of central eastern Yeongnam, although this area was greatly reduced in the 13th century. Under the subsequent Joseon (1392–1910) dynasties, Gyeongju was no longer of national importance, but remained a regional center of influence. In 1601, the city ceased to be the provincial capital.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rLKXBAAAQBAJ&q=gyeongju+1601+provincial+capital&pg=PT301|title=Michelin Green Guide South Korea|date=January 2012|isbn=9782067182554|language=en|access-date=2018-04-24|author1=Michelin|publisher=Michelin Travel & Lifestyle }}

Over these centuries, the city suffered numerous assaults. In the 13th century, Mongol forces destroyed a nine-story wooden pagoda at Hwangnyongsa.Lee (1984), p. 149. During the Japanese invasions of Korea, the Gyeongju area became a heated battlefield, and Japanese forces burned the wooden structures at Bulguksa.Lee (1984), p. 214.{{cite news|author=Cole, Teresa Levonian |date=2003-10-11 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2003/oct/11/southkorea.guardiansaturdaytravelsection?page=2 |title=My brilliant Korea |work=The Guardian |access-date=2009-09-15}} Not all damage was due to invasions, however. In the early Joseon period, a great deal of damage was done to Buddhist sculptures on Namsan by Neo-Confucian radicals, who hacked arms and heads off statuary.Kookmin University (2004), p. 27.

In the 20th century, the city remained relatively small, no longer ranking among the major cities of Korea.{{cite web|date=2006-03-29 |url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/korean/culturenlife/culturenlife_tour_detail.htm?No=1109 |script-title=ko:경주의 이야기꾼, 김동리 |trans-title=Gyeongju's storyteller, Kim Dong-ni |publisher=KBS |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030025652/http://world.kbs.co.kr/korean/culturenlife/culturenlife_tour_detail.htm?No=1109 |archive-date=October 30, 2010 }} During the early 20th century, many archaeological excavations were conducted, particularly inside the tombs which had remained largely intact over the centuries.{{cite news|author=Lee, Kyong-hee |date=2009-07-22 |url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2907709 |title=Ancient Silla armor comes to light|publisher= JoongAng Daily |access-date=2009-09-15}} A museum, the forerunner of the present-day Gyeongju National Museum, was inaugurated in 1915 to exhibit the excavated artifacts.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=285685&v=43 |script-title=ko:국립경주박물관 (國立慶州博物館) |trans-title=Gyeongju National Museum |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054458/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=285685&v=43 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}

Gyeongju emerged as a railroad junction in the later years of the Japanese occupation, as the Donghae Nambu Line and Jungang line were established in preparation for the Second Sino-Japanese War and to exploit the rich resources of the eastern part of the Korean peninsula.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=256250&v=44 |script-title=ko:동해남부선 (東海南部線) |trans-title=Donaghae Nambu Line |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054629/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=256250&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=257442&v=42 |script-title=ko:중앙선 (中央線) |trans-title=Donaghae Nambu Line |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054750/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=257442&v=42 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} Following liberation in 1945, Korea was plunged into turmoil, and Gyeongju was no exception. Returnees from abroad were numerous; a village for them was constructed in present-day Dongcheon-dong.{{cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Soyoung |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mpanKmU_ckYC&q=Dongcheon-dong&pg=PA16 |title=Silla: Korea's Golden Kingdom |last2=Leidy |first2=Denise Patry |year=2013 |publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art |isbn=9781588395023 |language=en |author-link=Soyoung Lee}} In a period marked by widespread conflict and unrest, the Gyeongju area became particularly notorious for the level of guerrilla activity in the mountains.Cumings, (1997), p.244.

Despite the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, most of Gyeongju was spared from the fighting, and remained under South Korean control throughout the conflict. However, for a brief time in late 1950 portions of the city stood on the front lines, as North Korean forces pushed the Pusan Perimeter southward from Pohang.Cumings, (1997), p.275.

In the 1970s, Korea saw substantial industrial development, much of it centered in the Yeongnam region of which Gyeongju is a part.{{cite journal|url=http://www.ekoreajournal.net/upload/html/HTML4414.html |author=Lee, Sungkyun |title=Economic Change and Regional Development Disparities in the 1990s in Korea |journal=Korea Journal |date=Spring 2004 |volume=44 |issue=1 |pages=75–102 |access-date=2009-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614035041/http://www.ekoreajournal.net/upload/html/HTML4414.html |archive-date=June 14, 2011 }}{{cite journal|url=http://www.ekoreajournal.net/upload/html/HTML4323.html |author=Kim, Won Bae |title=The Evolution of Regional Economic Disparities in Korea |journal=Korea Journal |date=Summer 2003 |volume=43 |issue=2 |pages=55–80 |access-date=2009-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614035108/http://www.ekoreajournal.net/upload/html/HTML4323.html |archive-date=June 14, 2011 }} The POSCO steel mill in neighboring Pohang commenced operations in 1973,Sundaram, (2003), p.58 and the chemical manufacturing complex in Ulsan emerged in the same year.Cherry, (2001) p.41 These developments helped to support the emergence of Gyeongju's manufacturing sector.

File:Korea-Gyeongju-Seokguram-13.jpg grotto on the slopes of TohamsanKang and Lee (2006), p.59]]

Gyeongju lies in the southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang Province, and is bounded by the metropolitan city of Ulsan on the south. Within the province, its neighbors include Pohang on the north, Cheongdo County on the southwest, and Yeongcheon on the northwest. Gyeongju is located about {{convert|50|km|mi|sp=us}} north of Busan. To the east, it has no neighbor but the sea.

Most of Gyeongju lies in the Gyeongsang Basin, but a few areas of the city belong to the Pohang Basin, such as Eoil-ri and Beomgok-ri in Yangbuk-myeon, and part of Cheonbuk-myeon. The Gyeongsang Basin areas consist of Bulguksa intrusive rock penetrating layers of sedimentary rocks, mainly granite and porphyry. By contrast, the Pohang Basin areas are made up of stratum that formed in the Tertiary period of the Cenozoic era, which consists of igneous rock, aqueous rock, porphyry, sandstone, and tuff.{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=11233&contentno=11233 |title=경주시 Gyeongju-si 慶州市 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-08 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Low mountains are widespread throughout Gyeongju. The highest of these are the Taebaek Mountains, which run along the city's western border. Gyeongju's highest point, Munboksan ({{Korean|hangul=문복산|labels=no}}), is {{convert|1015|m|ft|sp=us}} above sea level. This peak lies in Sannae-myeon, on the border with Cheongdo.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=237482&v=43 |script-title=ko:문복산 (文福山) |trans-title=Munbok Mountain (Munboksan) |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054032/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=237482&v=43 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} East of the Taebaek range, other western peaks such as Danseok Mountain lie within the Jusa subrange.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=234633 |script-title=ko:경주부산성 (慶州富山城) |trans-title=Gyeongju Busanseong |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054221/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=234633 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} The city's eastern peaks, including Tohamsan, belong to the Haean Mountains and Dongdae Mountains.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=244809&v=44 |script-title=ko:토함산 (吐含山 ) |trans-title=Toham Mountain (Tohamsan) |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054236/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=244809&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=109267&contentno=109267 |script-title=ko:양북면 Yangbuk-myeon 陽北面 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-05 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

File:Korea-Gyeongju-Map of mountains and drainage-02.png

Gyeongju's drainage patterns are shaped by these lines of mountains. The Dongdae Mountains divide a narrow foothills area on their east, and various internal river systems to the west. Most of the city's interior is drained by the small Hyeongsan River, which flows north from Ulsan and meets the sea at Pohang Harbor. The Hyeongsan's chief tributaries include the Bukcheon and Namcheon, which join it in Gyeongju Basin.

The southwestern corner of Gyeongju, on the far side of the Taebaek range, drains into the Geumho River, which then flows into the Nakdong. A small area of the south, just west of the Dongdae range, drains into the Taehwa River, which flows into the Bay of Ulsan.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=244800 |script-title=ko:태화강 (太和江) |trans-title=Taehwa River |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054300/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=244800 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=247864 |script-title=ko:형산강지구대 (兄山江地溝帶) |trans-title=Hyeongsan River Rift Valley |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054318/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=247864 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}

The Gyeongju coastline runs for {{convert|36.1|km|mi|sp=us}} between Pohang in the north and Ulsan in the south.{{cite web |url=http://gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/2.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5iEKQTnlY?url=http://gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-07-13 |script-title=ko:2008년도 경주시 통계연보 : 2.토지 및 기후 |trans-title=Statistical yearbook of Gyeongju 2008 : 2. Land and weather |publisher=Gyeongju City |date=August 2008 |access-date=2009-07-13 }} There are no islands or large bays, only the small indentations made by the small streams flowing off the Dongdae ridgeline. Because of this, the city has no significant ports, though there are 12 small harbors.{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/industry/agriculture/info.asp?main=5&sub=1&cor=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613162052/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/industry/agriculture/info.asp?main=5&sub=1&cor=5|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-06-13|work=Gyeongju City website|script-title=ko:농축수산 |trans-title=Agriculture, Livestock industry, and Fisheries |access-date=2009-07-07 |language=ko}} One such harbor in Gyeongju's southeast corner is home to the Ulsan base of the National Maritime Police. This base is responsible for security over a wide area of South Korea's east-central coast.{{cite web|url=http://coast.kcg.go.kr/english/intro/greet.asp |title=Greeting |publisher=The National Maritime Police |access-date=2009-08-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328044837/http://coast.kcg.go.kr/english/intro/greet.asp |archive-date=March 28, 2009 }}{{cite web|author=Lee, Gil-Beom |date=2009-03-09|url=http://coast.kcg.go.kr/english/sea/diff_send.asp |title=Main Operations |publisher=The National Maritime Police|access-date=2009-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621224746/http://coast.kcg.go.kr/english/sea/diff_send.asp |archive-date=2009-06-21}}{{cite web|url=http://ulsan.kcg.go.kr/intro/intro.asp |script-title=ko:경찰서소개 |trans-title=Introduction of the police |publisher=Ulsan Coast Guard, Korea |access-date=2009-08-05 |quote={{lang|ko|울산광역시 북구 신명동으로부터 부산광역시 기장군 공수리까지 해안선과 어업자원보호선을 연결한 해역}} |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050207121709/http://ulsan.kcg.go.kr/intro/intro.asp |archive-date=February 7, 2005 }}

Gyeongju has a cooler version of a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa). Due to its coastal location, Gyeongju has a slightly milder climate than the more inland regions of Korea. In general, however, the city's climate is typical of South Korea. It has hot summers and cool winters, with a monsoon season between late June and early August. As on the rest of Korea's east coast, autumn typhoons are not uncommon. The average annual rainfall is {{convert|1091|mm|in|sp=us|1}}, and the average annual high temperatures range from {{convert|8.6|-|31.1|°C|°F|0}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inFrame.asp?how_chk=&hdnPage=&Kwa01Code=&s_sy=&s_sm=&s_ey=&s_em=&SearchType=&SearchString=&reqNum=&vDiscrNo=&name=&result=&discrHash=&PCODE=A0105&main=1&sub=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613162102/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inFrame.asp?how_chk=&hdnPage=&Kwa01Code=&s_sy=&s_sm=&s_ey=&s_em=&SearchType=&SearchString=&reqNum=&vDiscrNo=&name=&result=&discrHash=&PCODE=A0105&main=1&sub=5 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-06-13 |publisher=Gyeongju City website|script-title=ko:위치와 자연지리 |trans-title=Location and geography |access-date=2009-07-13 |language=ko}}

Gyeongju's historic city center lies on the banks of the Hyeongsan in Gyeongju Basin. This low-lying area has been subject to repeated flooding throughout recorded history, often as a result of typhoons. On average, chronicles report a major flood every 27.9 years, beginning in the 1st century.Kang (2002), p. 6. Modern flood control mechanisms brought about a dramatic reduction in flooding in the later 20th century. The last major flood occurred in 1991, when the Deokdong Lake reservoir overflowed due to Typhoon Gladys.Kang (2002), p. 5.

