Banwol-seong

Gyeongju


A few minutes’ walk south through the trees from Cheomseongdae, Banwol-seong is the site of a once-fabled fortress. Now it’s attractive parkland, where you can see some walls and ruins, as well as a huge and active excavation site. The only intact building is the early-18th-century Seokbinggo (Stone Ice House), which was once used as a food store and was restored in 1973. The hanja 石冰庫 (meaning 'Stone Ice House') is carved on the lintel over the entrance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Gyeongju attractions

1. Anapji Pond

0.2 MILES

This is a very popular spot for couples to take pre-wedding photos, especially from June to early August when magnificent lotus blossoms seem to fill the…

2. Gyeongju National Museum

0.28 MILES

Arguably the best history museum in Korea, the Gyeongju National Museum is where you can appreciate the significance of this ancient city in one fell…

3. Cheomseongdae

0.37 MILES

Southeast of Tumuli-gongwon in the attractive sprawl of Wolseong-gongwon is the Far East’s oldest astrological observatory, constructed between AD 632 and…

4. Hwangnyong-sa Site

0.65 MILES

The ruins of this simply vast 6th century temple are a sad and desolate spectacle: once the nation's largest Buddhist temple, its standout feature was a…

6. Bunhwang-sa

0.73 MILES

This large pagoda was built in the mid-7th century during Queen Seondeok’s reign, making it the oldest datable pagoda in Korea. It’s a rare example of one…

7. Geumnyeongchong

0.84 MILES

Across the road from Noseo-dong tombs is this tomb, adjoining Bonghwadae.

8. Cheonmachong

0.84 MILES

This is the only tomb at Tumuli-gongwon that is open to visitors. At the time of writing the tomb was shut for a grand restoration, scheduled to reopen by…