Gyeongju

This past Saturday Blair and I spent the day in Gyeongju. It's a little over an hour from Daegu via the train. Gyeongju is often referred to as "a museum without walls" because most of the city is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla which ruled the peninsula from the 7^th to the 9^th century. We really enjoyed Gyeongju; it’s an amazing city with lots of history and greenery.

Korean countryside from the train.

We started our day at Bulguksa Temple, one of Korea's most famous temples which was built between 751 and 774. 

Bulguksa Temple

After some time at Bulguksa Temple, we made our way to the Seokguram Grotto. It was about a 20 minute bus ride from the temple. The bus took us higher up the mountain and dropped us off near the top (close to the Grotto). The sculpture in the Grotto is often considered one of the best Buddha sculptures in the world. Construction of statue began in 742 and was completed in 774. Pictures were not allowed inside, but we discreetly managed to get a nice shot.

Seokguram Grotto

After the Grotto, we made our way to the Royal Tombs, Cheomseongdae (an observatory from kingdom of Silla), lotus flowers, and Anapji Pond. All the sites were incredible and very peaceful.

The Royal Tombs of Silla.

The lotus flowers.

Anapji Pond

Cheomseongdae at night.

Gyeongju is truly an amazing place. If you’re ever in Korea, I highly recommend you spend some time here.

On Friday, I'm leaving for China. I'll be in China for about 10 days, visiting Beijing and Xi'an. I'm really looking forward to hiking the Great Wall and Mount Hua Shan. 

Busan

On Saturday, my coworkers and I went to Busan for the day. Busan is South Korea's second largest city and is located on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula. It's about an hour from Daegu via the KTX. The city is a popular beach destination for many Koreans (and is the birthplace of my friend Lindsay K).

Even though it down-poured for almost the entire day, we still had a great time. While there, we visited the Haedong Yongung Temple, Busan Aquarium, and Jagalchi Fish Market.

We started our day at the Haedong Yongung Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple that was built along the sea in the 1300s.

Haedong Yongung Temple.

One of my favorite shots from the Busan Aquarium. 

Haeundae Beach in the rain.

We ended our day at the Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest fish market.

Some locals enjoying some fresh seafood.