GYEONGJU

As the clock ticks towards our departure from Korea, we are attempting to see as much of Korea as we can. This weekend we went to the town of Gyeongju which is a little more than two and a half hours from Daejeon. Gyeongju is famous for being the capital of Korea during the reign of the Silla dynasty all the way back in the first millenium. The Silla dynasty ruled most of the Korean penninsula from the 7th-9th century. The History of this place was amazing, being from a relatively new country, it was amazing to see things that were so old. On Saturday we saw the attractions of downtown Gyeongju, including the Gyeongju National Museum, Cheomseongdae (Built in the sixth century using only white granite stones with no mortar, it is asia's oldest observatory and has never been restored in any way), the Anapji pond (orignally part of the old Silla palace complex, built in the year 674), and Tumuli Park (housing the tombs of the Silla kings, which looked like big, perfectly round, grassy hillocks/giant green boobies).

On Sunday, we took the 40 minute bus ride to Bulguksa, one of the most famous temples in the Gyeongju area. This still operational temple is located in the foothills of the mountains just outside of Gyeongju and was quite impressive. Once again the sheer age of the buildings blew me away, it was first built 751. Also, the grounds were beautiful. After we took it all in at the temple we caught a bus to the top of the mountain to see the Seokguram Grotto, which housed a giant granite buddha carved into the mountain along with archways and wall carvings. Construction on this started in 751 and it took 23 years to complete. This was probably the most impressive sight of the weekend.

This Friday is Children's Day and Buddha's Birthday in Korea (two national holidays falling on the same day, what a jip). Nonetheless, its a 3 day weekend (woohoo). Alwyn and I will be spending the 3 days being tourists in Seoul, should be fun.

Until Next time,

- T

TUMULI PARK

Cheomseongdae



Anapji Pond



The Museum

Bill Murray?



Bulguksa




Seokguram