Peeking into Gyeongju through its historical and cultural heritage

This year's APEC host city Gyeongju is rich in historical relics from the Silla Kingdom.

Our Ahn Sung-jin walks us through some of these treasures.

The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting has returned to South Korea for the first time in 20 years.

And this time it's going to take place in Gyeongju.

"Gyeongju, where history breathes through the city, stood as the capital of the Silla Kingdom for a thousand years. Renowned for its deep cultural roots, what kind of traces of historical legacy can we find today?"

These royal tombs are where the past rises from the earth itself.

Daereungwon is a massive burial ground that covers more than 126-thousand square meters and houses 23 tombs of Silla royalty.

Visitors can even go inside Cheonmachong, or "heavenly horse tomb" and see the golden accessories found in the wooden burial chamber.

Nearby these royal tombs that echo Silla's souls, Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory, one of the oldest observatories in Asia, shows the intellect and sophistication of the Silla people.

And further afield, Bulguksa Temple is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture.

Home to national treasures including Dabotap and Seokgatap, the two pagodas, this World Heritage Site hints at the religious and artistic aspects of the ancient Silla capital.

And those looking for a deeper understanding can visit the Gyeongju National Museum and have a peek at the golden crown from Geumgwanchong Tomb.

"With ancient relics and landmarks found throughout the city, Gyeongju stands as a monument to Korea's rich heritage—an open-air museum where a thousand years of Silla history still breathes.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News, Gyeongju.