{{Weather box

| location = Gyeongju (2011–2020 normals, extremes 2010–present)

| metric first = Y

| single line = Y

| Jan record high C = 16.8

| Feb record high C = 24.2

| Mar record high C = 26.6

| Apr record high C = 32.5

| May record high C = 36.2

| Jun record high C = 36.5

| Jul record high C = 39.7

| Aug record high C = 39.8

| Sep record high C = 35.1

| Oct record high C = 31.5

| Nov record high C = 29.4

| Dec record high C = 19.3

| year record high C = 39.8

| Jan high C = 5.9

| Feb high C = 8.4

| Mar high C = 14.4

| Apr high C = 19.7

| May high C = 25.7

| Jun high C = 27.7

| Jul high C = 30.6

| Aug high C = 31.4

| Sep high C = 26.2

| Oct high C = 21.6

| Nov high C = 15.3

| Dec high C = 7.7

| year high C = 19.6

| Jan mean C = 0.3

| Feb mean C = 2.3

| Mar mean C = 7.4

| Apr mean C = 12.7

| May mean C = 18.4

| Jun mean C = 21.9

| Jul mean C = 25.4

| Aug mean C = 25.9

| Sep mean C = 20.5

| Oct mean C = 14.8

| Nov mean C = 8.7

| Dec mean C = 1.9

| year mean C = 13.4

| Jan low C = -4.7

| Feb low C = -3.1

| Mar low C = 1.0

| Apr low C = 6.0

| May low C = 11.7

| Jun low C = 17.0

| Jul low C = 21.4

| Aug low C = 21.9

| Sep low C = 16.2

| Oct low C = 9.3

| Nov low C = 3.0

| Dec low C = -3.2

| year low C = 8.0

| Jan record low C = -14.7

| Feb record low C = -13.4

| Mar record low C = -6.6

| Apr record low C = -3.0

| May record low C = 1.9

| Jun record low C = 10.2

| Jul record low C = 14.9

| Aug record low C = 14.0

| Sep record low C = 7.0

| Oct record low C = -0.6

| Nov record low C = -6.6

| Dec record low C = -11.7

| year record low C = -14.7

| precipitation colour = green

| Jan precipitation mm = 32.2

| Feb precipitation mm = 30.8

| Mar precipitation mm = 59.7

| Apr precipitation mm = 96.1

| May precipitation mm = 55.3

| Jun precipitation mm = 100.6

| Jul precipitation mm = 190.1

| Aug precipitation mm = 191.9

| Sep precipitation mm = 194.1

| Oct precipitation mm = 108.2

| Nov precipitation mm = 37.8

| Dec precipitation mm = 24.4

| year precipitation mm = 1121.2

| unit precipitation days = 0.1 mm

| Jan precipitation days = 5.1

| Feb precipitation days = 6.8

| Mar precipitation days = 7.6

| Apr precipitation days = 9.8

| May precipitation days = 7.7

| Jun precipitation days = 9.6

| Jul precipitation days = 12.8

| Aug precipitation days = 13.7

| Sep precipitation days = 12.2

| Oct precipitation days = 6.7

| Nov precipitation days = 6.8

| Dec precipitation days = 5.4

| year precipitation days =

| Jan humidity = 52.6

| Feb humidity = 56.7

| Mar humidity = 58.3

| Apr humidity = 60.3

| May humidity = 63.5

| Jun humidity = 72.6

| Jul humidity = 78.4

| Aug humidity = 79.8

| Sep humidity = 81.3

| Oct humidity = 75.1

| Nov humidity = 67.5

| Dec humidity = 56.3

| year humidity = 66.9

| Jan sun = 197.2

| Feb sun = 179.1

| Mar sun = 226.7

| Apr sun = 218.8

| May sun = 240.0

| Jun sun = 182.1

| Jul sun = 162.9

| Aug sun = 180.9

| Sep sun = 147.5

| Oct sun = 178.5

| Nov sun = 161.8

| Dec sun = 186.2

| year sun = 2261.7

| source = Korea Meteorological Administration

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220129211110/https://data.kma.go.kr/resources/normals/pdf_data/korea_pdf_0106_v2.pdf

| archive-date = 29 January 2022

| url = https://data.kma.go.kr/resources/normals/pdf_data/korea_pdf_0106_v2.pdf

| title = Climatological Normals of Korea (1991 ~ 2020)

| publisher = Korea Meteorological Administration

| access-date = 7 June 2023

| language = ko}}

{{cite web

| url = https://data.kma.go.kr/climate/extremum/selectExtremumList.do?pgmNo=103

| publisher = Korea Meteorological Administration

| access-date = 4 April 2022

| script-title = ko:순위값 - 구역별조회

| language = ko}}

}}

File:Korea-Gyeongju-City Hall.jpg]]

The executive branch of the government is headed by a mayor and vice-mayor. As in other South Korean cities and counties, the mayor is elected directly, while the vice-mayor is appointed.{{cite news|author=Kim, Gyeong-uk (김경욱) |url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/specialsection/newspickup_section/356260.html |script-title=ko:이름모를 90명 '부시장은 외로워' |trans-title=Nameless 90 people 'Vice-mayors are lonely'|publisher=The Hankyoreh |quote={{lang|ko|부시장은 시장의 제청으로 행정안전부 장관을 거쳐 대통령이 임명한다}}. |date=2009-05-22 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}} As of 2019, the mayor is Joo Nak-young, who was elected on June 13, 2018, in the local elections.{{cite news|url=http://www.anewsa.com/detail.php?number=111894 |title=Asia News Agency |publisher=anewsa.com|date=2010-07-01 |author=Choe Chang-ho (최창호)}}{{cite news |date=2010-06-07 |url=http://www.srbsm.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=15320 |script-title=ko:최양식 당선자는? |trans-title=Who is the electee, Choe Yang-sik? |publisher=Seorabeol Sinmun |language=ko |access-date=2010-08-22 |author=Kim, Jong-deuk (김종득) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008164224/http://www.srbsm.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=15320 |archive-date=2011-10-08 }} He is Gyeongju's fifth mayor to be directly elected, the sixth to preside over the city in its present form, and the 31st mayor since 1955.{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/mayor/open_content/sub.jsp?menuIdx=3838 |script-title=ko:역대시장 |trans-title=Mayor of many generation |publisher=Gyeongju City Cyber Mayor room |language=ko |access-date=2010-08-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613161758/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/mayor/open_content/sub.jsp?menuIdx=3838 |archive-date=2011-06-13 }} Like most heads of government in the Yeongnam region, he is a member of the conservative Liberty Korea Party.{{cite web |author=AFP / Yonhap |date=2009-04-29 |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/425688/1/.html |title=South Korea by-elections to test Lee's government |publisher=Channel News Asia |access-date=2009-09-16 |archive-date=2009-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430102756/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/425688/1/.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |author1=Gwon, Gyeong-an (권경안) |author2=Im, Min-hyeok (임민혁) |date=2006-05-15 |url=http://www.chosun.com/politics/news/200605/200605150023.html |script-title=ko:관심쏠린 3대 접전지 |trans-title=The three heated places getting attention |publisher=The Chosun Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612022247/http://www.chosun.com/politics/news/200605/200605150023.html |archive-date=2011-06-12 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|author=Lee, Ji-yun|author2=Park, Jae-han |date=2005-04-07 |url=http://www.pressian.com/article/article.asp?article_num=40050407170036§ion=01 |script-title=ko:우리-한나라, "재보선 6곳중 4곳 건지겠다" |trans-title=Uri Party-Grand National Party, "Shall win at 4 of the 6 districts up for by-election" |quote={{lang|ko|한나라당에선 전통적인 영남정서를 이유로 양측 모두 박빙의 우세를 점치고 있다}}.|language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}

The legislative branch consists of the Gyeongju City Council, with 21 members as of 2009.{{cite web|url=http://kjcl.council.or.kr/source/eng/sub2/sub2_2.html |title=Set-up of the Countcil/Organization of the Council |publisher=Gyeongju City Council |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105192437/http://kjcl.council.or.kr/source/eng/sub2/sub2_2.html |archive-date=2012-01-05 }}{{cite news|date=2009-07-27 |url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2009/07/08/0302000000AKR20090708130700053.HTML |script-title=ko:경주시의회 방폐장 집회두고 '시끌' |trans-title=Gyeongju City Council disputing before the meeting for the nuclear waste disposal facility) |publisher=Yonhap News |quote={{lang|ko|전체 시의원 21명}}|language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}} The present City Council was formed from the merger of the old Gyeongju City Council with the Wolseong County Council in 1991. Most subdivisions of Gyeongju elect a single member to represent them in the council, but Angang-eup is represented by two members because of its large population, and two of the representatives serve combined districts composed of two dong. Like the mayor, the council members were last elected in 2006, except for a small number elected in more recent by-elections.

The central administration is composed of a City Council committee, five departments, two subsidiary organs, a chamber (the auditor), and six business offices. The five departments are the Departments of Planning and Culture, Autonomous Administration, Industry and Environment, Construction and Public Works, and the National Enterprise Committee; these oversee a total of 29 subdivisions. The two subsidiary organs are the Health Care Center and Agro-technology Center; these belong directly to the central administration and have a total of 4 subdivisions. In addition, there are 23 local administrative subdivisions. Each of these subdivisions has a local office with a small administrative staff.{{cite web|date=2009-05-12 |url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inFrame.asp?how_chk=&hdnPage=&Kwa01Code=&s_sy=&s_sm=&s_ey=&s_em=&SearchType=&SearchString=&reqNum=&vDiscrNo=&name=&result=&discrHash=&PCODE=A0201&main=2&sub=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613163325/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inFrame.asp?how_chk=&hdnPage=&Kwa01Code=&s_sy=&s_sm=&s_ey=&s_em=&SearchType=&SearchString=&reqNum=&vDiscrNo=&name=&result=&discrHash=&PCODE=A0201&main=2&sub=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-06-13 |script-title=ko:행정조직 |trans-title=Administrative organization |publisher=Gyeongju City |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}} As of December 2008, the city government employed 1,462 people.{{cite web |url=http://ebook.gyeongju.go.kr/data/2009bef_pdf.zip |script-title=ko:기본현황 |trans-title=Basic status quo |publisher=Gyeongju City |page=7 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

{{Main|Subdivisions of Gyeongju}}

The city is divided into 23 administrative districts: 4 eup, 8 myeon, and 11 dong.{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inboard.asp?PCODE=A0105_01&main=1&sub=2&cor=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613162218/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inboard.asp?PCODE=A0105_01&main=1&sub=2&cor=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-06-13 |script-title=ko:기본현황 |trans-title=Status quo |publisher=Gyeongju City|access-date=2009-09-15|language=ko}}{{cite web|url=http://news.gyeongju.go.kr/section.asp?Section_id=2&news_id=4735&Section_title=&lastho=4&domain=news&t_num=4874&tail=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722140252/http://news.gyeongju.go.kr/section.asp?Section_id=2&news_id=4735&Section_title=&lastho=4&domain=news&t_num=4874&tail=2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-07-22 |script-title=ko:소규모 행정동 통폐합 5일부터 업무개시 |publisher=Gyeongju Sibo |access-date=2009-08-18 |language=ko}} These are the standard subdivisions of cities and counties in South Korea. The dong or neighborhood units occupy the area of the city center, which was formerly occupied by Gyeongju-eup. Eup are typically substantial villages, whereas myeon are more rural.{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inboard.asp?PCODE=A0105_01&main=1&sub=2&cor=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613162218/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inboard.asp?PCODE=A0105_01&main=1&sub=2&cor=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-06-13 |script-title=ko:행정구역 |trans-title=Administrative divisions |date=2007-12-31 |access-date=2009-09-16 |publisher=Gyeongju City |language=ko}}

