Things to do in Dongcheon

Bomun Lake has the forested Toham Mountain as its backdrop and attracts Korean families and elderly people from the city who are looking for some time away in nature. While you can visit the lake on a day trip, most stay in the Bomun Lake Resort, a tourism complex with several hotels, shops and restaurants by the artificial lake.

Bulguksa is the main temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Even if you are not into Buddhist architecture, it’s worth visiting Bulguk-sa because of its beautiful gardens with arched stone bridges, lotus ponds and drooping willow trees.

Visit the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village to get a glimpse of the life of the Choi Clan of Korea, take part in artisan workshops, have a traditional Korean meal and taste the heritage-listed sake known as Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju liquor.

While in Gyeongju, you won’t want to miss seeing the Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond after dark, when the illuminated pagodas and trees are reflected in the water. The small complex is part of Gyeongju National Park and it’s a local favorite for scenic evening walks.

Cheomseongdae, which literally means “reverently regarding the stars platform” in Korean, takes us back to the early days of science in South Korea’s former Silla capital. Learn how astronomy was used in agriculture, religion and urban planning in South Korea, or simply come here to enjoy the vistas. The tower is surrounded by the green burial mounds that are known as “tumuli,” which are iconic for Gyeongju.