going round and round in Gongju

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off the bus from Cheosan at the terminal on the other side of the river at about 6:45 PM on 13th. Decided that as all the action that I wanted to see in terms of sites was on the other side that I would walk across the bridge and find a motel there. Which I did with the usual big TV screen and home computer. Once settled in went out to look for dinner and things were not that promising further down. So decided to try one of the Lonely Planet recommendations, Nomasaru which was fairly close anyway. Shuddered at the prospect of my knees and sitting semi-folded on the floor (the joints don't like it any more). Anyway the food was unbelievably fab as you can see from the mixed flower bimibab! And the rustic chestnut infused raw rice wine (makkeoli?) ladled from a large bowl was tasty. The side dishes were indeed wonderful as you get heaps of them. On my second and last night there I think I counted about 15!

This place was more or less across from the old hill fortress called Gongsanseong which is the main site here. It is about a 2.6 kilometre walk around the ramparts but I did not walk all the way - and believe me at times it is really steep (see pic). Think I saw a local go round about three times which would be a really good workout as the hill climbs are fairly serious. Although not necessarily a lot to see there now as there are no palace ruins left (we are talking about its main occupation in about 500AD after all!) There are some reconstructed pavilions painted in the royal style I am well familiar with after the palaces in Seoul.

Back to the hotel for a quick snack and drink and then in the direction of the so-called burial tombs including that of King Muryeon. The 3D type sketch maps were annoyingly vague and I almost thought I was going to give up before I found them. A couple of young lads who I had seen at the fortress seemed almost as confused. The story here is the old royal burial tombs (created c.525AD) not really re-discovered until the 1970's. What is on display here are recreations of the tombs as the real ones are sealed for protection. Most of the treasures from the tombs are now displayed in the Gongju National Museum somewhat down the hill. After the National Museum in Seoul I found this a little dull.

Back to the Nomasaru for another top feast so see the pix. This was about 1/3rd the price of that hi-end Buddhist monk stuff in Seoul and equally varied (altho not all vege) - I counted about 16 side plates as well as the pork tonight!

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Photos

Gongju view to North
from fortress ramparts - usual hirise

rampart path
rather steep!

fortress Lotus Pond
and Manharu pavilion

Gongju local gardens
below the tombs general location

Gongju burial mounds
none open to public

Gongju service station play
girls and dog looks on

Gomanaru spread dinner 2
almost lost count at 15

Comments

[Huddo]

Food plus.
Hi Mike, 15 or more dishes! Phew that is some treat you have had. Some great photo's as usual, the Gongsanseong fortress slopes looked formidable, good view to the city and beyond. Burial mounds unique, they looked to cover some significant ground there! Liked the shot inside the Buddist Temple of the colours in those hanging lanterns? Huddo.