North Gyeongsang (경상 북도 Gyeongsangbuk-do, 慶尙北道) is a province of South Korea where Buddhist traditions of the Silla kingdom and the center of Confucian philosophies meet.
Dotted with historic temples and grandiose park reserves, this region is the cultural centre of the country. Gyeongju, listed as one of the world's 10 most important ancient cultural cities by UNESCO, is where you'll find the venerated remnants of the longest-running state in Korean history, the Silla kingdom. Andong is the gateway to Confucian teachings and Korean traditions. Still guided largely by Confucian rules, this area is considered one of the more conservative regions in South Korea.
Geographically, North Gyeongsang is bordered by Sobaek-san, a mountain range that includes Songni-san, in the north and in the west. And in the east before meeting the sea are the Taebaek Mountains that reach down from North Korea.
The Gyeongsang province including the south as well as the north have a distinctive accent that many Koreans consider harsher than, say, the Seoul accent. The accent has more tones to it and sounds more rhythmic. It may be compared to how Japanese sounds.
There's an international airport in Daegu (IATA: TAE) with limited connections to China and Japan. Other international flights come to Busan and Seoul, and the KTX high-speed train passes through North Gyeongsang on its way between those cities. There's also several normal-speed train lines in the province, and buses run just about everywhere.
Ferries run from Pohang to Ulleungdo island.
Buses and taxis.
Most of the attractions are naturally around the historically rich Gyeongju area.
Not normally distinguished for its food, the region's best known regional speciality is the Andong jjimdak — chunks of chicken with potatoes and transparent noodles in a sweet and spicy dark sauce. Andong, the city rich in Confucian traditions, is where you will find restaurants that serve the dish.
Also from Andong, the best known beverages are soju and sikhye. Soju is well-known nationwide, but Andong's version of sikhye has a little twist. Normally a cloudy white colour elsewhere in Korea, the drink is made here with red pepper powder, which makes the liquid pink and the taste a little spicy. Best drunk with peanuts or pine nuts.