Each person has his or her own distinct character and personality. This is the same with mountains and other natural objects. Each has its own unique character Although the entire city of Gyeongju is like a giant historical heritage site, there is one particular place that has the strongest ties to Buddhism. That place is Tohamsan Mountain.

As one of the four major mountains of Shilla, legend says that Tohamsan Mountain is home to the spirit of Shilla. Atop its peak, you can see the beaches of Gampo where the underwater royal tomb of King Munmu is located. The Mountain itself has several stone pagodas and other artifacts that link it with Shilla, including a shrine dedicated to Seok Talhae of Shilla near a headstone at its peak (745m above sea level).

Other notable historical sites are very close in proximity with Tohamsan Mountain. The mountain’s peak is close to Seokguram, and Bulguksa Temple lies at its foothills. Of course, Bulguksa Temple is home to beautiful historical artifacts such as Seokgatap Pagoda, Dabotap Pagoda, Cheongungyo Bridge, and Yeonhwagyo Bridge. Thanks to all of these heritage sites, the entire mountain has been designated as Gyeongju National Park.

Meanwhile, the name “Tohamsan” means a “mountain brimming with fog.” Due to its proximity to the East Sea, the Mountain always seems like it is brimming with fog blown in from the sea. Isn’t that just amazing?

In particular, the sun rising above the sea off the coast of Gampo is nothing short of spectacular. That is why tens of thousands of people from all over the country flock to Tohamsan Mountain on New Year’s day. At midnight on New Year’s Day, the National Gyeongju Museum strikes the Bell of King Seongdeok to usher in the new year, then tourists walk up to Seokguram, and make new resolutions for the first sunrise of the year.