Gyeongju

North Gyeongsang (Gyeongsangbuk-do) is South Korea's largest province by area, stretching across the country's eastern interior from the Baekdudaegan mountain range to the East Sea coast. It is often described as the cultural heartland of Korean heritage, home to the ancient Silla capital of Gyeongju and the Confucian traditions of Andong.

The region's past is visible in Gyeongju's UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto and royal tomb parks, as well as the well-preserved Hahoe and Yangdong folk villages. Mountains, temples and hanok houses sit alongside the modern industrial cities of Pohang and Gumi.

Coastal Pohang, home to POSCO steelworks and Homigot sunrise plaza, contrasts with inland Andong, where the Hahoe Mask Dance and riverside hanok village draw visitors. Gyeongju remains the main sightseeing base, while Ulleungdo island offers volcanic cliffs and hiking.

Pohang's steel and science campuses and Gumi's electronics industry give the province a strong industrial base, and Mungyeong, Sangju and Yeongju add quieter mountain and temple experiences. Local food ranges from Andong jjimdak and heotjesabap to Gyeongju's hwangnam bread and Pohang's raw-fish mulhoe.

Whether tracing Silla-era history, hiking national parks or visiting company headquarters and industrial parks, North Gyeongsang rewards both leisure and business travellers with a mix of heritage, nature and regional industry.