The city's boundaries and designation changed several times in the 20th century. From 1895 to 1955, the area was known as Gyeongju-gun ("Gyeongju County"). In the first decades of the century, the city center was known as Gyeongju-myeon, signifying a relatively rural rea. In 1931, the downtown area was designated Gyeongju-eup, in recognition of its increasingly urban nature. In 1955, Gyeongju-eup became Gyeongju-si ("Gyeongju City"), the same name as today, but with a much smaller area. The remainder of Gyeongju-gun became "Wolseong County." The county and city were reunited in 1995, creating Gyeongju City as it is today.

|*Figures based on resident registration figures made available by local government offices. For more detailed source information, see Subdivisions of Gyeongju.

|}

When the Silla kingdom reached the peak of its development, Gyeongju was estimated to have a million residents, four times the city's population in 2008. In recent years, Gyeongju has followed the same trends that have affected the rest of South Korea. Like the country as a whole, Gyeongju has seen its population age and the size of families shrink. For instance, the mean household size is 2.8 people. Because this has fallen in recent years, there are more households in the city as of 2008 (105,009) than there were in 2003, even though the population has fallen.{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr//upload/board/2118/2013/1//20130124100421_1.pdf|title=2013 Statistical Report Gyeongju|publisher=Gyeongju City}}

Like most of South Korea's smaller cities, Gyeongju has seen a steady drop in population in recent years. From 2002 to 2008, the city lost 16,557 people.{{cite web|url=http://gyeongju.go.kr/inFrame.asp?how_chk=&hdnPage=&Kwa01Code=&s_sy=&s_sm=&s_ey=&s_em=&SearchType=&SearchString=&reqNum=&vDiscrNo=&name=&result=&discrHash=&PCODE=A0106&main=1&sub=6 |script-title=ko:인구현황|trans-title=Status-quo of the population|publisher=Gyeongju City|access-date=2009-08-02}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} This is primarily due to the migration of workers seeking employment in the major South Korean cities. In 2007, about 1,975 more people moved away from the city each year than moved in.{{cite web |url=http://gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/3.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5ikHjRyuP?url=http://gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/3.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-08-03 |title=11. Internal Migration |publisher=Gyeongju City |access-date=2009-08-02 |work=Statistical yearbook of Gyeongju 2008 |page=105 }} During the same period, births exceeded deaths by roughly 450 per year, a significant number but not enough to offset the losses due to migration.{{cite web |url=http://gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/3.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5ikHjRyuP?url=http://gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/3.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-08-03 |title=10. Vital Statistics |publisher=Gyeongju City |access-date=2009-08-02 |work=Statistical yearbook of Gyeongju 2008 |page=104 }}

Gyeongju has a small but growing population of non-Koreans. In 2007, there were 4,671 foreigners living in Gyeongju. This number corresponds to 1.73% of the total population, more than double the figure from 2003. The growth was largely in immigrants from other Asian countries, many of whom are employed in the automotive parts industry. Countries of origin whose numbers have risen include the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The number of residents from Japan, the United States, and Canada fell significantly in the 2003–2007 period.{{cite web |url=http://gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/3.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5ikHjRyuP?url=http://gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/3.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-08-03 |title=Registered Foreigners by Major Nationality |publisher=Gyeongju City |access-date=2009-08-02 |work=Statistical yearbook of Gyeongju 2008 |page=109 }}

The city has a distinctive dialect which it shares with northern portions of Ulsan. This dialect is similar to the general Gyeongsang dialect, but retains distinctive features of its own. Some linguists have treated the distinctive characteristics of the Gyeongju dialect as vestiges of the Silla language. For instance, the contrast between the local dialect form "{{lang|ko|소내기}}" (sonaegi) and the standard "{{lang|ko|소나기}}" (sonagi, meaning "rainshower") has been seen as reflecting the ancient phonemic character of the Silla language.{{cite journal|author=Yi, Seong-gyu|year=2003 |script-title=ko:문학 작품에 나타난 방언 |trans-title=Dialect appearing in literary works (Munhak jakpum-e natanan bang-eon.) |journal=SAE Gugeo Saenghwal (New Living Korean Language) |issue=4 |url=http://www.korean.go.kr/nkview/nklife/2003_4/13_3.html |access-date=2009-09-15 |language=ko |volume=13}}

File:금관총금관.jpg excavated from Gold Crown Tomb. National Treasures of South Korea No. 87.]]

File:Divine Bell of King Seongdeok.JPG]]

Gyeongju is the main destination in South Korea for visitors interested in the cultural heritage of Silla and the architecture of Joseon. The city has 31 National Treasures, and Gyeongju National Museum houses 16,333 artifacts.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=1010602&v=43 |script-title=ko:경주시의 교육·문화 |trans-title=Education and culture of Gyeongju |publisher=Nate / Britannica |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055909/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=1010602&v=43 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} There are four broad categories of relics and historical sites: tumuli and their artifacts; Buddhist sites and objects; fortresses and palace sites; and ancient architecture. Prehistoric remains including Mumun pottery have been excavated in central Gyeongju, in the Moa-ri and Oya-ri villages of the Cheonbuk-myeon district, and in the Jukdong-ri village of the Oedong district. Dolmens are found in several places, especially in Gangdong-myeon and Moa-ri. Bronze Age relics found in Angye-ri village of Gangdong-myeon, Jukdong-ri and Ipsil-ri villages of Oedong-eup and graveyards in the Joyang-dong district represent the Samhan confederacy period of around the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008023 |script-title=ko:경주시의 유물·유적 |trans-title=Relics and historical sites of Gyeongju |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610062511/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008023 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}

There are 35 royal tombs and 155 tumuli in central Gyeongju, and 421 tumuli in the outskirts of the city.{{cite web |url=http://www.gbtour.net/JSPROOT/CLIENT/htmlContents/view.jsp?Command=&curPage=&searchOrderByCol=HC_VIEW_COUNT&searchAscDesc=DESC&cate_idx=61&hc_idx=1482&styleMode=&styleModeQuery= |script-title=ko:국립공원 |trans-title=National Park |publisher=Gyeongbuk-do province |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-date=2011-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721090748/http://www.gbtour.net/JSPROOT/CLIENT/htmlContents/view.jsp?Command=&curPage=&searchOrderByCol=HC_VIEW_COUNT&searchAscDesc=DESC&cate_idx=61&hc_idx=1482&styleMode=&styleModeQuery= |url-status=dead }} Silla burial mounds built after the period of the Three Kingdoms are found in central Gyeongju, including tumuli in the districts of Noseo-dong, Nodong-dong, Hwangnam-dong, Hwango-dong and Inwang-dong. Western Gyeongju has the tomb of King Muyeol in Seoak-dong, nearby tumuli in Chunghyo-dong and the tomb of Kim Yu-sin. The tombs of Queen Seondeok, King Sinmun, King Hyogong and King Sinmu are at the base of Namsan mountain while the tombs of King Heongang, King Jeonggang, King Gyeongmyeong and King Gyeongae are on the slopes of the mountain. In addition to the tombs, tumuli have been found surrounding Namsan mountain and in the western part of Geumgang mountain. Artifacts excavated from the tombs of Geumgwanchong (gold crown tomb), Seobongchong (western phoenix tomb), Cheonmachong (heavenly horse tomb) and northern and southern parts of Tomb No. 98 are good examples of Silla culture.

{{Category see also|People from Gyeongju}}

File:Yi hae-hyun of 1504.jpg (1287–1367), an early Korean Neo-Confucian scholar, whose bongwan was Gyeongju.|Yi Che-hyŏn (1287–1367)]]

Gyeongju has produced notable individuals throughout its history. As the capital of Silla, Gyeongju was a center of culture in its heyday. Notable Gyeongju residents in the Silla period included most of the kingdom's leading figures, not only rulers but scholars such as Seol Chong and Ch'oe Ch'i-wŏn,Yi, Sŭng-hwan (2005), p.78 & 99{{cite journal|author=Chang, Il-Gyu |year=2003 |language=en, ko |url=http://www.dbpia.co.kr/view/ar_view.asp?arid=1171013 |title=Choi, chi-won's learning and activity in Tang China |publisher= Academy of Korean Studies |journal=Korean Studies Quarterly |volume= 26 |issue=2 |pages=111–133, 292–293 |access-date=2009-09-15}}{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=273976&v=44 |script-title=ko:최치원 崔致遠 |trans-title=Choe Chi-won |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610053824/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=273976&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} and generals like Kim Yu-sin, the leader of the Hwarang warriors.{{cite journal|author=Alain, Burrese |date=June 2000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=is8DAAAAMBAJ&q=%22Kim+Yu-shin%22&pg=PA155 |title=An American Martial Arts Odyssey in Korea |journal= Black Belt |publisher=Active Interest Media, Inc. |page=155 |volume=38 |issue=6 }} The city continued to contribute to traditional Korean thought in subsequent dynasties. Relatives of Ch'oe Ch'i-wŏn such as Ch'oe Ŏn-wi and Ch'oe Hang played an important role in establishing the structures of early Goryeo.Kang and Lee (2006), p.70{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=189272&v=42 |script-title=ko:최언위 崔彦撝 |trans-title=Choe Eon-wui |publisher=Nate / Britannica |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610053853/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=189272&v=42 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} In the Joseon period, Gyeongju joined the rest of Gyeongsang in becoming a hotbed of the conservative Sarim faction. Notable Gyeongju members of this faction included the 15th-century intellectual Yi Ŏnjŏk. He has been enshrined in the Oksan Seowon since 1572.{{cite news|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=279101&v=44 |script-title=ko:이언적 (李彦迪) |trans-title=Yi Eon-jeok |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055323/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=279101&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}{{cite news|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=180007&v=44 |script-title=ko:이언적 (李彦迪) |trans-title=Yi Eon-jeok |publisher=Nate / Britannica |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055455/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=180007&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}{{cite web|url=http://gyeongju.knps.or.kr/eng/visit/visit_7.html |title=Angang area |publisher=Korea National Park |access-date=2009-09-15 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In modern times, the city produced writers such as Kim Dongni and Pak Mok-wol, both of whom did a great deal to popularize the region's culture,Kim & Fulton (1998), pp.107{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=293446&v=42 |script-title=ko:박목월 (朴木月) |trans-title=Park Mok-wol |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055513/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=293446&v=42 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} as well as Choe Jun, a wealthy businessman who established the Yeungnam University Foundation.{{cite news|url=http://www.segye.com/Articles/NEWS/CULTURE/Article.asp?aid=20071228001731&subctg1=&subctg2= |script-title=ko:대한민국통맥풍수 <57·끝>경주 최부잣집과 자기 풍수 |trans-title=Feng Shui of Republic of Korea <57, the finale> Rich Gyeongju Choe family's house and feng shui |publisher=Segye Ilbo |date=December 29, 2009 |author=Lee Gyu-won (이규원)|language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06}}

