Gyeongju｜Cheomseongdae, nestled amidst a sea of ​​flowers, was the observatory where important national affairs were decided during the reign of Queen Seondeok.

This is the world's only remaining Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving site. Built during the Silla Dynasty, it's estimated to be over 1,300 years old. If you've watched the Korean drama "Queen Seondeok," you might be even more impressed by this monument.

In the drama, Queen Seondeok was abandoned as a child due to an ominous prophecy. She eventually challenged for the throne as a princess and became the first queen of the Silla Dynasty. In reality, Cheomseongdae assisted Queen Seondeok in fortune-telling, observing the stars, and assisting with agricultural matters. A closer look at Cheomseongdae reveals its unique architectural significance. Its top is round, and its bottom is square, symbolizing the roundness of the heavens and the squareness of the earth. Constructed of granite, it rises 9 meters high. At its base, it contains 27 stone columns, representing Queen Seondeok's rank. Based on the central window, there are 12 columns above and below, each representing the 12 months of the year and the 24 solar terms. It has been designated a national treasure of South Korea.

Today, the area surrounding Cheomseongdae has been transformed into a beautiful park, planted with seasonal flowers. I visited during the blooming sunflower season, and strolling around the perimeter was quite relaxing.

You can also explore the surrounding Wolseong ruins and the Seokbingku. Wolseong, also known as Half-Moonseong, was a palace used from the 22nd year of King Pasa in 101 AD until the fall of Silla in 935 AD. The Seokbingku was a Silla-era refrigerator, utilizing caves and granite to refrigerate food.

The entire Wolseong area is a World Heritage Site.

📍Address: 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
🚗From Gyeongju Station, take bus No. 332 or 600 for about an hour.

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Post by 旅行中的野馬 | Sep 25, 2025