The capital of the Silla kingdom for almost 1,000 years, Gyeongju is home to more tombs, temples, rock carvings, pagodas, Buddhist statues and ruined palaces, castles and pleasure gardens than anywhere else in South Korea. No wonder it's referred to as ‘the museum without walls'.

Rounded grass hills scattered around the town mark the tombs of former Silla kings, while the proud pagodas and striking artwork at the Buddhist temple of Bulguksa make it a particular attraction.

So too is Seokguram Grotto, which contains a stone Buddha that dates from the 8th century. The grotto, Bulguksa and several other city sites have made UNESCO's acclaimed World Heritage list.