BUSAN
Busan is a major port in South East Korea on the Sea of Japan. Our excursion brought us to the city of Gyeongju about an hours drive from Busan.
First we visited the Buddhist Temple of Gyeongju Bulguksa located on the slopes of Mt. Tohamsa, then on to the Burial Mounds of the Shilla Kingdom and finally, the Gyeongju National Museum.
Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple
Perched on the slopes of Mt. Tohamsan, Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple is a superb example of both Silla architecture and the culture's devotion to Buddhism. We arrived on a National holiday when the temple was decorated by hundreds of colourful lanterns.
An ancient pine tree carefully pruned by the gardeners.
Its younger companion..
A quiet pond to help meditation
Gate guardian demons
Colourful lanterns in the temple courtyard
Door detail
waiting...
A tree creeper
A very busy stall
You can get roof slates engraved here!
Interesting lamppost
TUMULI PARK (Garden of the Great Tombs)
Under these mounds, rising taller than the trees, lie royal graves from the Shilla Kingdom (57 BC — 935 AD), a dynasty that ruled most of the Korean Peninsula for nearly 1000 years. The huge, walled park has 23 tombs of Silla monarchs and family members. From the outside, they resemble substantial grassy hillocks that echo the mountains outside town. Many of the tumuli have yielded fabulous treasures, on display at the Gyeongju National Museum One tomb, Cheonmachong, is open to visitors. Thirteen metres high and 47m in diameter, the tomb was built around the end of the 5th century. Facsimiles of the golden crown, bracelets, jade ornaments, weapons and pottery found here are displayed in glass cases around the inside of the tomb
The colourful interior of our coach!
Typical Korean landscape
Gyeongju Tower was built in 2007 the 269-foot tower as part of the Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park. The cutout shape is of the Hwanryongsa Temple’s Wooden pagoda which stood for about 600 years. It was the tallest building in Asia until it was destroyed by Mongol invaders in the 13th Century
South Korean flags
Visitors inspecting the many fields of Lotus flowers
The landscape is dotted with over 200 burial mounds
Park entrance gate detail...
One excavated tomb is open to the public and contains replicas of the finds.
Curved stone interior
Replica of the burial chamber
The "Heavenly Horse" saddle flap
Replica of a crown found in the burial
A gold cap worn over a cloth one.
Traditional Korean costumes
Modern water fountains
Pigeon silhouette
Twisted pine trees abound in the park
Heavenly Horse motif is everywhere
Lotus flower viewing
GYEONGJU NATIONAL MUSEUM
Arguably the best history museum in Korea, the Gyeongju National Museum is where you can appreciate the significance of this ancient city in one fell swoop. The main archaeological hall has dazzling displays of jewellery, weaponry and other ceremonial items from the Silla dynasty, including a 5th-century gold crown that looks like something from Game of Thrones. Outside the main hall, the Emille Bell (King Seongdeok’s Bell) is one of the largest and most beautifully resonant bells ever made in Asia. It’s said that its ringing can be heard over a 3km radius when struck only lightly with the fist. Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to test this claim. A couple of ancient stupas can also be found within the grounds.
A massive bell lies outside the museum
A Stone Age axe
Silla treaures
Just chilling out
Unusual sign for visitors!
