Gyeongju: There and Back Again

So, the three day trip...We visited Gyeongju, which is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (pronounced shee-la). It has many important and interesting historical artifacts. We stayed for two nights and saw so many things...

This is where we stayed. Five star, huge bathroom, lake view, and an enormous breakfast (with American food!). The only downside was that a cup of tea cost $8...

Hyundai Hotel in Gyeongju

(yes, the same company that makes the cars)

View from the balcony the first night...just perfect

The lobby...it speaks for itself

The second day was ridiculously busy, but also terrific. We started early in the morning by going to Seokguram Grotto, which is man-made cave and statue of Buddha that was completed over a thousand years ago. It's amazing that it's so well preserved. I wasn't allowed to take pictures inside it, so I'm borrowing a photo from the Official Site of Korean Tourism.

Inside the Grotto

Fountain at the entrance-the water was delicious!

After that, we headed to Bulguksa Temple, also over a thousand years old. Very beautiful, but also very hot! And it had very high staircases! The symbolism of the staircases was that the way of Buddha was hard, but the three flights of steep stairs with no railing made me a little woozy. 

 One of the entrances to the temple

Rock sculptures by which people "send their wishes" to heaven

By then we were all hot and tired, so we had lunch and headed to the beach. This says it all.

(from left) Yoo Shin, Min A, Soo Min, Diana, Me, Soo Ji, and Jessica

Although this was a long day, we weren't done yet. We quickly took showers and hopped back in the bus to visit the tomb of an ancient Korean king. This is the one place where I didn't take any pictures. For one thing, I was really tired and didn't want to take any more. And for another, I thought it was a little creepy to walk around a tomb and photograph it. But one of the staff members took a group picture outside, so here we go...

The group outside Cheonmachong ("Heavenly Horse Tomb")

But of all the sights we saw, I think the mountains were the best. (Ok, I'm a western PA girl and it shows). I'm pretty sure I amused the other students by taking big gulps of fresh air and staring at the mountains for five minutes at a time. But it was totally worth it. 

 The view from Mt. Tohamsan (near the Grotto)

The view from the bus window on the way

I have so much more I could show and say. But I guess this will give you a taste of the trip.

Until next time,

Laura