Gyeongju

We have been wanting to see some of the more cultural sites of Korea and had the perfect chance this past week. Brian had the week off from school for Chusok - Korean Thanksgiving - so we took the train south and spent 4 days in Gyeongju. What an amazing city! It's a little old and new mixed together, honouring ancient sites and traditional architecture by incorporating it into the city layout. We didn't step foot in a taxi, train or bus for 4 days! Instead we rented bikes or walked. It was perfect early fall weather and felt amazing to put on a sweater after such a long, hot summer. 

Bulguksa Temple

Anapji Pond (the photo at the top) is what made me want to come to Gyeongju in the first place. It was gorgeous under the full moon to see the pagodas reflected in the pond. There was soft Korean traditional music playing as you walked around. It was one of the most beautiful places I've seen in Korea.

Just north of Anapji Pond is a giant lotus pond. We could only imagine what it would have been like at full bloom, but you could 
see all the pods turned together towards the sun and a few flowers still holding on.


Scattered through town are large burial mounds for the old kings. If their wives were lucky, they would get put to rest with their husband in a double mound. I would much rather have a burial mound that a tombstone! You could plant a tree on top to sit under and kids could roll down the sides!


At the entrance to a traditional medicine hospital were a sculpted man and woman bowing. I thought they were designed so thoughtfully. I felt genuinely welcomed by that piece of wood! We also took some time to see the Gyeongju Museum where many of the excavated items from as early as 300 AD were on display. Incredible to see what people were capable of then and wonder about the artists who made each piece. I loved this relief carving in stone of a Buddha. The rock has worn away much of the carving so it looks like you're looking at it through water. Just beautiful...