South Korea, day three (Saturday, Dec. 29)

The "A" is where Gyeongju is located in South Korea.
Looking to the bottom left, Hangzhou (in the Zhejiang province)
is about 45 minutes' drive west of where I live in Beilun, Ningbo

The next day of my visit in Korea led me to Gyeongju, to get a taste of some of Korea's historical culture. After taking the metro to the bus station, we took a 2-hour bus ride, during which Anthony and I optimized the occasion to Skype our families back home in Sequim. They were conveniently together (or at least some of the members of our families were).

Once arrived in Gyeongju, Anthony hauling my suitcase in tow to and from various buildings and around cultural sites, we did some cultural crafts and tried on some Korean traditional clothing (Hanbok). Then we walked through snowy pathways and explored the famous hilled-tombs of ancient kings past. Once dusky skies met the picturesque landscape, the town lit up with its festive colored lights, highlighting the winter scenery. Another one of Anthony and Mia's friends, Scott, met up with us, and we got to store the suitcase in his Jeep. Then we walked around and froze my toes nearly off (despite the layers of fuzzy-socks and insulated, knee-high boots), admiring the city's historic observation tower and trying not to slip on the ice.

 

Making soap

Being "good Koreans" in traditional Hanbok attire

Walking on snowy pathways between kings tombs

King's tomb

Where the ancient king once rested... jewelry was left in place, more or less,
for viewing display, of course. Bodily remains were used for scientific study...
or something.

Observation tower.

Nighttime scenery

That evening, the four of us shared a super-yummy feast. The table was spread with the traditional Korean foods of kings and royalty past. I sampled dozens of dishes... soups and veggies and many pickled and spicy things.

Scott and I were pretty excited for the food.

We went "home" to crash at Anthony's house in Pohang that night. I think I slept through at least nine-tenths of the fourth Bourne (Legacy?) movie.

Look through the album of photos from my Korea trip, with more details and images of the day's sights and doings. Follow this link. (also see link on the photo menu to the right)