Gyeongju Gyerim (Gyerim Forest)

This forest is located between Cheomseongdae (Observatory) and Wolseong (Moon Castle), and is a historic site where the legendary founder of the Gyeongju Kim clan, Alji, is said to have been born. (Historic Site) During the reign of King Talhae of Silla, Lord Hogong heard a rooster crowing in this forest. Upon approaching, he found a golden chest hanging from a tree branch, emitting light. He reported this to the king, who personally went to the forest and lowered the chest. When the lid was opened, a baby boy emerged from the chest. Thus, the child was given the surname Kim (gold) and the name Alji, and the forest, originally called Sirim or Gurim, came to be called Gyerim (Rooster Forest).

Gyerim was also used as the national name of Silla. In the sprawling forest, old trees such as zelkova trees grow lushly, and a small stream flows from the north to the west. The king made Alji a crown prince, but later the throne was passed to King Pasa of the Park clan, so Alji did not become king. From the reign of King Naemul onward, the Kim clan of Silla became the royal family. The stele within the forest was erected in the 3rd year of King Sunjo of Joseon (1803) and bears records of the birth of Kim Alji. This sacred forest near the Silla royal palace is revered as the birthplace of the Silla Kim royal family. Even today, the royal willow and zelkova trees in Gyerim seem to block out the sky. Along the walking path connecting Daereungwon (Tumuli Park), Gyerim, and Banwolseong (Half-Moon Castle), yellow canola flowers in spring add to the charm of the historic site.