Day 33 - Gyeongju - July 27

Today Ava opted to have a down day so I got up extra early and ventured out on a quest to explore some temples in the area.

Along the way we passed a village. I find it amazing that even in the country side they build up rather than out.

Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa temple is about an hour bus ride from Gyeongju. There are a few ponds, walking paths. The entry to the temple was the most interesting part. Tall wall, long staircase.

I saw this little guy hiding in one of the trees.

Seokguram Groto

From Bulguksa temple there is a bus that takes you on a 1/2 hour trip up a narrow windy mountain road to a stop where you can hike to Seokguram Groto. Inside a hilltop shrine there is a Budha carved right from the mountain. Sadly, similar to most other temples, no pics allowed. So you will have to use your imagination, or just take a trip to Wikipedia.

Tohamsan Peak

Near the Grotto, I spotted a sign pointing toward a mountain peak — practically daring me to climb it. How could I say no? Like most of my hikes this trip, the trail was almost empty. With the temperature pushing 35 degrees, I can’t imagine why.

Unified Bell

No trip to the Groto would be complete without ringing the Unified Bell! 

Jungang Market

I stopped by Jungang Market on the way home. It’s your classic bustling Asian market — stalls packed tight, vendors calling out, and plenty of raw meat sitting in the 35‑degree heat. Let’s just say the aroma hits you before you even get inside.

Fried Chicken & Buffalo

Met up with Ava for dinner and ended up going out for some fried chicken. I’ve read that the two go‑to foods for a night out with drinks in Korea are BBQ and fried chicken, and it definitely shows — these places are everywhere and pretty much the only spots open late. We ordered a single portion, and it came out massive. Came with a bunch of sides like:

• Korean pickled radish, known as "chikin-mu" (치킨무)
• hot peppers
• onions
• salt & pepper mix and chips.

I couldn’t figure out why their “large” beer was so much more expensive than the regular — until someone at the next table ordered one. It was basically a small aquarium. OMG. Don’t worry, Ava shut down my impulse to get one. She said she wasn’t carrying me home.