Some Korean family clans trace their origins to Gyeongju, often to the ruling elites of Silla. For example, the Gyeongju Kim clan claims descent from the rulers of later Silla.{{cite news|date=2006-02-12 |url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2684044 |title=Kim at large |publisher= JoongAngDaily |access-date=2009-08-04}} The {{Ill|Gyeongju Park clan|ko|경주 박씨}} and {{Ill|Gyeongju Seok clans|lt=Gyeongju Seok clans|ko|월성 석씨}} trace their ancestry to Silla's earlier ruling families. These three royal clans played a strong role in preserving the historical precincts of Gyeongju into modern times.Kim (1982), p. 30. The Gyeongju Choi and {{Ill|Gyeongju Lee|lt=Gyeongju Lee clans|ko|경주 이씨}} also trace their ancestry to the Silla elites. Prominent members of the Gyeongju Lee clan include Goryeo period scholar Yi Che-hyŏn, and Joseon period scholars Yi Hwang and Yi Hang-bok. A contemporary notable figure from the Gyeongju Lee clan is Lee Byung-chul, the founder of Samsung Group.{{cite news|author=Han, Jeong-gon (한정곤) |date=2004-07-29 |url=http://www.ilyosisa.co.kr/SUNDAY/SUN_0445/TM_0202.html |script-title=ko:<재벌가 얽히고 설킨 혼맥 24탄> 삼성그룹 |trans-title=The 24th episode, Intricate connections between chaebol families Samsung Group |publisher=Ilyo Sisa |issue=445 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021163531/http://www.ilyosisa.co.kr/SUNDAY/SUN_0445/TM_0202.html |archive-date=2009-10-21 }} However, not all Gyeongju clans date to the Silla period; for instance, the Gyeongju Bing clan was founded in the early Joseon period.{{cite news|url=http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2007050774291&nid=000<ype=1 |script-title=ko:전국 800명 '초미니 가문' "종친어른은 모두 부모님" |trans-title=A total of 800 people nationwide 'The smallest clan' "Seniors of the clan are our parents" |publisher=The Korea Economic Daily |date=2007-05-07 |author=Park, Min-je (박민제) |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726121533/http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2007050774291&nid=000<ype=1 |archive-date=2011-07-26 }}{{cite news|url=http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/society/200601/h2006012610363421950.htm |script-title=ko:姓氏를 말하면 꼭 다시 물어요 |trans-title=People surely questioning again whenever I say my surname |publisher=Hankook Ilbo |date=2006-01-26 |author=Park, Jong-jin (박종진) |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613223723/http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/society/200601/h2006012610363421950.htm |archive-date=2011-06-13 }}

The city remains an important centre of Korean Buddhism. East of the downtown area lies Bulguksa, one of South Korea's largest Buddhist temples; nearby is Seokguram, a famed Buddhist shrine. Traditional prayer locations are found on mountains throughout Gyeongju. Such mountains include Namsan near the city center,Robinson et al. 2007. p.204 Danseok-san and Obong-san in the west, and the low peak of Hyeong-san on the Gyeongju-Pohang border.Kim, 2003, pp. 136–152. Namsan in particular is often referred to as "the sacred mountain" due to the Buddhist shrines and statues which cover its slopes.For example, in the Handbook of Korea 11th ed., p. 656, and in {{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/archive/repcom00.htm#976|title=World Heritage Committee twenty-fourth session|work=UNESCO WHC Archive|date=2005-07-09 |access-date=2009-09-15}} In addition, Gyeongju is the birthplace of Cheondoism, an indigenous religion to Korea based on Korean shamanism, Taoism and Korean Buddhism, with elements drawn from Christianity. The religion evolved from Donghak (lit. East learning) disciplines established by Choe Je-u. His birthplace of Yongdamjeong, located in Hyeongok-myeon, is regarded as a sacred place to followers of Cheondogyo.{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/eng/frame.asp?top=/eng/02/top.asp&left=/eng/02/left.asp&main=/eng/02/07_01.asp |title=North Culture Vicinity |publisher=Gyeongju City |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613163432/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/eng/frame.asp?top=%2Feng%2F02%2Ftop.asp&left=%2Feng%2F02%2Fleft.asp&main=%2Feng%2F02%2F07_01.asp |archive-date=June 13, 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=287947&v=44 |script-title=ko:용담성지 龍潭聖地 |trans-title=Yongdam sacred site |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610062754/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=287947&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}

{{see also|Korean cuisine}}

File:Korean.cuisine-Gyeongju.bread-01.jpg, a local speciality]]

The cuisine of Gyeongju is generally similar to other areas of Gyeongsang Province: spicy and salty.{{cite web |date=2008-03-10 |url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=506799 |title=Regional Flavors in Seoul : Top 3 Restaurants of Gyeongsang-do & Gangwon-do Food |publisher=Korea Tourism Organization |access-date=2009-09-16 |archive-date=2011-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003191052/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=506799 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |date=2008-02-05 |url=http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?gotoPage=1&cid=259623 |title=Korean Food Culture Series - Part 7: Local Foods |publisher=Korea Tourism Organization |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614041150/http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?gotoPage=1&cid=259623 |archive-date=2011-06-14 |url-status=dead }}{{cite journal|author=Lee, Han-yong (이한용) |date=2002-08-30 |url=http://www.daegubank.co.kr/ICSFiles/afieldfile/2006/06/07/p23_04.pdf |script-title=ko:내 고향 맛 지도 - 경주, 영천, 청도 지역 |trans-title=The map of my town's taste - Gyeongju, Yeongcheon, Cheongdo regions |publisher= Daegu Bank |journal=Hyangto wa Munhwa (향토와 문화)|issue=23|pages=23–28 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}} However, it has distinctive tastes according to region and several local specialties known nationwide. The most famous of these is "Gyeongju bread" or "Hwangnam bread", a red-bean pastry first baked in 1939 and now sold throughout the country.{{cite journal|author=Min, Byeong-jun |date=November 2008 |url=http://san.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/10/31/2008103100976_7.html |script-title=ko:(르포라이터 민병준의 향토기행) 경북 경주 |trans-title=(Reporter, Min Byeong-jun's domestic travel sketches) Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province|journal=Monthly Mountain |volume=469|language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}{{cite news|author=Jang, Hui-bok (장희복) |date=2002-03-07 |url=http://www.taxtimes.co.kr/hous01.htm?r_id=44884 |script-title=ko:<모범납세자 프로필-철탑산업훈장> 황남빵 |trans-title=Profile of exemplary tax payer-Iron Pagoda, Order of Industrial Service Merit Hwangnam Bread|publisher=Sejeong Sinmun|language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}} Chalboribbang, made with locally produced glutinous barley, is also a pastry with a filling of red bean paste.{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/SH_EN_7_2_7_2.jsp |title=Gyeongju|publisher= Korea Tourism Organization |access-date=2009-09-15}}{{cite news |date=2007-01-26 |url=http://www.idaegu.co.kr/new_gisa.html?uid=121763&part=loc |script-title=ko:경주 재래시장·특산품 |trans-title=Gyeongju traditional markets·local specialties |publisher=Daegu Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718083403/http://www.idaegu.co.kr/new_gisa.html?uid=121763&part=loc |archive-date=2011-07-18 |url-status=dead }} Local specialties with a somewhat longer pedigree include beopju, a traditional Korean liquor produced by the Gyeongju Choe in Gyo-dong. The brewing skill and distill master were designated as Important Intangible Cultural Properties by South Korea government.{{cite web|url=http://eguide.gj.go.kr/detail_view/Detail_view.jsp?cid=8286&tab=1 |title=Liquor of Gyo-dong in Gyeongju (Local brewing) |publisher=Gyeongju U-Tourism |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722140332/http://eguide.gj.go.kr/detail_view/Detail_view.jsp?cid=8286&tab=1 |archive-date=2011-07-22 }}{{cite web |author=Park, Ji-Young |url=http://skynews.co.kr/article_print.asp?mcd=121&ccd=6&scd=2&ano=124 |title=Drinks of the Ancients |publisher=SkyNews |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928140908/http://skynews.co.kr/article_print.asp?mcd=121&ccd=6&scd=2&ano=124 |archive-date=2007-09-28 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|author=Park, Yeong-chul (박영출) |date=2004-02-04 |url=http://www.munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=2004020401011229031002 |script-title=ko:경주법주-200년된 우물물로 주조 |trans-title=Gyeongju beopju, made with water from a 200 years old well |publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}

File:Korean food-Bibim ssambap and various banchan-01.jpg, a rice dish served with vegetable leaves, various small side dishes and condiments]]

Other local specialties include ssambap, haejangguk, and muk.{{cite journal|author=Lee, Yeon-Jung |year=2006 |url=http://kmbase.medric.or.kr/Main.aspx?d=KMBASE&m=VIEW&i=0665420060210060577 |title=Analysis of Current Use of Local Food of Adults in Gyeongju Classified by Age|journal=한국식생활문화학회지 [Korean Journal of Food Culture]|volume=21 |issue=6 |pages=577–588 |access-date=2009-09-15}} Ssambap refers to a rice dish served with vegetable leaves, various banchan (small side dishes) and condiments such as gochujang (chili pepper paste) or ssamjang (a mixture of soybean paste and gochujang) to wrap them together. Most ssambap restaurants in Gyeongju are gathered in the area of Daenuengwon or Grand Tumuli Park.{{cite web |url=http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309379 |title=Travel Highlights |publisher=Korea Tourism Organization |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614033414/http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309379 |archive-date=2011-06-14 |url-status=dead }} Haejangguk is a kind of soup eaten as a hangover cure, and means "soup to chase a hangover".{{cite news|url=http://english.donga.com/srv/srv.php3?biid=2001012678930&bicode=04t |title=(Gourmet spot) Grandma's Haejangguk house in Yangjae-dong |publisher=The Dong-A Ilbo |date=2001-01-26 |author=Kim, Jae-Chan |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606070954/http://english.donga.com/srv/srv.php3?biid=2001012678930&bicode=04t |archive-date=2011-06-06 }} A street dedicated to haejangguk is located near Gyeongju National Museum, where 20 haejangguk restaurants are gathered to serve the Gyeongju-style haejangguk. The soup is made by boiling soybean sprout, sliced memilmuk (buckwheat starch jelly), sour kimchi (pickled vegetables) and gulfweed in a clear broth of dried anchovy and Alaska pollack.{{cite news|author=Park, Gyeong-il (박경일) |date=2007-04-04 |url=http://www.munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=2007040401032330024004 |script-title=ko:경주 먹을거리 · 즐길거리와 묵을 곳 |trans-title=Something to eat, enjoy, and lodge in Gyeongju| publisher=Munhwa Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}

The east district of Gyeongju, Gampo-eup town, is adjacent to the sea, so fresh seafood and jeotgal (fermented salted seafood) are abundant. There are over 240 seafood restaurants in Gampo Harbor offering various dishes made with seafood caught in the sea, such as hoe (raw fish dishes), jeonboktang (an abalone soup), grilled seafood and others.{{cite news|author=Kim, Hyeon-gwan |date=2005-04-07 |url=http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AIAB&no=7012 |script-title=ko:경주지역 상권 불황 '역대 최고' |trans-title=Recession of the commercial district in Gyeongju is 'worst ever' |publisher=Daegu Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002220016/http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AIAB&no=7012 |archive-date=2011-10-02 }}{{cite news|author=Kim, Hyeon-gwan |date=2005-07-01 |url=http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AKAA&no=139 |script-title=ko:여름 바캉스 경주로 |trans-title=Gyeongju for summer vacation |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002220021/http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AKAA&no=139 |archive-date=2011-10-02 }}{{cite news|author=Park, Jong-hyeon (박종현) |date=2009-02-05 |url=http://www.segye.com/Articles/News/Culture/Article.asp?aid=20090205003511&ctg1=09&ctg2=00&subctg1=09&subctg2=00&cid=0101050900000 |script-title=ko:살살 녹는 대게살...힘이 쑥쑥 전복탕 |trans-title=Crab meat melted in the mouth and jeonboktang giving stamina|publisher= Segye Ilbo|language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15}}

