Day 32 - Gyeongju - July 26



Today we packed our bags, and after subway, bus and lots of steps, ended up in 경주 (Gyeongju). Out of all the places we went in Korea I'm sure my pronunciation of this city is the worst; I think it is something like "g-young-joo". It's considered by many to be the cultural epicenter of Korea. 


Here's is a site along the way that is in stark contrast to Japan. There is a lot more garbage around, compared to Japan which doesn't even have public garbage cans.




Translation

I have a Korean SIM card in my phone, and it keeps giving me heat wave warnings pretty much every day.

Tombs of Noseo-ri, Gyeongju




First stop was the Tombs of the Silla Kings and Queens. They aren't as fancy as the pyramids of Egypt. They look like big green toboggan hills to me. According to the signage, if you take up the challenge to climb them the state offers 2 years of free room and board in one of their correctional facilities as a reward. Sounds like a good deal to me but Ava didn't want to be traveling for that long.


They have a museum that covers the history and how they were made. And one theme I'd continue to notice through out the trip, the history goes into detail how much of the historical artifacts were destroyed or looted during the Japanese occupation.

Hwangnidan-gil Street


Lots of shops. Super busy. We had a few good eats along the way. We tried the cheesy 10 wan pancakes. They delivered on all the gooey cheesy goodness but they cost a lot more than 10 wan; 350 times more to be exact.

  
경주 쫀드기 (aka Gyeongju Jjondgi). Looks like a French fry but is made of flour or rice. It was really chewy. Often grilled over a fire but mine was deep fried. At least it has that in common with a French fries. The snack is associated with Gyeongju.


A Korean tourist caught us taking this pic. He thought it was so funny I think he ended up taking more pictures of me than Ava did.


Snoopy scooters! If I had a bike license this would be a far better alternative to walking in the heat.


The observatory is considered to be the oldest in Asia. It looked like a stone oven to me. 


This is the mighty Wolseong Fortress! Or the few stones that are left it of it at least. I thought I had got my directions wrong as this didn't match the palace someone had uploaded to google maps. Grrr..



The Silla King and Queen — I’m sure they ruled with impunity and kept the people in line through tyranny and fear. But they’re just so darn cute!

Nothing is left of the original palace but a few buildings have been rebuilt. I've read it is spectacular at night, but sadly I was only there during the day.


Originally constructed in 760 A.D making it one of the oldest documented large wooden bridges in Korea.

Gyochon Hanok Village

  

7th century village which was rebuilt. Has various shops, restaurants and angry statues. Very cool atmosphere. Should have taken more pics. :(

Casa Mini Hotel and Guesthouse


I walked poor Ava’s legs off today and it was 35 degrees out. Apparently it is even too hot for the locals. She definitely earned her rest.


No elevator in the building, but it did have a powered dumbwaiter so we wouldn't need to haul our luggage up the stairs. It could also easily fit a weary person in there, too tired for stairs, just as long as there was someone to let them out on the other end. But we'd never succumb to such tom-foolery! Right? Stop it already. You can't prove nothin.

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