Gyeongju (21-24 Jul 15)

---

After Andong, it was a quick 1.5h bus ride southwards again to the former capital of the ancient Silla kingdom, now known as Gyeongju, a popular weekend getaway and holiday spot for locals, and known as a sort of museum without walls.

Gyeongju boasts a rich history as the former capital of one of the three ancient kingdoms of the Korean peninsular, and today boasts a couple of Unesco Heritage sites in the form of tombs of its ancient royals, temples, as well as the Anapji pond, a beautifully landscaped garden with a pond whose shape is said to resemble the East Asian coastline. Distinctive mound-shape tombs (reminiscent of the Chocolate Hills in the Visayas in Central Philippines) continue to dot the city even today, as Gyeongju continues to pull in the crowds, especially domestic weekenders, thanks to its sprawling collection of historical sites, new tourist complexes, amusement parks, and famous red bean-filled pancake-like bread.

Stayed at Hotel Liebe.

---

Photos

Anapji Pond
A beautifully designed and landscape pond from the Silla period, shaped like the East Asian coastline, and and supposedly demonstrating much artistic subtlety.

Cheomseongdae Observatory
Built by the first female ruler in Korean history, the observatory is a tribute to the gods and has ancient astrological significance.

Tumuli Park
The distinctive mound-shaped tombs of Gyeongju, very reminiscent of the Chocolate Hills in the Visayas in Central Philippines, except that these are man-made, containing buried artefacts of royals from ancient Silla during the Three Kingdoms period.

Cheonmachong Royal Tomb
The only one visitors are allowed in.

Standing guard
This breed seems quite ubiquitous here in Korea, and I wonder if it's a native breed.

Gyeongju National Museum
Mock-up of Anapji.

Daereungwon Royal Tombs Garden
Not sure about the giant frogs.

Daereungwon Royal Tombs Park
With the bases of the stone pillars still visible after hundreds of years.

Comments

[Josevich]

fond memories
I was here two years ago and looking at your photos put a smile on my face. I hope you can write more so your blogs can be featured on the front page. It needs at least 500 words, five photos, and at least 5 followers. You only need one more follower and I think I can get you that. I think you have a good story to tell and people would enjoy reading it.

[piranha27]

Thanks! Yes Gyeongju is indeed a really nice place! I write just to document some of my travels, almost just like a personal journal, so I'm not really looking for lots of people to read it, just whoever's interested!

[Josevich]

oh well. I got you that one more follower so you now have five. If you write at least 500 words in your next blog it will be in the front page. But its totally up to you. I just wanted to give you that option because not a lot of Asian bloggers make it to the front page and it would be good to have some diversity. And I think you will be a good representative for Singapore. I personally like reading blogs from fellow Asians, especially my countrymen. It's like seeing through my own eyes.