File:Korea-2008 Gyeongju Citizens' Athletics Festival-Track and field-02.jpg

As of 2007, Gyeongju had two stadiums, two gymnasiums, two tennis courts, one swimming pool and others as public sport facilities as well as various registered private sports venues.{{cite web |url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/14.pdf |title=XVI.Education and Culture >21. Sports facilities |publisher=Gyeongju City |page=481 |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914104412/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/14.pdf |archive-date=September 14, 2023 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inboard.asp?PCODE=A0105_03&main=1&sub=2&cor=1 |script-title=ko:문화 |trans-title=Culture |publisher=Gyeongju City |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613163233/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inboard.asp?PCODE=A0105_03&main=1&sub=2&cor=1 |archive-date=June 13, 2011 }} Many of public sport facilities are located in Hwangseong Park with an area of {{convert|1022350|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} including a luxuriant pine trees forest.{{cite web|url=http://www.tour.go.kr/resource/re_reso_popWin.asp?hiddenRes_cd=4713-C-01702 |script-title=ko:황성공원 (隍城公園, Hwangseong park) |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722140524/http://www.tour.go.kr/resource/re_reso_popWin.asp?hiddenRes_cd=4713-C-01702 |archive-date=2011-07-22 }}{{cite news|author=Pak, Jeong-u (박정우) |date=2009-01-16 |url=http://www.dailian.co.kr/area/news/n_view.html?id=12066&page=17&t_name=dg_news&listpage=/area/news/n_list.html&kind=menu_code&keys=2003&idx= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318033754/https://www.dailian.co.kr/area/news/n_view.html?id=12066&page=17&t_name=dg_news&listpage=/area/news/n_list.html&kind=menu_code&keys=2003&idx= |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 18, 2022 |script-title=ko:황성공원 사유지 매입, 시민공간 변모 |trans-title=Private properties of Hwangseong Park purchased to transform for the public space |publisher={{ill|Dailian|ko|데일리안}} |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 }} The site was originally the location of the artificial forest of Doksan which was established for feng shui purposes during the Silla period. It was also used as a training ground for hwarang warriors and hunting spot for Silla kings, and was reported to be King Jinpyeong's favorite location.{{cite web|url=http://guide.gyeongju.go.kr/detail_view/Detail_view.jsp?cid=4933 |script-title=ko:황성공원 |trans-title=Hwangseong Park |publisher=Gyeongju U-Tourism |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023065023/http://guide.gyeongju.go.kr/detail_view/Detail_view.jsp?cid=4933 |archive-date=October 23, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://culture.gyeongju.go.kr/culture/tour/tour06_a.asp |script-title=ko:황성공원 |trans-title=Hwangseong Park |publisher=Gyeongju City |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012204448/http://culture.gyeongju.go.kr/culture/tour/tour06_a.asp |archive-date=October 12, 2007 }} In 1975, Hwangseong Park was designated a "city neighborhood park" and it currently consists of the multi-purpose Gyeongju Public Stadium, Football Park (with seven football fields and one futsal field), and one gymnasium, as well as Horimjang field for gukgung or Korean traditional archery and a ssireum wrestling ring.{{cite news|author=Kim, Hyeon-gwan (김현관) |date=2006-04-10 |url=http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AIAB&no=8112 |script-title=ko:'안락한 휴식처 거듭날게요' |trans-title=To be reborn as a cozy relaxing place |publisher=Daegu Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002215820/http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AIAB&no=8112 |archive-date=2011-10-02 }} In addition, it contains a gateball field, an inline skating rink, jogging courses, and cycling roads.{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=742037&contentno=742037 |script-title=ko:황성공원 隍城公園 |trans-title=Hwangseong Park |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The Gyeongju Public Stadium was completed in 1982 and can accommodate 20,000 people at capacity.

Angang Field Hockey Stadium, located in the district of Angang-eup, is home to Gyeongju City Hockey, which is one of four professional women's field hockey teams in South Korea.{{cite news|author=Jo, Sang-un (조상운) |date=2004-01-20 |url=http://news.kukinews.com/article/view.asp?page=1&gCode=kmi&arcid=0919292132&code=12160000 |script-title=ko:아테네를 향해 뛰는 사람들 (12―끝) 여자하키) 연휴는 사치...'金'독기 |trans-title=People running for Athene (12-End) Women's Hockey) Taking a break is a luxury...tenacious for the gold medal |publisher=Kookmin Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16}}{{cite news |author=Lee, Sang-uk (이상욱 |date=2008-12-06 |url=http://www.srbsm.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=9612 |script-title=ko:경주시청 이선옥 선수 세계하키 올스타 선정 |trans-title=Lee Seon-ok of Gyeongju City chosen as a FIH Allstar |publisher=Seorabeol Sinmun |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722135732/http://www.srbsm.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=9612 |archive-date=2011-07-22 }} The team was formed in 1994,{{cite news |author=Sin, A (신아) |date=2002-08-28 |url=http://pohang.kbs.co.kr/bbs/ezboard.cgi?db=k_pohangr5&action=read&dbf=57&page=144&depth=2 |script-title=ko:(8월28일-수요화제) 경주 하키팀 |trans-title=(August 28 Wednesday's topic) Gyeognju City Hockey |publisher=KBS Pohang |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041217042338/http://pohang.kbs.co.kr/bbs/ezboard.cgi?db=k_pohangr5 |archive-date=2004-12-17 |url-status=dead }} and is governed by the Sport and Youth Division of Gyeongju City.{{cite news |author=Kim, Jong-deuk (김종득) |date=2009-07-19 |url=http://www.srbsm.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=12138 |script-title=ko:경주시청 하키팀의 열악한 현실 '충격' |trans-title=Gyeognju City Hockey in shockingly poor conditions |publisher=Seorabeol Sinmun |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008164034/http://www.srbsm.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=12138 |archive-date=2011-10-08 }} Although not an initial successful team, Gyeongju City Hockey won the first trophies both at National Division Hockey Championships and National Sports Festival in 2000. In 2002, Gyeongju City Hockey took first prize and three second prizes, and in 2008, the team won the first prize at the 51st National Division Hockey Championships.{{cite news|author=Pak, Jun-u (박준우) |date=2008-08-03 |url=http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AGAF&no=5590 |script-title=ko:경주시청 여자하키팀 우승 |trans-title=Gyeongju City Women's Hockey team won the championship |publisher=Daegul Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818075223/http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AGAF&no=5590 |archive-date=2011-08-18 }}

The city plays host to two annual marathon events. The Gyeongju International Marathon, held in October, garners elite level competition while the larger Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon caters more for amateur fun runners. The Cherry Blossom Marathon has been held each year in Gyeongju since 1992, usually in April, to improve relations with Japan (a country with a long history of marathon running).{{cite news |author=Lee, Gwon-hyo (이권효) |date=2009-04-07 |url=http://news.donga.com/fbin/output?f=g__&n=200904070234 |script-title=ko:역사+스포츠 도시... 경주 위상 높였죠 |trans-title=History+Sports city..Raised reputation of Gyeongju |publisher=The Dong-A Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The race, mainly sponsored by Gyeongju and the district, attracted 13,600 participants in 2009 including about 1,600 foreigners.{{cite news|author=Kim, Hyeon-gwan (김현관) |date=2009-04-05 |url=http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AGAF&no=5805 |script-title=ko:경주 벚꽃마라톤 1만3천명 레이스 |publisher=Daegu Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216005155/http://idaegu.com/index_sub.html?load=su&bcode=AGAF&no=5805 |archive-date=2012-02-16 }}

{{see also|Economy of South Korea}}

File:Korea-Gyeongju-Gampo.port-01.jpg

The economy of Gyeongju is diverse. Although tourism is important to the economy, most residents work in other fields. Over 27,000 are employed in manufacturing compared to roughly 13,500 in the hospitality industry.

The number involved in tourism has remained constant over recent years, while the manufacturing sector added about 6,000 jobs from 1999 to 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2004/statistical/005_003.htm |title=3. Number of Establishments and workers, by Industry |work=Statistical yearbook of Gyeongju 2004 |access-date=2009-09-08 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The manufacturing sector is closely tied to nearby cities, utilizing Gyeongju's transit links with Ulsan, Pohang, and Daegu.{{cite news

|url = http://www.chosun.com/national/news/200602/200602010568.html

|script-title = ko:경주 양성자가속기 유치전 '가속'

|author = Choe Jae-hun (최재훈)

|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo

|language = ko

|date = 2006-02-01

|access-date = 2009-09-08

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110612022413/http://www.chosun.com/national/news/200602/200602010568.html

|archive-date = 2011-06-12

|url-status = dead

}} As in Ulsan and Daegu the automotive parts industry plays an important role. Of the 1,221 businesses incorporated in Gyeongju almost a third are involved in auto-parts manufacture.{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inboard.asp?PCODE=A0105_11&main=1&sub=2&cor=1 |script-title=ko:지역경제 |trans-title=Local economy |publisher=Gyeongju city website |access-date=2009-08-02 |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613163438/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inboard.asp?PCODE=A0105_11&main=1&sub=2&cor=1 |archive-date=June 13, 2011 }}

Fishing takes place in coastal towns, especially in Gampo-eup in the city's northeast, with 436 registered fishing craft in the city. Fishing industry in Gyeongju is generally in a declined status due to relatively inconvenient transport conditions and lacks of subordinate facilities. Much of the catch from these boats goes direct from the harbor to Gyeongju's many seafood restaurants. Mainly, sauries, anchovies and rays are harvested and a small number of abalone and wakame farming takes place. Local specialties include myeolchijeot (fermented anchovy), abalone, wakame, and squid.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008029 |script-title=ko:경주시의 읍·면 |trans-title=Eup and myeon of Gyeongju |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |access-date=2009-09-16 |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610064001/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008029 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}

File:Korea-Gyeongju-Rice paddy field-01.jpg

Agriculture is still important, particularly in the outlying regions of Gyeongju. According to the 2006 statistical yearbook of Gyeongju, rice fields occupy an area of {{convert|169.57|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, which is 70% of the total cultivated acreage of {{convert|24359|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The remaining {{convert|74.02|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} consists of fields under other crops and farmsteads. Crop production is centered in the fertile river basins near the Hyeongsan River. The main crops are rice, barley, beans and corn. Vegetables such as radish and napa cabbage and fruits are also important crops. Apples are mainly produced in the districts of Geoncheon-eup, Gangdong-myeon and Cheonbuk-myeon and Korean pear are cultivated in Geoncheon-eup and Angang-eup. The city plays a leading role in the domestic production of beef and mushrooms. Button mushrooms harvested in Geoncheon-eup are canned and exported. The cultivated acreage and the number of households engaging in agriculture is however declining.

A small amount of quarrying activity takes place in the city, with 46 active mines and quarries in Gyeongju. Most are engaged in the extraction of kaolin, fluorspar and Agalmatolite{{cite web |url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/7.pdf |title=7. Mining and manufacturing; Statistical yearbook of Gyeongju 2008 |publisher=Gyeongju City |access-date=2009-08-20 |pages=237–239 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005095344/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/7.pdf |archive-date=October 5, 2023 }} and Kaolin is exported.{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=724220&contentno=724220 |script-title=ko:경주시 Gyeongju-si 慶州市 |work=III.산업 (III.Industry) |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-20 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

File:Korea-Gyeongju-Seongdong Market-Fruit shop-01.jpg]]

As the capital of Silla, commerce and trading in Gyeongju developed early on. Samguk sagi has records on the establishment of Gyeongdosi (capital area market) in March, 490 during King Soji's reign, and Dongsi (East Market) in 509, during King Jijeung's reign. In the 1830s, Gyeongju had five five-day markets which remained very active until the late 1920s. Due to its size Gyeongju Bunaejang (Gyeongju village market) was referred to as one of the two leading markets in the Yeongnam area, along with Daegu Bunaejang. Transportation developed in the late period of the Japanese occupation, as the Jungang Line and the Daegu Line and the connecting route between Pohang and the northwestern part of Japan were set up, leading to increasing population and developing commerce. After the 1960s, traditional periodic markets gradually transformed into regular markets as the city was flourishing. In periodic markets, agricultural and marine products, industrial products, living necessaries, wild edible greens, herbs, and cattle are mainly traded. As of 2006, Gyeongju had eight regular markets, nine periodic markets and the Gyeongju department store. Traditional periodic markets declined and have become token affairs these days.

