Gyerim, Historic forest in Gyeongju, South Korea

Gyerim is a historic forest in Gyeongju with diverse trees including oak, ash, zelkova, willow, and maple scattered across ancient burial mounds. The forest sits close to major archaeological sites and forms a connected part of the city's historical landscape.

Originally called Sirim, the grove was renamed Gyerim after Kim Al-chi, founder of the Gyeongju Kim clan, was said to be found there in a golden box guarded by a white rooster, as recorded in the 12th-century Samguk Sagi. The name also became a sobriquet for Silla; in 663 Emperor Gaozong of Tang designated the state the Gyerim Territory Area Command. A monument to the birth legend was erected in 1803, and the site was made historical landmark #19 in 1963.

The name Gyerim means Rooster Forest and connects to the legendary discovery of Kim Al-ji, founder of the Gyeongju Kim clan, who was found in a golden box. This tale remains woven into the local identity and sense of place for visitors walking through today.

The forest is easy to reach on foot and sits near other historical landmarks, allowing visitors to explore multiple sites in one visit. Wearing sturdy shoes is helpful since the paths move through wooded areas and the ground can be uneven.

The grove's name became a byname for the Silla kingdom itself. The Old Book of Tang records that in 663 Emperor Gaozong of Tang created the Gyerim Territory Area Command and named King Munmu its commander-in-chief. The early eighth-century scholar Kim Taemun also titled his lost collection of Silla tales Gyerim japjeon.