Hwangseong Park

Hwangseong Park is a forest of about 1.02 km² on the northern edge of central Gyeongju. It is said to descend from Goseong Forest, which Silla raised with earthworks and planted trees to shield the capital's exposed northern side, and today it is known for purple lilyturf carpeting the ground beneath old pines every summer. It is about 10 minutes by car from Daereungwon and Hwangnidan-gil, an easy break during a Gyeongju trip.

A forest made by Silla

The old capital, Seorabeol, was ringed by Namsan, Seondosan and Tohamsan, but the north was comparatively open. Silla filled that gap by building up mounds and planting a forest across the Bukcheon stream, and tradition says the hwarang youth corps practised archery and riding here while nobles hunted. The name "Hwangseong" became attached to the area from the late Joseon period.

What to see

• Pine forest paths: dense old pines, zelkovas and oaks keep the paths shady even in midsummer; there is also a barefoot walking trail laid with red clay.
• Lilyturf fields: the flowers start in July and by August the ground under the pines turns purple. In 2023 the city planted another 105,000 plants along the paths, creating about 2.2 ha of bloom.
• Statue of General Kim Yu-sin: on the hill where the forest is deepest, an equestrian statue of the Silla general faces north; the site was chosen because of the forest's link with hwarang training.
• Culture and sports: the Gyeongju Municipal Library, Gyeongju Arts Center, the public stadium, a ssireum wrestling ring, the Horimjeong archery range and a war memorial tower are in and around the park, along with a poetry stone for Gyeongju-born poet Park Mok-wol.
• Statue of Choe Si-hyeong: on the west side, between the indoor gym and the ssireum ring, stands a statue of the second leader of Donghak, put up in 1979 by Cheondogyo groups and local citizens.
• Autumn colour: in October and November the zelkovas and oaks turn, softening the forest paths.

Everyday life in the forest

The Gyeongju Municipal Library inside the park has been open for more than 70 years. In summer a book festival spills out across the library grounds and the park, and the children's water playground draws more than 10,000 children a year. Among the ancient monuments, this is where Gyeongju residents actually relax and exercise, a different side of the city from the usual sightseeing route.

Tripto tips

• Time needed: about 1 hour for the forest paths and lilyturf; half a day if you add the library or a performance at the arts centre.
• Best time: August, when the lilyturf peaks, is the busiest. A children's water playground opens in summer, closed on Mondays.
• Parking: free car parks are available; the lilyturf fields are closest to the car park by the public stadium.
• Getting there: around 431-12 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju, about 2.5 km north of Daereungwon and Hwangnidan-gil, a short taxi ride; you can also cycle along the Bukcheon riverside path.
• Combine it: heading south you reach Daereungwon, Cheonmachong, Cheomseongdae and Hwangnidan-gil, so it fits easily into a day in central Gyeongju.