{{Main|Tourism in Gyeongju}}

File:Bulguksa Dabotap.JPG pagoda at Bulguksa temple]]

Gyeongju is a major tourist destination for South Koreans as well as foreign visitors. It boasts 1000 years of Silla heritage with vast number of ancient ruins and archaeological sites found throughout the city, which help to attract 6 million visiting tourists including 750,000 foreigners per year. The city government has parlayed its historic status into a basis for other tourism-related developments such as conferences, festivals, and resorts.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008028 |script-title=ko:경주시의 관광 |trans-title=Tourism of Gyeongju |language=ko |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054812/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008028 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}

Many Silla sites are located in Gyeongju National Park such as the Royal Tomb Complex, the Cheomseongdae observatory that is one of the oldest surviving astronomical observatories in

East Asia,{{cite web |url=http://www.heritage.go.kr/eng/nat/nat_04.jsp |title=Gyeongju Cheomseongdae |publisher=Korean National Heritage Online |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119023435/http://heritage.go.kr/eng/nat/nat_04.jsp |archive-date=2009-01-19 }} the Anapji royal pond garden, and the Gyerim forest.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=112690&v=44 |script-title=ko:계림 (鷄林) |trans-title=Gyerim |language=ko |publisher=Nate / Britannica |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610054937/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=112690&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} Gyeongju National Museum hosts many important artifacts and national treasures that have been excavated from sites within the city and surrounding areas.

File:Asl13.jpg pagoda, National Treasure of Korea No. 30]]

Much of Gyeongju's heritage are related to the Silla kingdom's patronage of Buddhism. The grotto of Seokguram and the temple of Bulguksa were the first Korean sites to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.Robinson et al. 2007. p.22 In addition, the ruins of the old Hwangnyongsa temple, said to have been Korea's largest, are preserved on the slopes of Tohamsan. Various Silla-era stone carvings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are found on mountainsides throughout the city, particularly on Namsan.

A significant portion of Gyeongju's tourist traffic is due to the city's promotion of itself as a site for various festivals, conferences, and competitions. Every year since 1962, the Silla cultural festival has been held in October to celebrate and honour the dynasty's history and culture. It is one of the major festivals of Korea.{{cite web |date=2008-09-26 |url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=628852 |title=Baekje Cultural Festival: Celebrating the Glories of an Ancient Kingdom |publisher=Seoul magazine / Korea Tourism Organization |access-date=2009-09-16 |archive-date=2011-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003190915/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=628852 |url-status=dead }}Oppenheim p.54–58{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=293544&v=44 |script-title=ko:신라문화제 新羅文化祭 |trans-title=Silla Cultural Festival |language=ko |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055246/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=293544&v=44 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} It features athletic events, folk games, music, dance, literary contests and Buddhist religious ceremonies. Other festivals include the Cherry Blossom Marathon in April,{{cite news|date=2006-02-14 |url=http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=59377&code=Ne6 |title=Info Plus: Marathon Prep |publisher=Arirang TV |access-date=2009-09-16}} the Korean Traditional Liquor and Cake festival in March, and memorial ceremonies for the founders of the Silla Dynasty and General Kim Yu-sin.

There were 15 hotels including Hilton Hotel, Gyeongju Chosun Hotel, and 276 lodging facilities, and 2,817 restaurants in Gyeongju in 2006.

Gyeongju's emerging tourist attraction is the shopping street Hwangnidan-gil. The address of Hwangnidan-gil is 1080, Poseok-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. There are about 400 stores,{{Cite web |last=김 |first=현수 |date=2023-11-01 |script-title=ko:황리단길이 '신라 천년수도' 되살렸다 |url=https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202311012208015 |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=Kyunghyang Shinmun |language=ko}} including restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and gift shops. Hwangnidan-gil became popular through social networking sites, and neighboring Gyeongju's historical site is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The advantage of the Hwangnidan-gil is the result of voluntary efforts by merchants without help from local governments.{{cite web |last=윤 |first=현주 |date=2018-01-31 |title= |script-title=ko:[새로 보기 : 황리단길] 80여 식당·카페·서점 즐비한 포석로... 유행과 개성 넘쳐나는 경주의 '현재' |url=http://news20.busan.com/controller/newsController.jsp?newsId=20180131000269 |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=Busan Ilbo |language=ko}}

• Bulguksa
• Seokguram
• Yangdong Folk Village
• Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
• Oreung
• Daereungwon
• Hwangnidan-gil
• Woljeonggyo
• Gyochon Traditional Village
• Namsan
• Gyeongjueupseong{{Cite web |title=Deep-dive into Dongbu-dong |url=https://www.gyeongju.go.kr/tour/eng/page.do?mnu_uid=2775& |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240616131520/https://www.gyeongju.go.kr/tour/eng/page.do?mnu_uid=2775& |archive-date=2024-06-16 |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=gyeongju.go.kr |publisher=Gyeongju City Council |language=en}}
• {{Ill|Gyeongju East Palace Garden|ko|경주동궁원}} (Donggungwon)
• Gyeongju World
• Tohamsan

File:Korea-Gyeongju Sinmun-Building.JPG, a local newspaper company is housed in this building.]]

Gyeongju has two main local newspapers; the Gyeongju Sinmun and the Seorabeol Sinmun.Oppenheim, (2008) p.142 Both are weekly newspapers providing news via online as well and their headquarters are located in the neighborhood of Dongcheon-dong.{{cite web |url=http://mediasis.kpf.or.kr/mediaDirectory/detail.asp?currPage=1&cm_mediaCode=10700016900 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209034640/http://mediasis.kpf.or.kr/mediaDirectory/detail.asp?currPage=1&cm_mediaCode=10700016900 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-02-09 |script-title=ko:서라벌신문 |trans-title=Seorabeol Sinmun |publisher=MediaSIS; Media Statistics Information System |access-date=2009-09-16 |language=ko }}{{cite web |url=http://www.bjynews.com/default/pageview.php?url=page03 |script-title=ko:회원사현황 |trans-title=Status quo of members |publisher=Right Local Media Solidarity (바른지역언론연대, Baereun Jigyeok Eollon Yeondae) |access-date=2009-09-16 |language=ko |archive-date=2021-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928113525/http://www.bjynews.com/default/pageview.php?url=page03 |url-status=dead }} The Gyeongju Sinmun was founded in 1989 and provides various news and critics on anything concerning Gyeongju.{{cite web |author=Ham, Gyeong-su (함경수) |date=March 1996 |url=http://register.itfind.or.kr/Report01/200302/IITA/IITA-2205/IITA-2205.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5jpEVk8ZD?url=http://register.itfind.or.kr/Report01/200302/IITA/IITA-2205/IITA-2205.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-09-16 |script-title=ko:경주지역 종합정보시스템 구축 |trans-title=The establishment of general information system in the Gyeongju area |page=15 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 }} Its online newspaper, Digital Gyeongju Sinmun opened in December, 2000 to provide live local news out of the limit as a weekly newspaper and to establish mutual information exchanges from Gyeongju locals. In 2001, Gyeongju Sinmun started to present Gyeongju Citizen Awards to people who try to develop the local industry and economy, culture and education, and welfare service. Since 2003, the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant headquarter co-hosts the awards with Gyeongju Sinmun.{{cite news|date=2005-06-07 |url=http://www.elenews.co.kr/news/quickViewArticleView.html?idxno=938 |script-title=ko:월성원전, 경주시민상 시상식 개최 |trans-title=At Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant held the Ceremony for Gyeongju Citizen Prize |publisher=Electronics News (전자신문) |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16}}

The Seorabeol Sinmun was established in 1993,{{cite news|author=Hwang, Myeong-gang (황명강) |date=2007-09-19 |url=http://www.igynews.com/sub_read.html?uid=39854§ion=sectio |script-title=ko:서라벌대상 수상자 남:서종호, 여:서옥이씨 선정 |trans-title=Seorabeol Awards go to Seo Jong-ho, Seo Ok-i |publisher=Gwangyeok News |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005053/http://www.igynews.com/sub_read.html?uid=39854§ion=sectio |archive-date=2011-07-13 }} however, from November 15, 2000, to November 10, 2005, its publication was stopped for financial difficulties after the 1997 Asian economic crisis had left a strong impact on the nationwide economy.{{cite web |url=http://www.srbsm.co.kr/com/com-2.html |script-title=ko:발행인인사말 |trans-title=Publisher's Message |publisher=Seorabeol Sinmun |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130122714/http://www.srbsm.co.kr/com/com-2.html |archive-date=2009-01-30 }} Since 2006, Seorabeol Sinmun presents Serabeol Awards to people having devouring to develop Gyeongju.{{cite web |url=http://www.srbsm.co.kr/com/com-1.html |title=About |publisher=Seorabeol Sinmun |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090512133938/http://www.srbsm.co.kr/com/com-1.html |archive-date=2009-05-12 }}

Several major feature films have been filmed in the city, including Kick the Moon,{{cite web |author=Mun, Seok (문석) |date=2001-05-29 |url=http://www.cine21.com/Article/article_view.php?mm=001001001&article_id=2233 |script-title=ko:커밍순...<신라의 달밤> |trans-title=Coming soon.. |publisher=Cine21 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106112904/http://www.cine21.com/Article/article_view.php?mm=001001001&article_id=2233 |archive-date=2016-01-06 |url-status=dead }} On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate,{{cite web |author=Jeong, Seong-il (정성일) |date=2002-04-12 |url=http://www.cine21.com/Article/article_view.php?mm=005001001&article_id=8818 |script-title=ko:성일, 상수의 영화를 보고 회전문을 떠올리다 |trans-title=Seong-il, reminded of a revolving door after watching Sang-su's movie |publisher=Cine21 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106112904/http://www.cine21.com/Article/article_view.php?mm=005001001&article_id=8818 |archive-date=2016-01-06 |url-status=dead }} Taegukgi,{{cite news|date=2003-01-15 |url=http://www.cine21.com/news/view/mag_id/16483/p/1 |script-title=ko:경주서 한국전 배경 전쟁영화 촬영 |trans-title=Filming a movie in Gyeongju, with a Korean War theme |publisher=Yonhap / Cine 21 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16}} Chwihwaseon{{cite web |url=http://kr.gugi.yahoo.com/detail/detailInfo/DetailInfoAction.php?tcode=CPN0314&cpncode=CPN03024211 |script-title=ko:영화 취화선 촬영지 |trans-title=Film locations of Chwihwaseon |publisher=Yahoo! Korea / Cine 21 |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040816173740/http://kr.gugi.yahoo.com/detail/detailInfo/DetailInfoAction.php?tcode=CPN0314&cpncode=CPN03024211 |archive-date=2004-08-16 }} and others. In 2009, the filming of the Queen Seondeok, a popular MBC TV series took place in a studio at Silla Millennium Park located in Bomun Lake Resort.{{cite news|author=Jang, Yeong-tae (장영태) |date=2009-08-17 |url=http://www.segyetimes.co.kr/Articles/News/Wholecountry/Article.asp?aid=20090817003424&subctg1=12&subctg2=00 |script-title=ko:선덕여왕의 흔적을 따라서... |trans-title=In search for tracing Queen Seondeok |publisher=Segye Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16}}{{cite news|author=Jang, Yeong-tae (장영태) |date=2009-03-26 |url=http://www.segye.com/Articles/Spn/Entertainments/Article.asp?aid=20090326002780&ctg1=05&ctg2=00&subctg1=05&subctg2=00&cid=0101060500000 |script-title=ko:드라마 '선덕여왕' 다음달 경주서 본격촬영 돌입 |trans-title=Drama 'Queen Seondeok', filming will start in Gyeongju from the next month |publisher=Segye Ilbo |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16}}

