2016 July: South Korea: Gyeongju: Ancient Tombs and Cheomseongdae

I got a book "The Road Less Traveled" which are more of comparison between places.  By then, I was intrigue in an entry there:  "Gyeongju vs Kyoto - Japan's ancient capital has been spoiled, but the pride of Korea is still full of treasures".

Perhaps, because Kyoto already established the places to see.  Although, there are temples are also secured from the tourists.  But in Gyeongju, there are still multiple untouched tombs and some are still under exploration, a place known as "Gyeongju Historical Sites".  Gyeongju, previously capital of the Silla Dynasty, lives by its name "museum without walls".  Roaming around by bus, you'll see hills left and right of the road as tombs of the royals from Korea's history.

Ancient Tombs

There is one tomb, open to the public to see.  The found out relics and artifact of things used like clothes, jewelries, golden armors inside the tomb.  Some of the original piece were moved to Gyeongju National Museum (which is just 30 minutes walk away from these famous tombs).

Cheomseongdae Observatory (경주 첨성대)

169-5, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Don't forget to visit the interactive rooms in the park.  It explains the architecture, exterior and interior functions of the tower.

The place was also seen in Episode 53 of Running Man (2011).

Running Man Episode 53

Apart from the greenery, there were flower beds and vegetable tunnel as well.  Also, there is a nearby pond with water lilies.

Tip: Since this is a museum without walls, refrain from going there during monsoon season of July.  It's hard to walk while raining, plus might be dangerous during thunderstorms since most are in open field.