{{see also|Education in South Korea}}

Gyeongju is strongly associated with the education tradition of Hwarangdo ("Way of the Flower of Young Men") which was established and flourished during the Silla period. It is a military and philosophical code that offered the basis of training to Hwarang, a military cadet of youths from the aristocratic class. The training equally emphasized practicing academic and martial arts based on Buddhism and patriotism. A number of Silla's greatest generals and military leaders such as Kim Yu-sin were Hwarang who played a central role in Silla unification of the Korean peninsula. As Silla was integrated into the next ruling dynasty, Goryeo, the system declined and was officially disbanded in the Joseon period. However, the spirit and discipline were revived in the second half of the 20th century as a form of Korean martial arts with the same name.Doniger, Wendy (2006) [https://books.google.com/books?id=IDsk47MeksAC&pg=PA482 Britannica Encyclopedia of World Religions] Encyclopædia Britannica, {{ISBN|1-59339-491-8}}{{cite web|url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=172671&contentno=172671 |script-title=ko:화랑도 花郞徒 |trans-title=Hwarangdo |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050103022341/http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=172671&contentno=172671 |archive-date=2005-01-03 }}

File:Korea-Gyeongju Hyanggyo-04.jpg]]

Formal education has a longer history in Gyeongju than anywhere else in South Korea. The Gukhak, or national academy, was established here in 682, at the beginning of the Unified Silla period.{{cite web|url=http://eguide.gj.go.kr/detail_view/Detail_view.jsp?cid=8283&tab=1 |title=Gyeongju Hyanggyo (a local school annexed to the Confucian shrine) |publisher=Gyeongju City-Transportation System |access-date=2009-08-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722140259/http://eguide.gj.go.kr/detail_view/Detail_view.jsp?cid=8283&tab=1 |archive-date=2011-07-22 }} Its curriculum focused on the Confucian classics for local officials. After the fall of Silla in the 10th century, the Gukhak closed. However, due to Gyeongju's role as a provincial center under the Goryeo and early Joseon dynasties, the city was home to state-sponsored provincial schools (hyanggyo) under both dynasties such as Gyeongju Hyanggyo. During the later Joseon dynasty there were several seowon, or private Confucian academies, were set up in the city such as Oksan Seowon and Seoak Seowon.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008024 |script-title=ko:경주시의 교육·문화 |trans-title=Education and culture of Gyeongju |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055533/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=3008024 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}

The education system of Gyeongju is the same as elsewhere in the country. Schooling begins with preschools; there are 65 in the city. This is followed by six years in elementary schools; Gyeongju has 46. Subsequently, students pass through three years of middle school. There are 19 middle schools in Gyeongju. High school education, which lasts for three years, is not compulsory, but most students attend and graduate from high school. Gyeongju is home to 21 high schools, of which 11 provide specialized technical training. At each of these levels, there is a mix of public and private institutions. All are overseen by the Gyeongju bureau of North Gyeongsang's Provincial Office of Education.{{cite web |url=http://www.kbgjed.go.kr/edu/main1.asp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20041016160806/http://www.kbgjed.go.kr/edu/main1.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-10-16 |work=Gyeongju Bureau of Education website|script-title=ko:학교현황|access-date=2005-07-22 |language=ko}} Gyeongju is home to a school for the mentally disabled, which provides education to students from preschool to adult age.

File:Dongguk University at Night.jpg in Gyeongju at night]]

Gyeongju is home to four institutions of tertiary education. Sorabol College is a technical college in the district of Chunghyo-dong that offers majors specializing in tourism, leisure, health care and cosmetic treatments.{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=705561&contentno=705561 |script-title=ko:서라벌대학 Sorabol College 徐羅伐大學 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-31 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|author=Kim, Hui-jeong (김희정) |date=2009-08-03 |url=http://www.dailian.co.kr/area/news/n_view.html?t_name=dg_news&id=15282 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328073241/https://www.dailian.co.kr/area/news/n_view.html?t_name=dg_news&id=15282 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |script-title=ko:뜨는' 직종 따라 신설학과도 뜬다? |trans-title=New departments becoming popular according to popular jobs? |publisher={{ill|Dailian|ko|데일리안}} |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 }}

Each of Gyeongju's three universities reflects the city's unique role. Dongguk and Uiduk universities are Buddhist institutions,{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=295878 |script-title=ko:동국대학교 (東國大學校) |trans-title=Dongguk University |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610060021/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=295878 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=300450 |script-title=ko:위덕대학교 (威德大學校) |trans-title=Uiduk University |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610060046/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=300450 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} reflecting that religion's link to the city.{{cite news|author=Yu, Nam-gyeong (유남경) |date=2004-02-14 |url=http://www.manbulshinmun.com/upload_html/200402/200402120015.ASP?gb=0010&no=200402120015 |script-title=ko:독점 아닌 공유, 학문발전 지름길 |trans-title=Instead of monopoly, sharing is a fast way for development of scholarship |publisher=Manbul Sinmun |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308065558/http://www.manbulshinmun.com/upload_html/200402/200402120015.ASP?gb=0010&no=200402120015 |archive-date=2012-03-08 }}{{cite news|author=Yun, Seung-heon, (윤승헌) |date=2006-11-07 |url=http://www.manbulshinmun.com/upload_html/200611/200611070012.ASP?gb=&no=200611070012 |script-title=ko:(인터뷰) 개교 10주년 맞은 위덕대 한재숙 총장 |trans-title=(Inverview) The president, Han Jae-suk of Uiduk University in the 10th year of the foundation. |publisher=Manbul Sinmun |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308133635/http://www.manbulshinmun.com/upload_html/200611/200611070012.ASP?gb=&no=200611070012 |archive-date=2012-03-08 }} Gyeongju University, formerly Korea Tourism University, is strongly focused on tourism, reflecting its importance in the region.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=289144 |script-title=ko:경주대학교 (慶州大學校) |trans-title=Gyeongju University |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610060102/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?i=289144 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }}

File:Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital 2.jpg

According to the 2008 yearbook of Gyeongju, the total number of medical institutions was 224 with 3,345 beds, including two general hospitals, thirteen hospitals, 109 clinics, five nursing homes, forty-two dental hospitals, two Korean traditional medicine hospitals and 50 Korean traditional medicine clinics.{{cite web |url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/12.pdf |title=Statistical yearbook of Gyeongju 2008 : 12. Health and Social Security |publisher=Gyeongju City |pages=343–344 |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325071650/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/administrative/administrative/tonggye2008/12.pdf |archive-date=March 25, 2023 }} There are also twenty-eight medical institutions related to Gyeongju Health Center affiliated to the Gyeongju City government.

The two general hospitals are associated with two major universities in Gyeongju and nearby Daegu. One is the Dongguk University Gyeongju Hospital, located in the district of Seokjang-dong, which is affiliated with Dongguk University Medical School and Center. The Gyeongju Hospital was opened in a seven-story building in 1991 to provide Gyeongju locals with a quality medical service and train medical specialists in the region.{{cite news|author=Kim Gyeong-yeop (김경엽) |date=2008-05-22 |url=http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/society/200805/h2008052202485874990.htm |script-title=ko:(경북) 동국대 의대 일산 이전 '먹튀' 논란 |trans-title=(Gyeongbuk) Controversies over the plan of Dongguk University Medical School to move to Ilsan |publisher=Hankook Ilbo |access-date=2009-08-06 |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613224236/http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/society/200805/h2008052202485874990.htm |archive-date=2011-06-13 }} After various renovations the hospital currently has 24 departments including a radiation oncology center and 438 beds.{{cite journal|author=Im, Na-jeong (임나정) |date=2006-08-09 |url=http://www.buddhistnews.net/archive/75161/200608101155178291.asp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110723033007/http://www.buddhistnews.net/archive/75161/200608101155178291.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-07-23 |script-title=ko:개원 15주년 동국대 경주병원, 제2도약 준비 |journal={{ill|Bulgyo Sinmun|ko|불교신문}} |issue=2251 |access-date=2009-08-06|language=ko }} It is also assigned as a teaching and learning hospital and in partnership with Dongguk University Oriental Hospital.{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=217469&v=42 |script-title=ko:동국대학교 경주병원 東國大學校慶州病院 |trans-title=Dogguk University Gyeongju Hospital |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |access-date=2009-08-06 |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610062824/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=217469&v=42 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} The other general hospital is a branch of Keimyung University, Dongsan Medical Hospital in Daegu. It is the successor of Gyeongju Christianity Hospital founded in 1962, and was reborn as the current general hospital in 1991. The Gyeongju Dongsan Hospital is located in the district of Seobu-dong and has 12 departments in a three-story building.{{cite news |date=2008-10-02 |url=http://www.idaegu.co.kr/new_gisa.html?uid=173596&part=peo |script-title=ko:경주동산병원장 김재룡 |trans-title=Kim Jae-ryeong, the head chief of Gyeongju Dongsan Hospital |publisher=Daegu Ilbo |access-date=2009-08-06 |language=ko |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718083305/http://www.idaegu.co.kr/new_gisa.html?uid=173596&part=peo |archive-date=2011-07-18 |url-status=dead }}

File:Korea-Gyeongju-Hyeongsan River-1.jpg from Dong Bridge. The river is one of water sources of Gyeongju.]]

Water supply and sewage disposal are municipal services which are respectively handled by the Water Supply Office and Water Quality and Environment Office. Water comes from the Hyeongsan River, the multi-purpose Deokdong Dam and several streams. The city is divided into seven water districts, with eight filtration plants and seven sewage treatment plants.{{cite web|url=http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inboard.asp?PCODE=A0105_10&main=1&sub=2&cor=1 |script-title=ko:상하수도 |trans-title=Water supply and sewage service |publisher=Gyeongju City |access-date=2009-08-06 |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613163356/http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/inboard.asp?PCODE=A0105_10&main=1&sub=2&cor=1 |archive-date=June 13, 2011 }} One of the sewage treatment plants, Angang Sewage Disposal Plant began operating in April 2005 by the co-investment of the governments of North Gyeongsang and Gyeongju with a fund of 44,300,000,000 won to install facilities to prevent the pollution of the Hyeongsan River, which is a main water source for Gyeongju and Pohang residents. The plant is located on a spacious site with {{convert|39000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} in Homyeong-ri, Gangdong-myeon in Gyeongju where nature friendly facilities provide recreational venues for the locals. Through {{convert|56.1|km|mi|abbr=on}} of sewer pipes and 14 pumping stations, the plant has a capacity of 18,000 tonnes of domestic sewage per day that comes from Angang-eup, and Gangdong-myeon. The facilities have high-powered disposal equipment developed by related industrial companies to maintain the discharged water at the first or second degree in quality, so that it is used as river maintenance flow and agricultural water in case a drought occurs.{{cite web|author=Yonhap News |date=2005-04-28 |url=http://info.waternow.go.kr/jsp/search/search.jsp?query=%C8%AF%B0%E6&target=news&detail_target=&page=34&resultcount=10&sortfield=score&sortorder=desc&range=all&resrch=no&mode=paging |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218203620/http://info.waternow.go.kr/jsp/search/search.jsp?query=%C8%AF%B0%E6&target=news&detail_target=&page=34&resultcount=10&sortfield=score&sortorder=desc&range=all&resrch=no&mode=paging |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-02-18 |script-title=ko:경주 안강하수처리장 준공 |trans-title=The completion of the Angang Sewage Disposal Plant in Gyeongju |publisher=Ministry of Environment of South Korea |access-date=2009-08-06 |language=ko }}

The city had managed its own recycling service, but privatized it since July 1, 2009.{{cite news|author=Lee, Seung-hyeong (이승형) |url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/society/2009/08/20/0706000000AKR20090820129700053.HTML |script-title=ko:경주 재활용 선별장 갈등 해법 못찾나 |trans-title=No way to resolve the conflicts over Gyeongju's recycling center? |publisher=Yonhap News Agency |access-date=2009-08-06|language=ko }}

Other utilities are provided by private entities or South Korean government-owned companies. Seorabeol City Gas, an affiliate of GS Group, provides gas to the Gyeongju residents,{{cite web|language=ko |url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=1014764&v=43 |script-title=ko:서라벌도시가스주식회사 -都市-株式會社, SEORABEOL CITY GAS Co., Ltd |publisher=Nate / Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |access-date=2009-08-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610062531/http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=&i=1014764&v=43 |archive-date=2011-06-10 }} while, electrical power is supplied by the public enterprises, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power via the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant. The plant is known for the only nuclear power plant operating PHWRs (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor) in South Korea and supplies about 5% of South Korea's electricity.{{cite web |url=http://www.candu.org/khnp.html |title=KHNP Fact Sheet |publisher=CANDU Owners Group website |access-date=2009-08-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515030705/http://www.candu.org/khnp.html |archive-date=May 15, 2009 }} See also [https://web.archive.org/web/20110716084817/http://www.khnp.co.kr/wolsong/Official site]. The owner, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power{{cite news |date=2007-09-10 |url=https://www.thestar.com/Business/article/254895 |title=ATS wins South Korea nuclear deal |work= TheStar.com |agency= Canadian Press |access-date=2009-08-06}} began to build the Wolseong 1 in the districts of Yangnam-myeon, Yangbuk-myeon and Gampo-eup in 1976. Since 1983, the power plant has been providing commercial service and operating with the PHWRs that has a capacity of 678,000 kW. As the construction of each Wolseong 2, 3 and 4 with a capacity of 70,000 kW were completed respectively in 1997, 1998 and 1999, Wolseong Nuclear Power plant site has been successfully operating the four PHWRs plants. New project, Sinwolseong No. 1 and No. 2 are currently under construction which is estimated to be completed until 2011–12.{{cite web |url=http://eng.knef.or.kr/nuclear/nuclear5.asp |title=Wolseong Nuclear Power plant |publisher=Korea Neclear Energy Foundation |access-date=2009-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201040203/http://eng.knef.or.kr/nuclear/nuclear5.asp |archive-date=2010-02-01 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|author=Wald, Matthew L. |date=1991-01-10 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/01/10/business/talking-deals-help-for-canada-s-nuclear-industry.html |title=TALKING DEALS; Help for Canada's Nuclear Industry |work=The New York Times |access-date=2009-08-06}} The Wolseong Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Center, which treats and stores low and intermediate level radioactive waste from the local power plants,{{Cite report|author1=Park T. |author2=Choi J. |year=2012|title=Radioactive Waste Management in Korea|publisher=Haceteppe University, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute |url=http://www.nuke.hun.edu.tr/tr/webfiles/Activities/KEPCONF_DOOSAN/Workshop/Presentations/1_1600_1630_9%20Radioactive%20Waste%20Management%20in%20Korea-KAERI.pdf}} is overseen and inspected by the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS).{{Cite report|author=FNCA|year=2007|title=FNCA consolidated Report: Radioactive Waste Management in Korea|publisher=FNCA|url=http://www.fnca.mext.go.jp/english/rwm/news_img/rwm_cr03-05_r004.pdf}}

File:Singyeongju Station 20191111 02.jpg

The city lies at the junction of two minor lines operated by the Korean National Railroad. The Jungang Line runs from Seoul to Gyeongju and carries trains from the Daegu Line, which originates in Dongdaegu. In Gyeongju, the Jungang line connects to the Donghae Line which runs between Busan and Yeongdeok. The Gyeongbu Expressway, which runs from Seoul to Busan, passes through Gyeongju, and Provincial Highway 68, aided by the South Korean government, connects Seocheon in South Chungcheong Province to Gyeongju.{{cite news |url=http://www.kmrnews.com/ynews/ynews_view.php?pid=1246&code=NS06 |script-title=ko:직도지원책, 고군산연결도로사업 청신 |publisher=KMR News |author=Lee Jeong-hun (이정훈) |language=ko |date=2006-10-11 |access-date=2009-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713161639/http://www.kmrnews.com/ynews/ynews_view.php?pid=1246&code=NS06 |archive-date=2011-07-13 |url-status=dead }} Additionally national highways such as Route 4,{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=761941&contentno=761941 |title=Route 4 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-10 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 7,{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?gs=wsmasterno=761948&contentno=761948 |title=Route 7 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-10 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 14,{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?gs=wsmasterno=761948&contentno=761948 |title=Route 14 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-10 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 20,{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=761954&contentno=761954 |title=Route 20 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-10 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 28,{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?gs=wsmasterno=761962&contentno=761962 |title=Route 28 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-10 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 31,{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=761965&contentno=761965 |title=Route 31 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-10 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and 35{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=761969&contentno=761969 |title=Route 35 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko |access-date=2009-08-10 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} crisscross the city. Since the city is a popular tourist destination, nonstop bus services are available from most major cities in South Korea.{{cite web|url=https://www.kobus.co.kr/main.do|title=Official Express Bus Website|publisher=Kobus|language=en|trans-title=Transport information – Express/Cross-country buses}}{{cbignore}}

High-speed rail does not serve central Gyeongju, but the KTX Gyeongbu Line stops at the nearby Gyeongju station, in Geoncheon-eup, west of Gyeongju's city center.{{cite news|author=Jo, Min-hui |date=2009-02-12 |language=ko |url=http://www.kookje.co.kr/news2006/asp/center.asp?gbn=v&code=0300&key=20090213.22003213912 |script-title=ko:서울~부산 30분 단축 '완행 KTX'시대 끝난다 |publisher=The Kookje Daily News |quote={{lang|ko|KTX 2단계 구간(동대구~경주~울산~부산 123㎞)}} |access-date=2009-08-06}}{{cite news |author=Lee, Jong-hun |date=2009-07-08 |language=ko |url=http://www.idaegu.co.kr/new_gisa.html?uid=193016&part=%EC%82%AC%ED%9A%8C |script-title=ko:경북도, KTX역세권 개발계획 |trans-title=North Gyeongsang province, KTX station areas under the development plan |access-date=2009-08-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801151335/http://www.idaegu.co.kr/new_gisa.html?uid=193016&part=%EC%82%AC%ED%9A%8C |archive-date=2012-08-01 |url-status=dead }}

{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in South Korea}}

Gyeongju is twinned with:{{cite web |title=자매우호도시|url=https://www.gyeongju.go.kr/open_content/ko/page.do?mnu_uid=293|website=gyeongju.go.kr|publisher=Gyeongju|language=ko|access-date=2025-03-02}}

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• {{flagicon|KOR}} Iksan, South Korea (1998)
• {{flagicon|JPN}} Nara, Japan (1970)
• {{flagicon|JPN}} Obama, Japan (1977)
• {{flagicon|ITA}} Pompei, Italy (1985)
• {{flagicon|FRA}} Versailles, France (1987)
• {{flagicon|CHN}} Xi'an, China (2007)
• {{flagicon|VIE}} Huế, Vietnam (2007)
• {{flagicon|SVK}} Nitra, Slovakia (2014)
• {{flagicon|JPN}} Ōita Prefecture, Japan (2023)
• {{flagicon|CHN}} Chizhou, China (2023)

{{div col end}}

• Geography of South Korea
• List of cities in South Korea
• Southeastern Maritime Industrial Region
• World Heritage Site
• Tourism in South Korea

{{reflist|30em}}

{{refbegin}}

• Breen, Michael (1999) The Koreans: who they are, what they want, where their future lies Macmillan, {{ISBN|0-312-24211-5}}
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• Kang, Bong W. (2002). A study of success and failure in the water management of the Buk Chun in Kyongju, Korea. Paper delivered at the Eighteenth Congress of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage. (Electronic Version).
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• Kim, Chang-hyun (August, 2008), [http://www.dbpia.co.kr/view/ar_view.asp?arid=1105741 The Position and the Administration System of Donggyeong in Koryeo Dynasty], (in Korean) Dongguk University, Silla Culture, issue 32, pp. 1–43
• Kim, Chong-un; Fulton, Bruce, (1998) A ready-made life: early masters of modern Korean fiction, University of Hawaii Press, pp. 107–120, {{ISBN|0-8248-2071-1}}
• Kim, Deok-muk, (2003) 전국의 기도터와 굿당 (Jeon-gukui gidoteo wa gutdang. Tr. "Sites of Buddhist prayer and shamanic practice nationwide"), (in Korean), 한국민속기록보존소 {{ISBN|89-953630-3-7}}
• Kim, Won-yong. (1982). [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212651/http://www.ekoreajournal.net/archive/detail.jsp?VOLUMENO=22&BOOKNUM=9&PAPERNUM=3&TOTALSEARCH=Kyongju&AUTHORENAME=&PAPERTITLE=&KEYWORD=&PAPERTYPE=0&SUBJECT=0&STARTYEAR=&ENDYEAR=&LISTOPTION=1&KEYPAGE=10&PAGE=1 Kyŏngju: The homeland of Korean culture]. Korea Journal 22(9), pp. 25–32.
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• Oppenheim, Robert. (2008) Kyŏngju things: assembling place, University of Michigan Press, {{ISBN|0-472-05030-3}}
• Ring, Trudy; Robert M. Salkin, Paul E Schellinger, Sharon La Boda (1996) International Dictionary of Historic Places: Asia and Oceania Taylor & Francis, {{ISBN|1-884964-04-4}}
• Robinson, Martin; Ray Bartlett, Rob Whyte (2007), Korea Lonely Planet, pp. 197–209, {{ISBN|1-74104-558-4}}
• Rutt, Richard; Hoare, James. (1999) Korea: a historical and cultural dictionary, Durham East-Asia series. Routledge. {{ISBN|0-7007-0464-7}}
• Sundaram, Jomo Kwame. (2003) Manufacturing competitiveness in Asia: how internationally competitive national firms and industries developed in East Asia, Routledge, {{ISBN|0-415-29922-5}}
• Tamásy, Christine; Taylor, Mike. (2008) Globalising Worlds and New Economic Configurations, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., {{ISBN|0-7546-7377-4}}
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{{refend}}

{{Commons and category|Gyeongju}}

• {{wikivoyage inline|Gyeongju}}
• {{Official website|https://www.gyeongju.go.kr/open_content/eng/index.do|City of Gyeongju Government official website}}
• {{Official website|http://guide.gyeongju.go.kr/deploy/eng/|Gyeongju Guide official website}}

{{North Gyeongsang}}

{{Metropolitan cities of South Korea}}

{{Most populous cities in South Korea}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Gyeongju

Category:50s BC establishments

Category:57 BC

Category:Cities in North Gyeongsang Province